Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

Testamur Title:	Doctor of Philosophy
Abbreviation:	PhD (Int)
My University:	Philosophy, Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical, Computer, Telecommunications, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences
Duration:	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	192
Delivery Mode:	Supervised individual research
Starting Session(s):	Autumn or Spring
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	210
CRICOS Code:	072793K - Information Technology & Computer Science; 074737B - Electrical, Computer & Telecommunications Engineering; 074738A - Mathematical Sciences

Overview

The PhD (Integrated) is a four-year research degree which integrates a traditional three-year PhD thesis with one-year of coursework, comprising generic research training and discipline-specific content in a single degree.  

The coursework provides candidates with the opportunity to develop their research skills while allowing additional time to develop a detailed research topic, therefore providing greater certainty and better completion outcomes in the thesis.

The coursework also allows candidates to take individual subjects in a specific discipline area, thereby providing a deeper level of content from which to draw potential research themes.  International students intending to become university researchers and teachers in their home country will benefit from exposure to Australian teaching methods through the inclusion of these 'taught' coursework subjects.  

The PhD Integrated is ideal for applicants who aspire to graduate with a PhD and who:

• want a flexible program which includes a selection of coursework subjects included in a specific discipline area of their interest; and

• need further time to develop a detailed research proposal; or

• need to develop their research training skills in order to demonstrate their capacity to undertake the major research thesis.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of four years of study at degree level, either  a four-year Bachelor degree, or a Bachelor degree plus Masters by Coursework, with a minimum Credit average (65% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0), or equivalent. Approval is subject to the availability of supervision for the proposed thesis topic.

Course Requirements

Year 1:  Coursework

All students complete one year (48 credit points) of coursework in the first year, comprising:

Research Training Skills
Between 12-24 credit points must be completed from research training skills subjects offered by the respective Faculty, typically including one or more of:

• Research methodology

• Literature review, critical analysis, or laboratory projects

• Advanced topics, or a minor research project

All students will also complete at least four modules from the suite of student seminars and workshops coordinated by the Research Students Centre.  Modules which develop thesis writing skills will be emphasised.  

Individual Coursework Subjects
The remaining 24-36 credit points are chosen coursework programs available within respective Faculties.  As a guide, individual subjects are normally available from options within the Masters by Coursework degrees within the Faculty, thereby allowing students to obtain deeper content knowledge in a specific discipline area. For a list of subjects for PhD Integrated students see the Informatics PhD (Integrated) Subject List

Years 2-4:  Research

The research component is the same as for the three-year PhD program and leads to the production of a written thesis. 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 Head of Postgraduate Studies.

In order to progress to the research component, PhD Integrated students must complete the first year with an average of 65%, including 65% in each research training skills subject. Students progressing to the research component will have developed their specific research topic before commencing the research component.  

Students not meeting requirements for progression into Year 2 may be offered the alternative of transferring into a Masters program.  

Other Information

Further information is available at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/