The PhD (Industry) is specifically designed to cater for professionals with existing industry experience and who wish to undertake a research degree. The course will prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking skills to bear on your existing or future leadership and/or management roles.

Over a standard duration of four years, the course offers a supportive entry into research, enabling you to become familiar with the language, techniques and expectations of research before embarking on your own PhD-level project. The course structure includes high-quality coursework, research coursework and research dissertation (project and thesis) elements, in a unique and flexible combination that can be tailored to you.

Your first year will commence with research foundation studies, enabling you to rapidly acquire a working knowledge and understanding of the language and expectations of research. You will tailor your learning to suit your current employment context or area of research interest while working with a supervisor to begin shaping your research topic into a research project. To ensure that supervision resources are available for you to complete your research project, candidates are encouraged to view CQUni's research strengths and research projects to provide you with an understanding of the University's research focus. 

Upon completion of your preparatory research coursework, you will enrol in RSCH20001 and begin to build a detailed research design of your proposed research project. You will be guided through the steps required in the construction of a research proposal. Four assessments will scaffold you through the process of writing Section A of the Confirmation of Candidature portfolio submission. 

Upon final approval of the Confirmation of Candidature milestone, you will have the flexibility to complete either advanced coursework units or an industry placement, as well as research and thesis/dissertation activities. Coursework units can be selected from an approved list of postgraduate units from across the University, offering a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge to support your research project or to expand your skill set and enhance your career. Alternatively, you may wish to complete an industry placement experience to apply your transferable research skills, add value to the organisation and strengthen your professional networks.  

The PhD (Industry) also offers a strong model of student support, including cohort-style supervisory teams, guidance and instruction from academic staff in research coursework; the provision of generous access to resources to directly support your research project and conference activity; and study support, training, events and research culture through the School of Graduate Research.

The Graduate Certificate in Research will be used as an exit award for candidates who do not reach the required level of academic performance to continue with doctoral-level study (Distinction Level GPA).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD (Industry) are expected to access senior/management level positions in their current industry sector, or promotions pathways within the academic or public policy setting. They may also explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, consultancy or professional practice areas. 

Course Structure

• Core Units

  8

• Electives

  None

• Major Units

  None

• Minor Units

  None

The PhD (Industry) provides candidates a flexible combination of preparatory research coursework, research coursework, the Confirmation of Candidature milestone, thesis dissertation activities, advanced coursework or approved industry placement. You will complete two core units and either four elective units or an industry placement.

COURSE STRUCTURE

• RSCH20004 Preparatory research coursework
• RSCH20001 Prepare for Confirmation

Upon successful Confirmation of Candidature, candidates will complete:

• RSCH30133 Research and Thesis (or equivalent unit that aligns to research discipline)
• Choice of advanced coursework (4 units) or approved industry placement (3 months or more)

ADVANCED COURSEWORK OPTION
Candidates choosing to undertake four advanced coursework units will select these from an approved list of CQUni postgraduate units. The approved list will ensure the units meet key criteria such as being available online with no residential school or pre- or co-requisite requirements.