Research Students (RHD)
Research Program Options

The university offers a wide range of Research Masters and Doctoral programs in which research is the major component. Each candidate proceeds under the guidance of a supervising member of staff.

The Research Masters and Doctoral degrees have two intents. One is to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution to the particular field of study, while the other is to train candidates in the general area of research methodology, equipping them with skills which will serve them in any field of research. The difference between a Master degree and a Doctoral degree is explained below.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The degree of Master of Philosophy is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the relevant techniques in the field. This is demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature that they have:

• managed to demonstrate competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of methods to yield fruitful results;
• shown the capacity to evaluate these results critically; and
• the capacity to present well written work.

Candidates are expected to complete their degree within two years of full-time or four years of part-time study.

Normal entry to candidature in the degree is a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours Class 1 or 2/1.

Degree rules are outlined in the Policy Library document: Master by Research - Schedule 000216

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. The research should uncover new knowledge either by:

• the discovery of new facts,
• the formulation of theories, or by
• the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.

Candidates are expected to complete their degree within four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study.

Normal entry to candidature in the degree is a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours Class 1 or 2/1 or equivalent qualification, or a coursework Master degree including a minor thesis completed at an appropriate level.

Degree rules are outlined in the Policy Library document: Doctor of Philosophy - Schedule 000091

Doctor of Science (DSc)

As a higher doctoral degree, admission to and award of the Doctor of Science is based on the research output of the applicant over a substantial number of years.

The requirements of higher doctoral degrees are defined in the Policy Library document: Higher Doctoral Degrees - Schedule 000148.