Information on this page is for international students
Course not available to Australian residents
Intakes: 
2019: February and July
Duration: 
4 years
Location: 
Footscray Park
Fees: 
2019: A$14,000*
* fee per semester
Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

If you want to shape education policy or influence teaching methods, our PhD in Education will help you achieve your goals. We offer invaluable research opportunities and industry contacts.

Our Doctoral Degree in Education program

In our PhD in Education you’ll conduct high-level, original research grounded in industry experience.

We offer collaborations with community organisations and international research partners. You’ll have access to our specialised research centres, undertaking important projects for teachers, communities and policy makers.

Throughout your study, you’ll have the support of a supervisor experienced in education research. You’ll be taught best-practice research methods, then begin a PhD thesis in your chosen area. We’ll help you to present your findings clearly and effectively, through:

  • conferences
  • public presentations for broader audiences
  • journals
  • books
  • international publications.

When you undertake a doctoral degree in education at VU, you’ll specialise in one of our areas of research focus. These are supported by expertise from the University, research partners, institutes and research centres.

We are committed to undertaking high-impact research that shapes healthier, smarter and more sustainable communities across six interdisciplinary areas of research focus.

Our education research benefits the whole community, through programs that work towards social transformation and inclusion through policy and practice. You’ll take part in collaborative research that creates new knowledge in local and international education communities.

Our education researchers are renowned for research excellence. You’ll have access to progressive thinkers, excellent facilities, and award-winning academics.

We cover more than just the school system, focusing our applied research on:

  • early childhood
  • curriculum and pedagogy as complex conversations
  • learning in, through and beyond the workplace
  • teacher education for diversity
  • youth work.

While studying towards your PhD, you’ll have access to our research centres and institutes. These focus on real projects for the education sector, with outcomes that affect policy and practice.

VU centres that conduct education research include:

 

VU collaborates with renowned universities and institutes, giving you access to world-class education researchers and research opportunities. These include:

  • Hong Kong Institute of Education
  • National Centre for Vocational Education Research
  • Parkville Youth Justice Precinct
  • University of Texas (El Paso), USA
  • Victorian Department of Education and Training.

We offer various research scholarships for our PhD students. Victoria University has several generous research scholarships for successful applicants. There are also externally funded scholarships from dozens of organisations, some of which aimed at postgraduate students.

VU Research gives you opportunities to:

  • connect with other researchers
  • participate in research festivals and competitions
  • develop your research skills
  • get funding for your research
  • publish and promote your findings.

We offer support for graduate researchers including:

Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.

Course e-Brochure

Create a customised brochure in a few simple steps. Your brochure will include country-specific information.

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Work within a friendly and supportive community of education researchers.

Learn from other researchers and education experts at VU symposiums

Careers in education research, policy and management

Postgraduate study is increasingly important in advancing your education career. This course could lead to a career as one of the following:

  • education professional in schools or other settings
  • manager in specialist education
  • policy maker or developer
  • workplace trainer.

The following are average salaries from the government site, Job Outlook:

  • education advisers and reviewers, $91,000 (JobOutlook)
  • training and development, $83,300 (JobOutlook)
  • university lecturers, over $100,000 (JobOutlook)
  • education management, over $100,000 (JobOutlook).

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Course structure

The PhD is a research based degree with a maximum duration of 4 years (full time) and 8 years (part time).
As well as enrolling in Research Thesis units Doctor of Philosophy (Science) students will be required to complete two coursework units, ROP8001 and ROP8002.

An average result of 70% is required in the compulsory coursework units in order to proceed to candidature confirmation. Ongoing progression is subject to policy and procedures for candidature management as per the VU HDR Policy.

Coursework Units

Elective unit

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  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 judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and independent scholar.  

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 & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

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.

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

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Methods of applying:

International students can apply directly to Victoria University using our online application system, or apply through an education agent.

Direct online applicationFind an education agent

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase 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 that you confirm these costs with the relevant college.

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.