Course details

Summary

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) constitutes an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in an academic discipline. The PhD offered in the School of Communication Studies provides research training that fosters development of independent research skills including the ability to: formulate a significant problem; master appropriate conceptual and methodological skills; and relate the research topic to a broader framework of knowledge.

Students work closely with their supervisor to prepare a thesis, which is examined by independent experts.

Career opportunities

It is expected that graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy will have gained the necessary skills and qualifications to follow an academic or research career. Alternatively, your research topic may lead you to a position of expertise in your chosen field.

Structure

Stage one

Students put together a proposal that critically reviews work done in their area of research. This requires a suitable research methodology and a timeframe for completion of the degree. The student is expected to publish one or more papers for a reputed international conference in their chosen area of research.

Stage two

Once students have completed their research proposal, they refine their design by experimentation or field work as appropriate. Data is collected and analysed and the results are published at international conferences. A journal publication is also encouraged at this point.

Stage three

The first step in the final stage of the PhD is spent finalising the experimentation and data analysis. The PhD thesis is written and submitted to the supervisor for feedback. It could take two or three drafts before the thesis is ready for submission and examination.

Entry criteria

• A master’s degree with honours; or,
• A bachelor’s degree with honours (equivalent to four years of study)

The degree must have a standard equivalent to first class or second class (first division) honours. The degree should include advanced learning in research, execution of a research project and a written report on the research.

English Language requirements:

Minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; TOEFL iBT score of 90; Certificate in English for Academic Study (CertEAS) with A grade; GIE with B+ grade; CAE minimum overall score of 176; PTE minimum overall score of 58.