Doctor of Philosophy

Testamur Title:	Doctor of Philosophy
Abbreviation:	PhD
Home Faculty:	Faculty of Arts
Duration:	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	48 per year
Delivery Mode:	Supervised individual research
Starting Session(s):	Autumn or Spring
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	201
CRICOS Code:	003065C

Overview

The PhD is a research degree leading to a significant contribution to a field of knowledge. Students work with supervisors to complete a substantial research thesis (80,000 - 100,000 words). The PhD is the qualification normally required for academic employment at a university or research institute. Candidates without previous research training deemed sufficient may be required to undertake up to 24 credit points of coursework before they start working on the thesis.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the PhD, students need a BA (Honours) or equivalent qualification, with Honours Class II, division ii or higher, or MA - Research with a strong performance in the research thesis. Candidates with other qualifications may be required to undertake a coursework subject in research training. Students enrolled in the Master of Arts - Research degree may apply for an upgrade to PhD.

All applications must be approved by the Faculty's Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS).

Approval depends on the availability of supervision for the proposed thesis topic. Priority is given to topics related to the areas of the Faculty research strength CAPSTRANS (Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies) and/or the Faculty priority area LIC (Literature, Identity and Culture)

Course Requirements

Students will complete a substantial thesis (80,000 to 100,000 words) reporting on an independent research topic in their field of study. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS.

Each PhD candidate has two supervisors. Before accepting a PhD candidate, the Faculty will ensure that adequate supervision and facilities for the proposed research are available.

Time Limits

A full time candidate will normally complete the PhD in three years. The minimal time in which to complete the degree is four (4) consecutive sessions (not including Summer Sessions) for full time students, the maximum is eight (8) sessions (not including Summer Sessions). Part time students should complete the course in a minimal time of eight (8) sessions and a maximum of sixteen (16) sessions. Under special circumstances, a candidature may be extended beyond the maximum time following a satisfactory review of progress.

Topics

The following areas of research are some of the topics available to candidates undertaking the Doctor in Philosophy degree:

• Indigenous Studies

• Asia Pacific Studies

• Australian Studies/History
Communications

• Digital Communication

• English Language and Linguistics

• Employment Relations

• English Literatures

• Ethics

• French

• Gender Studies

• Global Labour Studies

• Global Studies

• History

• International Studies

• Italian

• Japanese

• Media and Cultural Studies

• Philosophy

• Politics

• Postcolonial Studies

• Science and Technology Studies

• Social Change and Development

• Sociology

• Spanish

• Interdisciplinary topics as negotiated with the Head of Postgraduate Studies are also available for study.

Assessment

On commencement of candidature, candidates and their supervisors complete a Confirmation of Candidature Form that identifies the topic, a plan and timetable for the thesis, resource needs and skills required to complete the project. Students meet regularly with their supervisors to ensure that their progress is in line with the agreed plan. Towards the end of the first year of candidature the student will meet with supervisors and the HPS for a First Year Proposal Review. Students and supervisors must also submit an Annual Progress Report (APR). The APR is the means by which the University assesses the progress of the candidature and decides whether it will continue into the following year. Supervisors who have concerns about a student's progress may also initiate a progress review at other times during the candidature. When the thesis is submitted it is examined by two external supervisors chosen from a list prepared by the supervisors in consultation with the student.

Students are advised to consult the University's Code of Practice - Supervision at the following web address:

www.uow.edu.au/handbook/codesofprac/cop_supervision.html

For further information about the Faculty's areas of research strength, please consult the Faculty's website at www.uow.edu.au/arts/

For more technical information about the degree progress, please consult the website of the University's Office of Research at http://www.uow.edu.au/research/grs/