Higher Degrees by Research

Professional Doctorate (AI Futures)

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What is a Professional Doctorate (AI Futures)

The Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) is a higher degree by research designed for computer science and artificial intelligence masters students seeking to explore how artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and digital innovation are transforming organisations, industries and society. Built around the AI Futures and deep learning, the program combines advanced research with professional practice to investigate the opportunities, challenges and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in an increasingly technology-driven world. From intelligent systems and automation to digital transformation and responsible AI, you will examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the way we work, lead and innovate.

Whether you are leading digital transformation within your organisation, shaping technology policy or driving innovation across industry, the Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) equips you to become a research-informed leader at the forefront of artificial intelligence and future-focused innovation.

More

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in the profession by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship for professional practice.
  • Synthesise, apply, and analyse existing and new knowledge using critical thinking, digital literacy and problem solving to develop new concepts for advanced professional practice.
  • Critically evaluate wide variety of research approaches and methodologies and select an appropriate research methodology and method(s) to conduct your research project.
  • Plan and execute ethical research that demonstrate the capacity to scope, design, and conduct research projects independently.
  • Use appropriate and coherent communication skills to report, present, publish and disseminate research data and findings to peers and the community.
  • Exhibit autonomy, authoritative judgement and leadership in workplace research and advanced professional practice.
Study mode
On campus, Online, Blended
Campus locations
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online
Student
Domestic
Course duration
Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years
Start date
14 Sep 2026
15 Feb 2027
31 May 2027
13 Sep 2027
Fee & scholarships

This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.

Be a catalyst for change
Become an innovative changemaker by challenging current research and finding new ways forward.

Transferable skills and a new career
Build upon your expertise, opening doors to unique career opportunities in academia and industry.

Contribute new knowledge to your field
Make a significant and original contribution through thought leadership, advanced professional practice, through a research thesis and advanced professional practice portfolio.
Higher Degrees by Research careers

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) will be equipped to lead innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and organisational transformation.   By combining doctoral-level research with industry practice, graduates are supported to develop the expertise used to guide organisations through technological disruption, inform AI strategy and contribute to the responsible adoption of intelligent technologies.  You will evaluate future complex topics, synthesize diverse perspectives, and apply advanced disciplinary knowledge in both academic and professional contexts.   The qualification is ideal for professionals seeking to influence the future of artificial intelligence while strengthening their leadership capabilities and driving innovation across industry, government, research and higher education.

Higher Degrees by Research at Torren University champions the power of people to connect the world for good. Our values begin and end with people, being good, being creative, being bold, being well and being global. There is at the core of everything we do.
Professor Margee Hume
Dean, Higher Degrees by Research (ProfDoc, MRS, GCRS)

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) comprises five core subjects, three electives and 16 thesis units, totalling 240 credit points. The course combines advanced research training with specialised study in AI Futures and the completion of an independent research thesis. The course involves 20–30 hours of study per week, comprising 2–3 hours of facilitated study, 2–3 hours of independent research and 16–24 hours of self-directed study.

Core subjects

  • Critical Literature Review | RES611
  • Developing the Research Proposal | RES612
  • Methodology and Research Design | RES613
  • Preliminary Research Thesis | RES614
  • Contemporary topics in AI Futures | RES621

Requirements

Choose 3 subjects from elective bank shown below

Elective subjects

  • Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607
  • Business Decision Analytics | MGT602
  • Technology Strategy | MGT614
  • Design and Business Strategy | DSG404
  • Service Design | DSG405
  • Design for Social Innovation | DSG501
  • User Experience Design | DID602A
  • Multi-Platform Experience Design | DID603A
  • Design Studio | DSG406
  • Open Studio | DSG502
  • Design Leadership | DSG503
  • Advanced Design Studio | DSG504
  • User Research | DSG407
  • Technology and Education | TED403
  • Design Thinking | EEDUSD402
  • Digital Health and Informatics | DHI401
  • Digital Health Management | DHI402 

  • Advanced Health Informatics | DHI502 
  • Advanced Therapeutic Communication | ATC401
  • Generative AI in Practice | BAN403 
  • Deep Learning | DLE602
  • Statistics and Applied Analytics | STA601
  • Distributed Development | DDE602
  • Data Modelling and Database Design | MIS602
  • Machine Principles | MLN601
  • Foundations in Business Analysis | BANASD600
  • Data Analytics in Business | BANASD601
  • Visual Analytics and Storytelling | BANASD602 

Thesis subjects

  • Thesis Unit | THE601 to THE616

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

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Research project

Through independent research supported by expert supervision, you will develop advanced research capability while investigating significant questions surrounding AI strategy, governance, technological disruption, innovation and the future of work. Your research will contribute original knowledge that helps organisations navigate technological change and leverage artificial intelligence to create sustainable business, social and economic outcomes.

To be awarded the Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) you will require a satisfactory examination of your final thesis and portfolio, and award recommendation from two examiners.

Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au

Admission criteria

Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.

Applicants with formal study: Direct Entry

A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) if they have been awarded from the University or other approved institution, based on prior cognate learning in the discipline of choice:

  • a relevant three or four-year Bachelor’s degree with a distinction average GPA, or
  • a relevant Honours degree, or
  • a relevant Master’s degree by coursework with a credit average GPA.

AND

Seven years’ practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession,

OR

An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice.

Applicants with work and life experience

Students without a Master's degree may pathway to the Professional Doctorate (AI Futures) with RPL based on:

Seven years' practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years' practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession in the area of cognate learning discipline

OR

An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice in the cognate learning discipline

AND

A discipline-specific portfolio based on competency-based learning and non-formal learning

AND

A letter of recommendation from two most recent employers.

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • What is a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?
  • What is the application process?
  • What is required in a Higher Degree by Research?
  • What is the time commitment for a Higher Degree by Research?

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