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 | Higher Degrees by Research | Torrens University](/-/media/project/laureate/shared/career-opportunities/research/higher-degrees-by-research-career-opportunities.png?rev=cc9dc24b625d45cab2987bb1da4b11a4&w=550&hash=666AB65F947FE123C4E3C27CAA1119DB)
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
Delivered both on campus and online, this course comprises of eight subjects and 16 Thesis units, 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.
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Core
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Thesis
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 Research Design | RES613
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Preliminary Research Thesis (Pre-requisite RES611) | RES614
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Research Communication | RES615
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Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation | RES616
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Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health | PUBH6013
Select one
Choose one of these Core subjects.
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Biostatistics | STAT6200
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Statistics for Financial Decisions | STAT6003
Thesis subjects
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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.
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. 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.
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
ORAn extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice
ORWork life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment.
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.
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
ORAn extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice
ORWork life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment.
*For more details on international student study options.
How to apply
![How to apply](/-/media/project/laureate/shared/how-to-apply/how-to-apply-1-tua.png?rev=b6077455e740434a81ee0f2deb22fced)
Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
![How to apply](/-/media/project/laureate/shared/how-to-apply/how-to-apply-2-tua.png?rev=0e18b28b3c2142a6af70fe1b7f45bba7)
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
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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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