Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

updated

The PhD is the basic qualification for a research career or academic position. The PhD involves two to four years of research for a full-time candidate or the equivalent in half-time candidature. In the course of completing the degree under appropriate supervision, candidates develop the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality and make a significant original contribution to knowledge in their chosen discipline.

The candidate completes an approved program of study and research under supervision and presents a thesis embodying the results of original investigation.

A PhD thesis at the University of Adelaide may be prepared in one of the following formats:

• Conventional written narrative presented as typescript;
• Publication - A thesis by publication may include publications that have been published and/or accepted and/or submitted for publication and/or which have been prepared in publication format “text in manuscript”;
• Combination of conventional and publication formats;
• Major (creative, musical or visual) work (Volume 1) and exegesis (Volume 2)

Irrespective of the form of thesis presented, examiners will be looking for a candidate to:

• Produce a clearly, accurately and cogently written thesis that is suitably illustrated and documented;
• Demonstrate a deep knowledge of the research topic;
• Relate the research topic to the broader frame-work of the discipline within which it falls;
• Demonstrate an independence of thought and approach; and
• Make a significant and original contribution to knowledge by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas.