Higher Degrees by Research

Professional Doctorate (Applied Research)

CRICOS 117156H
Man researching at his desk

What is a Professional Doctorate of Applied Research?

The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) integrates research training with coursework and practical application, fostering reflective practice to generate new knowledge within the discipline.

Graduates will possess a deep, critical understanding of complex subject areas, advanced research skills to drive innovation, and comprehensive expertise in a substantial, cutting-edge body of knowledge within their field.

During their studies, students will produce a portfolio of applied practice-based learning and a thesis with an original contribution to professional practice and industry.

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 a 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 demonstrates 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
Campus locations*
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years
Start date
15 Sep 2025
16 Feb 2026
01 Jun 2026
14 Sep 2026
Fee & scholarships

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

*For more details on international student study options.

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.

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

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

Career opportunities 

Graduates of the Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) have a bright future. They will have demonstrated their preparedness for a career in research and analysis within government, higher education, research centres and private enterprises. Graduates will have demonstrated intellectual leadership, positioning them for roles such as those in the following areas:

  • Policy research
  • Research projects
  • Research & development
  • Academic research
  • Industry and government advising
  • Further study, including a PhD

Research
The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) enabled me to connect theory and practice, applying advanced research directly to real-world issues in my field of event management. Developing a portfolio and thesis that provided original insights enhanced my critical thinking and prepared me to lead innovation and meaningful change within my industry.
Annette Ott-Barnett
CMP Emeritus, CMM, CAE, SEPC

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) comprises nine core subjects, five thesis subjects, one Work Integrated Learning subject, eight electives, requiring 10 hours of study per week; three hours facilitated and seven self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes. There are no formal exams.

Core subjects

  • Critical Literature Review | RES611
  • Developing the Research Proposal | RES612
  • Methodology and Research Design | RES613
  • Preliminary Research Thesis | RES614
  • Research Communication | RES615
  • Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation | RES616
  • Workplace Learning & Research | MGT510
  • Professional Portfolio 1 | RES618
  • Professional Portfolio 2 | RES619

Select one

Choose one of these Core subjects.

  • Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health | PUBH6013
  • Qualitative Research Methods | RES617

Select one

Choose one of these Core subjects.

  • Biostatistics | STAT6200
  • Statistics and Applied Analytics | STA601

Thesis subjects

  • Thesis Unit | THE619 to THE623

Elective subjects

Choose eight electives from the list below.

  • DSGN6029 Research and Innovation
  • User Research | DSG407
  • Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | MFA501
  • Machine Principles | MLN601
  • Deep Learning | DLE602
  • Design Futures | DSGN6028
  • Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in Public Health | PUBH6000
  • Global and Environmental Health Issues | PUBH6002
  • Health Systems and Economics | PUBH6003
  • Epidemiology | PUBH6005
  • Health Policy and Advocacy | PUBH6001
  • Design Thinking | DTH501
  • Dynamic Leadership | MGT601
  • Business Decision Analytics | MGT602
  • Economic Principles and Decision Making | ECON6000
  • Systems Thinking | MGT603
  • Business Law and International Contexts | MGT608
  • Risk Management | MGT612
  • Corporate Sustainability | MGT613
  • Technology Strategy | MGT614
  • Principles of Project Management | PROJ6000
  • Business Process Management and Systems | PROJ6009
  • Managing Information Systems/Technology Projects | PROJ6012
  • Foundations of Information Systems | MIS500
  • Social Enterprise | DSGN6031
  • Foundations in Business Analysis | BANASD600
  • Visual Analytics and Storytelling | BANASD602 
  • Organisational Best Practice | MGT610
  • Strategic Management | MGT604

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.

Description of image

Research project

The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) is comprised of independent research under the guidance of experienced supervisors, and business sponsor, culminating in the submission of a thesis and advanced professional practice portfolio.
 
You will undertake an Advanced Business Practice project. During your studies you will have developed a project brief with the support and guidance of your organisational sponsor and academic adviser. The project will be within your own role or scope and be of a level of complexity that is equal to, or more than your level of responsibility. It will involve a minimum work commitment of 200 hours not including academic research and assessment work. Projects can be undertaken in groups subject to approval.

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 (Applied Research) if they have:

Completed qualification at AQF level 8 (Master’s degree or above from an Australian University or an equivalent overseas higher education qualification 

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 (Applied Research) 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;

OR

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

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

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

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 contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information.

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 (Applied Research) if they have:

Completed qualification at AQF level 8 (Master's degree or above from an Australian University or an equivalent overseas higher education qualification

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 (Applied Research) 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;

OR

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

AND

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

AND

A letter of recommendation from two most recent employers. 

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

*For more details on international student study options.

How to apply

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