Why Study / Key Benefits

This programme combines a Doctor of Philosophy with a Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management. The PhD is designed for candidates undertaking supervised research that makes a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession. Research may be pure, exploratory, experimental and/or creative.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced independent research capability
• Development of critical and logical thinking
• Independent decision-making and judgement
• Research project management skills
• Advanced academic and professional communication
• Opportunity to make an original contribution to Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
• Formal research and innovation-management training alongside the PhD
• Access to research training covering areas such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting
• Potential internship opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has two integrated components: the PhD research component and the 50-credit-point Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management.

The Graduate Certificate contains four units:

Core units:

• Project Management for Research (INF60016), 12.5 credit points
• Innovation and Impact in Research (ENT60010), 12.5 credit points

Electives:

Students select two elective units, normally totalling 25 credit points, in consultation with their supervisory team. Swinburne's research-management elective pool includes research-methodology and research-practice subjects. Relevant examples include:

• Research Methodology (BUS80003)
• Quantitative Research Methods (BUS80017)
• Qualitative Research Methods (BUS80018)
• Research Design and Methodology (CSM80010)
• Nature of Learning and Teaching (EDU60001)
• Digital Learning Environments (EDU60002)
• Curriculum Design and Assessment (EDU60003)
• Scholarly Teaching: to explore, evaluate and improve (EDU60004)
• Developing Inclusive Learning and Teaching Practice (EDU60005)
• Design and Delivery for Online Learning (EDU60014)
• Social Entrepreneurship (ENT80018)
• Research Methods (ICT80011)
• Research Engagement (MFP60001)
• Research Training (MFP60002)
• Directed Study (MFP60003)
• Research Engagement (STEM) (MFP60004)
• Research Training (STEM) (MFP60005)
• Data Science for Business (INF80054)
• Social Network Analysis (INF80055)
• Economics of Innovation (ECO80003)
• Advanced Microeconometrics (ECO80002)

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme is specifically for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Swinburne currently identifies the following research areas for this programme:

• Arts
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Sociology

Programme Highlights

Key features include:

• PhD-level research qualification
• 4-year maximum full-time duration
• International-student programme
• 50-credit-point Graduate Certificate incorporated into the PhD
• 2 core research-management units
• 2 elective research/innovation units
• Supervised original research
• Research training in thesis writing, publishing and presenting
• Formal candidature progress reviews
• Potential research-industry internship opportunities
• Research areas covering Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sociology
• Hawthorn campus location
• CRICOS registration for international students

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career outcomes including:

• Academic
• Researcher
• Government consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Business development
• Policy analyst
• Market analyst
• Economic analyst

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current requirements are:

• The course is only available to international students.
• Applicants must identify an appropriate research topic.
• Applicants must find an appropriate and willing Swinburne supervisor before applying.
• Swinburne states that an application will not be considered unless an appropriate and willing supervisor has been identified.
• The research topic must align with Swinburne's available research areas.
• The Graduate Certificate is integrated into the PhD rather than being a normal standalone direct-entry certificate for this combined international course.
• The two core Graduate Certificate units must be completed within the first 12 months of candidature, before Confirmation of Candidature.
• Elective units are selected in consultation with the supervisory team.
• Research progress reviews form an important part of candidature.
• Internship opportunities may be available to Higher Degree by Research students.

International Student Visa Requirements

The appropriate Australian visa for an eligible international student undertaking this programme in Australia is generally the Student visa (Subclass 500).

Swinburne explicitly states that international students in Australia holding Student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. This programme therefore fits the full-time/on-campus requirement, although its Graduate Certificate coursework itself uses blended delivery.

Key Student visa considerations include:

• Valid enrolment and Confirmation of Enrolment as required by Home Affairs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement
• Meeting applicable financial-capacity requirements
• Meeting applicable English-language requirements or an exemption
• Maintaining the required enrolment and visa conditions
• Satisfying any health and character requirements applicable to the visa