Doctor of Philosophy

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Undertake research that leads to new knowledge and new interpretations of existing ideas, theories and approaches.

Develop a thorough understanding of your field and relevant methodologies, and the capacity to critically evaluate and present your work.

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

Research opportunities are available across a range of disciplines.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications 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 Education

Careers

Career opportunities include:

  • researcher
  • presenting at conferences
  • employment with a university conducting research
  • visiting key international research institutes

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

Course Objectives

The School of Education offers PhD research supervision in the following areas:

  • teaching, learning and evaluation in education and training;
  • effect of family and school relationships on learning;
  • social basis of schooling;
  • school change and reform;
  • practitioner research/action research;
  • young people at risk;
  • language and literacy;
  • school-based curriculum development;
  • school, family and community links;
  • early childhood education;
  • inter-professional collaboration;
  • recruitment, selection and appraisal in education and training;
  • student learning in higher education;
  • multimedia, online learning and computer-enhanced learning;
  • vocational education and training;
  • equity and inclusive teaching;
  • teacher development;
  • assessment;
  • numeracy and mathematics education;
  • science education;
  • learning in the workplace;
  • adult and community education;
  • recognition of prior learning;
  • outdoor education;
  • arts education;
  • experiential learning.

Students who have areas of interest in education other than those listed above are nevertheless encouraged to discuss enrolment possibilities with the School, which can facilitate co-supervisory links with other schools or institutions.

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.

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 course applicants must have: a Master of Education degree by research; or a Master of Education by coursework with a minor thesis completed to a high standard; or an equivalent qualification with demonstrated achievement in research. Students with a Masters degree but without a recent and relevant research background will be required to undertake and complete an appropriate research methods unit of study at a high standard in the first semester of study.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic Module) result with an overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0).

How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.