The Doctor of Philosophy is part of a combined set of programs that offer students a pathway into a higher degree by research from an undergraduate degree. As a Doctor of Philosophy candidate you will undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession. Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative. They must submit a written research thesis, or a written research thesis including associated papers, of between 70,000 and 100,000 words. Course description The Doctor of Philosophy program has the objective of producing graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. Graduates will demonstrate a capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research. While the research is conducted under a supervisor, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently. As a Doctor of Philosophy candidate, you will undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession. Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative, and are required to submit a written research thesis or a written research thesis including associated papers. The examinable outcome will normally be equivalent to 70,000 to 100,000 words. Where the examinable outcome takes the form of a thesis, it is acknowledged that thesis length can vary according to the nature of the work and the discipline. Aims and objectives Upon successful completion of the PhD, graduates will be able to: 1. Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice 2. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field 3. Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility of an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.