Doctor of Philosophy:
The School of Human Movement, Recreation and Performance, as part of the Faculty of Human Development, has a strong commitment to both applied and theoretical research. The Doctoral program is designed to develop innovative researchers who can contribute to professional practice, industry, government service and public policy. The program is intended for those with appropriate academic qualifications who wish to pursue independent or collaborative research in the developing areas of exercise and sport science, performance making, performance and culture, sport and culture, and sport and recreation management.
What is involved in a PhD program?
The PhD is an intense, three-year degree (or part-time equivalent) period of supervised independent study and collaborative research with a maximum of 2 six months EFT extensions possible = 48 months. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded to successful candidates who have made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge or practice in a particular discipline or field. A 'significant' contribution means the development of new theories, methods or practices, or the application of existing theories, methods or practices to new areas.
Students in a Doctoral program should be able to demonstrate the resourcefulness and academic rigour required of an independent and collaborative researcher. This will involve the following:
- Identify or construct a research issue or problem.
- Critically engage with relevant research methods or practice related to the issue or problem.
- Determine or develop appropriate methods (including ethics) to address the issue or problem.
- Undertake analysis and evaluation of procedures and outcomes in a manner appropriate to the research discipline.
- Publicly present the whole process in a formal thesis and/or other appropriate format for peer review and grading.
Course Structure:
The successful completion of a PhD will require the following:
- An original thesis or performance or a combination of a thesis and performance undertaken with appropriate supervision.
- The undertaking and successful completion of an appropriate research design subject (and perhaps other concurrent coursework studies), where appropriate.
- The presentation of the candidature proposal to an appropriate research support group or other appropriate body.
- The approval of a candidature proposal by the Faculty Research and Graduate Studies Committee and, where necessary, the Faculty's Human Research Ethics Committee.
- Satisfactory Progress Reports on a semester by semester basis.
- The satisfactory completion of the final thesis or performance as assessed by three external specialists in the discipline or field of the research.
Course Duration:
The standard duration or normal expected duration of a PhD program is three years full-time or its part-time equivalent. This can be extended by a total of twelve months.
Entry Requirements:
An applicant for admission to a doctoral program will need to have a Masters degree; or a four-year undergraduate degree with honours (normally first class or 2A honours); or exceptional related research or professional experience. Students without a research methods background are required to undertake ACan appropriate postgraduate research methods subject within their first year of study.
