The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research degree commencing with a cohort-based foundation year of research preparation followed by an independent, supervised research project. The subjects covered in the first year support the development of the research project and include generic research training and discipline-specific units. These provide you with strategies for a successful research journey, appropriate research design and methodology, timely completion, and effective writing and communication skills. You must achieve an overall weighted average mark (WAM) of 70% in the first year of research preparation in order to continue into the thesis component of the course. A PhD (I) may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span multiple research fields and Schools. We encourage you to view the Research Activity pages of the School websites for ECUs areas of research focus. Course Learning Outcomes Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community. Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field. Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence. Use expert skills and authoritative judgment to adapt and implement research methodologies and conduct systematic and independent investigation of theory and/or practice at the frontier of a discipline. Cross-Campus attendance Students may be required to attend classes on more than one campus to complete the course. Employment opportunities Throughout your PhD, you will be supported to develop high-level research and professional skills such as project design and execution, problem identification, definition and solving, critical thinking and analysis, data management, utilizing research methods and methodologies, teamwork, negotiation and networking, high-level technical skills in your field, and communicating to different audiences. With the majority of PhD graduates now pursuing careers outside academia, the skills and research training embedded in the PhD prime you to move into a variety of sectors and roles, including management, consulting, commercial R&D, research management, entrepreneurship, public policy, government, finance, technical services, biotech, education, and project coordination/management.