Research qualifications

Deakin University offers higher degree by research (HDR) programs to match a variety of career plans and personal circumstances.

Research degrees are for students who want to pursue their own theories and ideas at a high conceptual level and support them with evidence.

You can either have a specific research topic in mind or develop one in conjunction with Deakin’s high calibre researchers.

Deakin has been recognised as being in the forefront throughout Australia in developing successful partnerships with industry and government agencies, so you know your degree will be relevant and open doors for your career.

Our supportive researchers, as well as being among the best in the world, are flexible and can work across multi-disciplinary environments.

Find out what type of research degree suits you:

Masters by Research

A masters degree is awarded for an original contribution to knowledge achieved in one to two years of full-time (or two to four years part-time) candidature.

The focus of the degree is on research, but a limited amount of coursework may be included in the program. The masters degree provides an advanced qualification for many careers, such as education, nursing, law and engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctoral degrees are awarded for a substantial original contribution to knowledge achieved in two to four years of full-time (or four to eight years part-time) candidature.

The PhD is the basic qualification for an academic or research career; however it forms an ideal basis for many other careers, and PhD graduates are in demand for a range of positions in business and industry.

In the case of both masters by research and PhD degrees, the program may include some course work but the focus of the degree is on research.

Professional Doctorates

A professional doctorate combines a research project, coursework and structured research tasks which are specifically related to professional practice and are often carried out in the workplace. The standard is equivalent to the PhD but the orientation is towards the development of professional practice rather than primarily as a contribution to academic knowledge.

To be awarded a research degree a candidate must satisfactorily complete an approved program of research under the guidance of a supervisor within a prescribed time period. To complete the degree, you must submit a thesis or project for critical review by a panel of experts in the selected field of study. Professional doctorates involve undertaking research based in professional practice and include a coursework component.

Some research students may receive a grant from a government or industry body in order to support their work. Deakin University also provides scholarships for study undertaken towards completing a research masters or doctoral degree in all faculties.

Research completion timeframes
Postgraduate research programs can generally be completed in the following time frames:

Find out more about completing a higher degree by research by visiting Research Services.

Browse the 2005 Deakin University Research Report for a detailed report on research and how to find a researcher at Deakin University.