Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio

If you already have a significant record of published research in your field or are looking for a way to have your current research portfolio formally recognised, then the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio may be ideal for you.

The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio offers you the opportunity to complete a PhD thesis that incorporates your pre-existing, peer-reviewed research outputs as a substantial component of your thesis. CQUniversity supervisors will guide you to compile your research portfolio into a single body of work, unified through the development of a literature review, discussion and future chapters, to be presented and examined by a panel of academic experts to ensure it meets our stringent doctoral guidelines.

Entry into this course requires you to have a substantial existing body of peer-reviewed publications, as outlined in the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio Course Rules Policy and Procedure (section 4.3 and 4.4). The Policy and Procedure notes that the University will consider applications for admission to candidature for PhD by Portfolio from individuals who can clearly demonstrate existing peer-reviewed research output/s to be considered for an award of a doctoral degree. In particular, such output must be:

• work for which the applicant is largely responsible (for example, as demonstrated by authorship sequence)
• cogent; occurring within a unified area of study, and
• of a volume and quality that aligns with the expectations of an Australian doctoral degree.

In addition to existing peer-reviewed outputs, an applicant is required to hold the following qualifications:

• has been awarded a Masters degree either by research or with a substantial element (typically one-third) of research work within it, from a university or any other approved institution
• has qualified for the award of a Bachelor degree in an appropriate discipline with first class or second class honours conferred by a university or any other approved institution, or
• alternative qualification/s and/or relevant professional experience deemed by the Research Division at CQUniversity to be of equivalent scope and standard to those listed above. This may include the CQUniversity Graduate Certificate in Research and/or consideration of vocational training qualifications where these are shown to have relevant research or discipline-based content.

The Research Higher Degrees Course Guide provides detailed information about eligibility, benefits provided by CQUniversity, and the application, selection and offer process.