What is a Professional Doctorate (Prior Works)?
The Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) is an executive higher degree by research program designed for accomplished professionals who have built a distinguished career through leadership, innovation and significant industry achievement. Unlike a traditional doctorate that requires candidates to undertake a new research project, this unique pathway recognises prior professional practice as a powerful source of knowledge creation. Designed for experienced executives, industry leaders and practitioners, the program enables candidates to transform a portfolio of prior major professional projects, published works, creative outputs or commissioned initiatives into a doctoral qualification through critical reflection, scholarly analysis and a substantial exegesis.Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate and synthesise a substantial body of professional, scholarly or creative work.
- Demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge and professional practice through prior works.
- Apply advanced analytical and reflective skills to evaluate the significance and impact of professional achievements.
- Communicate complex ideas, insights and contributions to academic, professional and industry audiences.
- Demonstrate expert judgement, autonomy and leadership within a specialised field of practice.
- Articulate the relationship between professional practice, knowledge creation and industry impact.
This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) are recognised for their demonstrated professional achievement, executive leadership and contribution to industry. By combining an established portfolio of prior professional work with doctoral-level critical reflection, graduates strengthen their professional standing while positioning themselves for executive, strategic and thought leadership opportunities across industry, government and higher education. The qualification is particularly suited to experienced professionals seeking to formalise expertise and expand influence. It provides a distinctive pathway for professionals looking to translate decades of industry experience into a globally recognised doctoral qualification while continuing to shape the future of their field of expertise.
Subjects and units
Delivered through face-to-face or online supervision, the Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) comprises eight thesis units undertaken over 12 months. The course focuses on substantial thesis writing and analysis, drawing on a candidate’s prior published works to demonstrate a significant and original contribution. 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.
Thesis subjects
-
Thesis Unit | THE601 to THE608
Research project
The Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) consists of 8 Thesis units undertaken over 12 months.
Throughout the program, you will critically evaluate your professional achievements, demonstrating how your work has generated original knowledge, influenced professional practice and delivered meaningful impact within your organisation, industry or community. This approach recognises the value of prior research, industry experience while providing formal academic recognition for a sustained career of innovation and leadership.
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.
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 work and life experience
A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) if they are successful on application.
An application will include:
Application Form;
Academic Referee Report including two supporting letters from referees;
Citation list of publications from the last eight years.
Candidates admitted to the Professional Doctorate (By Prior Works) must fulfil the requirements of a significant and original contribution through submission of their prior published works in a specific thesis format.
Applicants with doctorate qualifications are excluded from admission to candidature.
Applicants must be established researchers and be of international standing in their respective field on the basis of their ongoing record of academic work.
AND
Have a portfolio of high-quality publications where the applicant is either sole author or primary author, which have been subjected to peer review and published in quality outlets of international standard.
Prior works must not incorporate work previously submitted for the award of a degree and may be presented as an integrated theme.
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.How to apply
Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
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?
Similar courses
Want to find out more?
Share in the knowledge and experience of active researchers developing new knowledge and innovative practice for industry.