Doctor of Philosophy

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Undertake research that leads to new sports knowledge and new interpretations of existing ideas, theories and approaches. Develop a thorough understanding of your field, relevant methodologies and the capacity to critically evaluate your work.

Learn how to express and convey ideas in a clear and convincing way.

Research opportunities are available across a range of disciplines in the School of Sport and Exercise Science, such as:

  • ·         exercise neuroscience (motor control)
  • ·         motor learning and skill acquisition
  • ·         exercise biochemistry
  • ·         biomechanics
  • ·         exercise science
  • ·         exercise physiology
  • ·         sport psychology
  • ·         exercise psychology

Course Essentials

How to apply

Applications have closed for this course.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Sport and Exercise Science

Careers

  • ·         manager
  • ·         researcher in public, private or university sectors
  • ·         commissioning editor for specialist academic journals

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Course Objectives

This course aims to meet the following objectives:

  • develop a thorough understanding of the topic through appropriate research techniques as shown by their application;
  • develop competence in independent investigation and research;
  • develop a high degree of independence of thought and approach; and
  • make a significant original contribution to the existing body of knowledge and (where appropriate) practice.

Units and electives

The research thesis must be original work conducted under the supervision of the student advisor/s and with the approval of the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the University. The thesis of the candidate will be examined externally by examiners of high academic standing in the area of the candidate's thesis topic.

Coursework may be required of candidates to further enhance the knowledge of a specific topic relevant to the field of study. Such coursework could run concurrent to the research. In fact, all students undertaking research in the area of exercise physiology will be required to successfully complete the unit Laboratory Skills for Exercise Physiology. As well, all students are required to undertake, and successfully complete, an appropriate research design unit of study normally in the first semester of study.

Students are required to conduct independent study, producing a thesis, with supervision from two academic staff members directly linked with the student.

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission Information

  • Mature: To qualify for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy applicants must have a Master degree by research, or Master degree by coursework (with minor dissertation), or four-year undergraduate degree with honours at first class (H1) or upper second class (H2A) level. Applicants who do not meet the normal admission requirements may be admitted upon demonstration of exceptional background and experience. Initial contact should be made with the Faculty Postgraduate Studies Coordinator to clarify their proposed area of research. Applicants will need to discuss availability of suitable supervision for their program and any facilities or support they will require.

How to apply for this course

Applications have closed for this course.

Please contact the College of Sport and Exercise Science for the next course intake date.

You can also contact us directly:

  • Office for Postgraduate Research
    Phone:   + 61 3 9919 4522
    Fax:  + 61 3 9919 4559
    Email: pgresearch@vu.edu.au
  • Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development Student Centre
    Phone: +61 3 9919 4409
    Email: artscourses@vu.edu.au
  • Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100
  • Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

At Victoria University, we make every reasonable effort to make sure the information displayed online about our courses is accurate and complete. We continually look to provide innovative courses. Those courses are shaped by a number of things including your feedback and changes in Government funding arrangements. As a result there may be changes to the courses we deliver and fees charged. We will update the website regularly to reflect any changes.

Information about course fees, articulation and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations, and services available to students can be accessed on the University’s website or by contacting the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100.