Postgraduate Research Degrees

Return to Research

Complete listing of Postgraduate Courses (Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters)

Complete listing of Higher Degrees by Research (Masters by Research, MPhil, PhD, ProfDocs)

 Research degrees at both the Doctoral (PhD) and Masters level are offered by the University, supervised by academic staff within the eight Schools of the University. Research may be carried out either full-time or part-time. The professional doctorates involve a research component, approximately equal to two thirds of a PhD, and a coursework requirement.

All theses are assessed through external examination. Students at the doctorate level may be required to give an oral defence of their research.

Applicants will choose the degree which best suits their needs depending on their previous study and their professional orientation. These degree opportunities are available at both the Masters and Doctoral levels and some involve formal coursework requirements.

Those who are seeking advice on research degrees at either the Masters or Doctoral level should contact the research@nd.edu.au

Masters Degrees by Research

Masters degrees by research are available in the discipline and professional areas represented by the Schools of the University. For more information look at the information in the Schools or contact the research office at research@nd.edu.au

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research degree normally involving at least three years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent) beyond a Masters degree of a superior standard which also includes a substantial research component. A Bachelor degree with a superior grade of honours will normally lead to acceptance into a PhD program.

A student may be required to undertake research training as part of the PhD program. The PhD research and the resulting thesis are an independent supervised systematic advanced level investigation into a significant question or related questions, problems or phenomena. The thesis must make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge. It is subject to external examination.

Doctor of Philosophy

Research Degrees at a Glance
Course			Duration
	Masters by Coursework and Dissertation		2
	Masters Degrees by Research
	Master of Arts Master of Business Master of Education Master of Laws Master of Religious Education Master of Theology		2 2 2 2 2 2
	Doctoral Degrees by Research
	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)		3
	Doctor of Education Doctor of Nursing Professional Doctorate		3 3 3