Higher Doctorates

The University of Adelaide offers eight higher doctorates: the Doctor of Dental Science; the Doctor of Engineering; the Doctor of Science in the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences; the Doctor of Letters; the Doctor of Laws; the Doctor of Medicine; the Doctor of Music; and the Doctor of Science in the Faculty of Sciences. Higher doctorates are typically awarded on the basis of a collection of works that have been published or accepted for publication.

Candidates for a higher doctorate are required to have a substantial association with the University of Adelaide and at the time of application, to have made an original contribution of distinguished merit to their disciplines over the course of their careers. Typically, candidates are mid-career professionals who have held a doctorate such as a PhD for a minimum of five years prior to their application.

Adelaide and the partner institution will appear on the testamur awarded following conferral of the degree.

It is important to note that an agreement to offer double-badged degree program(s) with a partner institution will only be established where the University of Adelaide is satisfied that the polices and procedures governing doctoral students at the partner institution are of an equivalent standard, and where it has been established that sufficient demand exists. The University will not establish an MOU for an individual student.

The policy on the administration and award of double-badged PhDs is available on the web at: www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1184/

If further information or clarification is required, please contact the Dean of Graduate Studies or Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) for advice.

The University offers three professional doctorates in the disciplines of Clinical Dentistry, Education and Nursing. Professional doctorates combine research, project activity and advanced coursework in a single program of study and are specifically aimed at practitioners in the field.

To qualify for a professional doctorate, a candidate is required to pass each component of the program individually and to complete any coursework or project requirements before submitting his/her thesis for examination.

The Master of Philosophy involves one to two years of research for a full-time candidate and is similar in nature to the PhD, but does not necessarily require candidates to make a significant original contribution to research. Students are trained in research methodology and techniques and are engaged in the critical evaluation of literature and results in the substantive area of the thesis at an advanced level. Examiners of a Master of Philosophy thesis will be seeking evidence that the candidate has:

• a thorough understanding of the relevant techniques and methodologies in the field as demonstrated by a thorough critical review of the literature
• demonstrated competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of appropriate methodology to yield meaningful results
• demonstrated the capacity to evaluate critically these results and
• presented a clear and well written thesis. Whilst Master of Philosophy degrees may include an advanced coursework component, the focus is on research.

The admission requirements for Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) are set out in the relevant set of academic program

Any enquiries about higher doctorates should be directed to the Graduate Centre or the relevant Head of School.