Doctor of Philosophy

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Be able to conduct original research in an area of interest to you, and of broader significance to the University, industry and the community.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an advanced research program that provides the necessary skills to undertake research suitable to add to the knowledge base of Food Sciences and Technology, and allows you to become independent, competent and highly sought-after researchers.  The course promotes the development of research skills and training, including:

  • ethics
  • critical appraisal of literature
  • development of oral presentations skills and techniques
  • production of a thesis and scholarly articles in journals and peer-reviewed conferences

During your study, you will be assisted by our experienced research supervisor with appropriate qualifications and proven research skills in the relevant field.

    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 Health and Biomedicine

    Careers

    • academic and research focused positions in the relevant fields of study.
    • a research-related or high level professional in chosen industry

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

    Course Objectives

    Graduates of this course have the academic knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to become capable, independent researchers, in order to be able to pursue a research-related or high level professional career in their industry and/or as a Higher Education academic in their field of studies.

    The course objectives are to produce graduates who have:

    1. expert understanding of a substantial body of theory and its practical application at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including substantial expert knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to the field.
    2. intellectual independence and cognitive skills to undertake a systematic investigation, reflect critically on theory and practice and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, including identifying, evaluating and critically analysing the validity of research studies and their applicability to a research problem.
    3. expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to:
      • design, develop and implement a research project/s to systematically investigate a research problem
      • develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge
      • manage, analyse, evaluate and interpret data, synthesising key ideas and theorising within the context of key literature
    4. expert communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; to disseminate and promote new insights; and to cogently present a complex investigation of originality, or original research, both for external examination and to specialist (eg. researcher peers) and non-specialist (industry and/or community) audiences through informal interaction, scholarly publications, reports and formal presentations.
    5. capacity to reflect on, develop and evaluate strategies for achieving their own learning and career goals.
    6. intellectual independence, initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning.
    7. ethical practice and full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs.
    8. autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading scholar.

    Units and electives

    PhD is a research based degree with a maximum duration of 4 years (full time) and 8 years (part time).

    Food Sciences and Technology

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    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

    • International: Achieved an IELTS, (Academic Module) result with an overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6) or equivalent and completed a Masters degree or a relevant four year undergraduate degree with Honours or its equivalent at a high standard.
    • Other: Completed a Masters degree or a relevant four year undergraduate degree with Honours or its equivalent at a high standard.

    English language requirements

    Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

    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.