What is a PhD: Guide to completing a PhD in Australia

A PhD results in new knowledge in a chosen field through research and ideally builds on the experience and expertise you already have. A PhD is more than just a qualification, a PhD is a chance to make meaningful contributions to your field as a researcher.

Already familiar with PhDs? Explore Higher Degrees by Research at Torrens University and apply today. If not, the following advice might be for you.

• What is a PhD?
• Difference between PhD and professional doctorate
• Do you need a master’s degree to get a PhD?
• PhD program structure
• What other Higher Degree courses are offered at Torrens University Australia?
• How to apply for a Higher Degree by Research

What is a PhD?

What does a PhD stand for and what is a PhD degree? Known as a Doctor of Philosophy, a PhD is a postgraduate research degree that allows you to contribute new knowledge or insights to your field. It is the highest level of academic qualification, representing a deep commitment to original research and advanced study.

How long is a PhD?

Candidates conduct original research over the course of three to four years (or up to eight years part-time). The culmination of a PhD is the submission of a thesis, which is a substantial piece of written work detailing your findings and their significance.

PhDs focuses on exploring and developing a theory that can explain why a particular trend or event is occurring. A PhD contributes to a body of knowledge and results in advanced research expertise and career development as a researcher.

Torrens University offers expert supervision in several fields including health, business, information technology, and design.

Are there other degrees like a PhD?

Yes, there is a professional doctorate.

What is the difference between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate?

While a PhD focuses on contributing to theoretical knowledge, in a specific discipline, a Professional Doctorate is geared towards applying research to solve industry-specific challenges and advance professional practice. Both are respected qualifications, but your choice will depend on your career goals. If your aim is to lead academic research, a PhD might be for you. If you want to drive change within your industry, a professional doctorate could be a better fit. 

At Torrens University, the Professional Doctorate focuses on solving industry problems, with an emphasis on practical solutions for sectors like healthcare, information technology, and business and examines aspects of leadership, innovation, policy and governance, change management and technology advancements.

Do you need a master’s degree to get a PhD?

Not always. PhD applicants can enter a PhD with a first or second-class honours degree and externally examined thesis. While students with a master’s degree must have a distinction GPA and substantial research experience to be eligible for entry.

PhD program structure

If you’re wondering, “Are all PhDs research-based?” the answer is yes. Expect to dedicate 40 hours a week full-time for 3 years to conducting in-depth research, analysing complex data and writing a thesis that showcases your original findings and their broader impact. You will work closely with your supervisors, who will guide and mentor you throughout the process. You will be encouraged to collaborate with peers, attend conferences and publish your work.

Torrens University ensures PhD candidates receive support at every stage, from developing a research proposal to publishing findings. Students have access to research workshops, dedicated Success Coaches and opportunities to present their work.

PhDs consist of the following components:

1. Research proposal (PhD only): Candidates begin by outlining their research question, methodology and objectives. For example, a PhD candidate in health might propose a study on the impact of healthy diet and exercise on reduction in cardiovascular risks, detailing the current knowledge and gaps, the research question, the data collection methods and expected outcomes.
2. Literature review: Students conduct a thorough review of existing research to establish the need for the project and the areas of focus.
3. Ethical research and data collection: This involves conducting qualitative interviews, focus groups, surveys or other research activities to gather data. In a business-focused PhD, this might include interviewing customers for perceptions, conducting case studies with industry partners or surveys on employees regarding culture.
4. Thesis writing: Candidates compile their findings into a comprehensive thesis. A design PhD, for instance, could result in a thesis that combines visual projects with written analysis, demonstrating both creative and academic contributions. A thesis is a maximum of 80, 000 words.

What other Higher Degree courses are offered at Torrens University Australia?

Torrens University offers the following Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses and coursework research training degrees to suit different academic interests and professional goals:

Explore Torrens University’s Higher Degrees by Research:

How to apply for a Higher Degree by Research?

Applying for any HDR course involves several steps. Here’s how to get started:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you meet the entry requirements for your chosen program at Torrens University. These typically include a bachelor’s degree with honours, a master’s degree with a particular GPA requirement and prior research training. For some courses, relevant professional experience can be considered.
2. Choose your field: Identify the area of research you align with that is conducted at Torrens University. These include health, business, design, and information technology. The university offers research opportunities across these disciplines.
3. Find a supervisor: Browse Torrens University’s research staff directory to identify supervisors whose expertise aligns with your interests. Supervisors play a crucial role in mentoring and supporting you throughout your PhD journey. A research project can only be accepted if supervision and expertise is available in that area of research.
4. For a PhD (only) Draft a research proposal: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your research question, objectives, methodology and expected outcomes. To be considered for entry it is important you prepare a strong proposal.
5. Submit your application: Provide supporting documents such as your academic transcripts, CV and research proposal (PhD only) when applying with us.
6. Secure funding: We offer meritorious scholarships for eligible PhD candidates. Check our website for deadlines and funding opportunities.
7. Enrol and begin: Once accepted, you’ll receive onboarding support to help you navigate your research endeavour, including workshops and library resources.

Ready to get started? Learn how to apply for a research degree at Torrens University.