Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

Doctor of Philosophy is a higher degree obtained after a period of study primarily devoted to an extensive research project, culminating in the submission of a thesis.

The thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Faculty of Engineering and Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy
Faculty of Business
  • Doctor of Philosophy
Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy

 

The aims, objectives and learning outcomes are as follows:

Aims: Graduates will have undertaken a programme of independent supervised study that produces significant and original research outcomes culminating in a thesis for independent examination by at least two external expert examiners of international standing.

Objectives: The research in the programme of learning will be conducted over a period of at least two year and typically this will constitute two-thirds or more of the qualification. The programme may also include advanced coursework or training to enhance the capacity of the student to make a significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline studied.

Learning outcomes: As demonstrated in the AQF level 10 criteria and MQF doctoral level 8:

       At the end of the programme, graduates should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a critical and in-depth understanding of frontier knowledge by generating substantial and original contributions to a field and/or practice;
  2. Synthesise existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations or applications;
  3. Conduct rigorous and independent research or investigation with minimal supervision;
  4. Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills;
  5. Perform research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices;
  6. Communicate cogently in the field/s and interact with specialist and general audience;
  7. Select and use suitable digital and analytical techniques to research problems; and
  8. Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.

Academic Qualifications

  • Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor with First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours* (CGPA≥ 3.5) in the field or related fields within Curtin University which includes the completion of a supervised research dissertation project carrying the equivalent credit of at least 25 percent of an annual full-time load; *Candidate having Upper Second-Class Honours can be considered for a direct Doctoral entry upon demonstration of research competencies as verified and deemed by the Academic Board at Curtin Malaysia)  or
  • Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy or Master of Research in the field or related fields within Curtin University which includes the completion of a publically available thesis; or
  • Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree Master by Coursework in the field or related fields within Curtin University, and the completion of a research dissertation project carrying the equivalent credit of at least 25 percent of an annual full-time load and which has been awarded an assessed result at or above distinction level; or
  •  Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree Master by Coursework at or above distinction level in the field or related fields within Curtin University, and the completion of substantive and relevant research experience which can be evidenced in at least one of the following forms: (1) substantial scholarly papers as sole or primary author, appearing in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers; (2) published research reports prepared for industry, government or business, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing and which identify the applicant as sole or primary author; (3) a portfolio of creative work with a published critical discussion of that work, which demonstrates the applicant’s development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation, for which the application is identified as sole or primary author; or
  • Obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in   Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to any of the above four criteria.

 

**Candidates without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the University.

 

English Requirements

 

Enrolment in the PhD shall be for a minimum period of two (2) years and a maximum period of four (4) years for full-time study, or a minimum of four (4) years and a maximum period of eight (8) years for part-time study. However, international candidates must enroll as a full-time student.

Remarks. For PhD students under Curtin Malaysia Postgraduate Scholarship (CMPRS), the full scholarships are only awarded for three years. Scholarship extensions (tuition fee waiver only) of 2 x 3 months may be granted subject to good progress of the project and approval from CMGS. Therefore, these students are strongly recommended to complete their programmes within three years. Otherwise, students and/or their supervisor may have to provide the tuition fee and stipend on their own in the fourth year.

For PhD students under external grants, such as FRGS, SMA, SRDC, etc,  the grant is generally valid for max three years. Therefore, the tuition fee waiver  duration will only cover until the grant end date. Consequently, these students are also strongly encouraged to graduate within three years. Tuition fee waiver extensions of 2 x 3 months may be granted subject to good progress of the project and approval from Chair of CMGSC. Otherwise, they may have to be self-funded for the tuition fee and stipend in the fourth year.

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Each research student joins one of the vibrant research communities based on the chosen research area. You can find more information regarding research areas by visiting the relevant academic area:

 

Faculty of Engineering and Science

Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui
Associate Dean, Research & Development
Email: bridgidchin@curtin.edu.my

 

Faculty of Business

Dr Tiong Ying Ying
Associate Dean, Research & Development
Email: tiongyingying@curtin.edu.my

 

Faculty of Humanities & Health Sciences

Dr Edza Aria Wikurendra
Chair R&D, Faculty of Humanities & Health Sciences

Email: edzaaria@curtin.edu.my