Doctorate (PhD)
The Professional Doctorate (Research) is designed to benefit early and mid-career professionals in business, government or law who wish to study at the doctoral level in their professional field, its work and associated bodies of knowledge. The Professional Doctorate (Research) is a second generation professional doctorate developed in response to the growing demand in the Knowledge Economy for professionals educated in the higher order research and analytical skills necessary to identify and understand complex problems, and to identify and explore effective and innovative triple bottom line approaches to professional practices issues and concerns. As a second generation professional doctorate, the degree engages candidates with contemporary trans-disciplinary and extra-disciplinary 'open' systems of knowledge production. This is distinguishable from the traditional, academically-focused PhD and first generation professional doctorates in other core respects, by incorporating a fresh and innovative package of research skills coursework units which embrace candidates' professional and workplace experience. The Professional Doctorate (Research) also emphasises professional and workplace experience in the research component and supervision, including the option of including business, government or law experts as research advisers. This emphasis not only assists candidates in making a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice, but also acknowledges and draws upon the links among universities, professions and industry characteristic of the Knowledge Economy.
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.