Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering (DR-PHILENG)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Research Higher Degrees Committee.

A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisors and an advisory committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the project requirements and interests of the candidate. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s). All students are required to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.

Duration

The normal period of candidature is three years for full-time candidates with the possibility of two, six month extensions. All PhD candidates are required to complete a minimum of 12 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing-up their research within a University community and environment. Normally the entire PhD is undertaken at the University. To be eligible to submit a thesis, students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 24 months full-time equivalent.

Intake

Students may commence a DR-PHILENG (Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering) at any time during the year subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor.

Graduate research students in the Melbourne School of Engineering are required to enrol in coursework components. Enrolment in these coursework subjects is dependent on commencement in the Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering prior to the first day of scheduled classes. Students are encouraged to enrol into their graduate research degree prior to Semester 1 or Semester 2 class commencement if they are intending to enrol in coursework subjects in the corresponding semester.

Please check with the relevant department prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.