A Professional Doctorate focuses on the issues and problems of a particular profession. It will help you develop your ability to undertake independent research that makes an original  contribution to your profession. One third of assessed work is coursework that is incorporated into, and supports the development of your thesis.

Entry requirements for a Professional Doctorate are similar to those for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) plus additional requirements below. 

We offer the following Professional Doctorates.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Entry requirements

Masters of Business or equivalent, plus a minimum of two years appropriate work experience. You must have average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (above 70 per cent).

Duration

3-4 years full time study, or part time equivalent.

Course requirements

You are required to submit a 45,000 - 65,000 word thesis. Your final result will depend on the examination of your thesis.

Application

International applicants

You must submit your application through Victoria University International.

Australian applicants

You must submit an Application with supporting documentation to the Graduate School of Business in the Faculty of Business and Law.

Doctorate of Education (EdD)

Entry requirements

Applicants must complete a Bachelor of Education (H1 or H2A), Master of Education (Research), or Master of Education (Coursework - H2A or higher), or an acceptable alternative Masters qualification, plus a minimum of three years professional experience.

Duration

A Doctorate of Education requires three to four years full time study, or part time equivalent.

Course requirements

You are required to submit a 50,000 - 60,000 word thesis. Your final result will depend on the examination of your thesis.

Applications

International applicants

You must submit your application through Victoria University International.

Australian applicants

You must submit an Application for Direct Entry with supporting documentation to the School of Education in the Faculty Arts, Education and Human Development.

Doctor of Psychology & Doctor of Applied Psychology

These are coursework professional doctorates and are completed through a combination of coursework, supervised professional practice and a major research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants must complete the first year of the Master of Psychology or Applied Psychology program. Selection is based on academic progress within the masters, the suitability and scope of the thesis topic, and references from academic staff.

Duration

A Doctorate of Psychology and Doctorate of Applied Psychology requires three years full time study, or part time equivalent.

Course requirements

You are required to submit a 40,000 word thesis. Your final result will depend on the examination of your thesis.

Application

You must submit an application for a postgraduate coursework program.

Master/Doctor of Social Work

Entry requirements

You can transfer to the Doctor of Social Work following the successful completion of the first semester of the Master of Social Work.

Duration

Master of Social Work requires 2 years full time study, or part time equivalent. Doctor of Social Work requires three years full time study, or part time equivalent.

Course requirements

You are required to submit a 50,000 - 60,000 word thesis in the Doctor of Social Work. Your final result will depend on the examination of your thesis.

Applications

International applicants

You must submit your application through Victoria University International.

Australian applicants

You must submit an Application for Admission to a Masters by Research or a Doctorate with supporting documentation to the Course Coordinator, School of Social Sciences and Psychology in the Faculty Arts, Education and Human Development. 

Contact us

If you require further information please contact the Office for Postgraduate Research or the Faculty relevant to your area of study.