Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering and IT (DR-PHILEIT) // Course structure

Course structure

Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the course and undertake original research under academic supervision. The research project is designed to be completed in 3 years full-time equivalent with two possible six-month extensions to the maximum candidature duration of 4 years full-time equivalent. 

Course rules 

Candidates must: 

• satisfy any relevant regulatory requirements prior to or following commencement as required;
• complete required mandatory training;
• complete specified academic progress requirements;
• spend a minimum of 12 months full-time equivalent study at the University unless otherwise approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research;
• present the results of their research at a completion seminar prior to thesis submission. 

Assessment 

Award of the degree is based on examination of the thesis and an oral deliberation (viva). 

The thesis usually comprises a dissertation of 80,000 words up to a maximum of 100,000 words, inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Publications, or sections of a publication, arising from research undertaken during the course may be incorporated into the thesis, subject to any requirements or limitations set out in University policy. 

The approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research is required to exceed the maximum word limit or write the thesis in a language other than English, unless otherwise specified in a Joint PhD agreement. 

Refer to the Graduate Research Hub for further information. 

Coursework Component

A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attending or enrolling in additional subjects, if considered necessary by the supervisors. Enrolment in coursework subjects must not exceed one-third of the expected course duration.  

Research internship elective 

Candidates may undertake a research internship elective subject for a minimum of 60 full-time equivalent days, up to a maximum duration of 6 months. The internship must be with a research end-user, as defined by the Department of Education. 

To be eligible to enrol in the internship subject, candidates must: 

• be enrolled (or under examination) in the course and remain enrolled for the entire period of the internship;
• be able to complete the internship before completion of the degree;
• have the approval of their supervisor;
• be making satisfactory progress in the course;
• have completed mandatory research integrity training. 

Last updated: 27 February 2025