What is a Professional Doctorate?
The Professional Doctorate (Research) embeds research training through coursework and practice in a reflective
manner, resulting in new discipline knowledge through research.
Graduates at this level require a systematic
and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills for the advancement of
new knowledge. Graduates will also have systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body
of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline.
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.
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.

Career opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Doctorate (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
Subjects and units
This course compromises of 8 core subjects, 1 elective subject, and 15 thesis units. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.
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Core
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Thesis
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Electives
Core subjects
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Critical Literature Review | RES611
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Developing the Research Proposal | RES612
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Methodology and Design | RES613
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Preliminary Research Thesis | RES614
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Research Communication | RES615
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Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation | RES616
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DSGN6028 Design Futures
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DSGN6029 Research and Innovation
Thesis subjects
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Thesis Unit | THE601 to THE608
Requirements
Elective subjects
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Biostatistics | STAT6200
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Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health | PUBH6013
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Statistics for Financial Decisions | STAT6003
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Program Evaluation and Action Research | DPA8109
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Advanced Action Research Methods | DRPH8180
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.
Research project
The Professional Doctorate (Research) is comprised of independent research under the guidance of experienced supervisors, culminating in the submission of a thesis and advanced professional practice portfolio. You will be required to provide an Expression of Interest including professional experience and your stream of interest as part of your initial application. The course streams include leadership, innovation, technology, policy and governance and change management applied in your chosen professional sector.Entry details
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Domestic
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International
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, and eligible students can also apply for the Research Training Program scholarship (RTP). RTP Scholarships for 2022 are now closed.
Admission criteria
Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.
OR
Applicants without a Master's degree may pathway to the Professional Doctorate (Research) with recognised prior learning 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.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.
OR
An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice
*For more details on international student study options.
How to apply

Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

Apply
It's easy! To apply, contact us at hdr@torrens.edu.au.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?
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What is the application process?
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What is required in a Higher Degree by Research?
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What is the time commitment for a Higher Degree by Research?
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