| Duration | 4 years full-time, 8 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | First Half of Year, 2025 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CM33 |
Overview
We see real people creating real results and our Doctor of Philosophy (Industry) will arm you with the practical expertise to make a real difference in your industry and career. CQUni's PhD (Industry) is a professional-practice doctorate, combining preparatory research coursework, research coursework and dissertation to prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking to your profession. Designed to build on your industry experience, you will have the choice of completing an industry placement or advanced coursework to align with your research project and enhance your professional expertise.
The PhD (Industry) is designed to cater to individuals with industry or academic experience who wish to undertake a research degree. The course will prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking skills to bear on your existing leadership and/or management roles. Over a standard duration of four years, the course offers a supportive entry into research, enabling you to become familiar with the language, techniques and expectations of research before embarking on your PhD-level project. The course structure includes high-quality coursework, research coursework and research dissertation (project and thesis) elements in a unique and flexible combination that can be tailored to you.
The PhD (Industry) also offers a robust model of student support, including cohort-style supervisory teams, guidance and instruction from academic staff in research coursework; the provision of generous access to resources to directly support your research project and conference activity, and study support, training, events and research culture through the School of Graduate Research.
To ensure that supervision resources are available for you to complete your research project, candidates are encouraged to view CQU's research strengths and research projects to provide you with an understanding of the University's research focus.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD (Industry) are expected to access senior/management level positions in their current industry sector, or promotions pathways within the academic or public policy setting. They may also explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, consultancy or professional practice areas.
Structure & Availability
This is a research-based course, where progress is monitored on a time-and-progress basis rather than credit point accrual.
Students will have the option to choose between either four advanced coursework units or an industry placement of at least 3 months duration.
Research higher degree courses do not use a set credit point value. The course structure for the PhD (Industry) comprises a range of curriculum components, with some mandatory and some elective areas. In the first six months, candidates will complete foundational research coursework to become familiar with the language and expectations of research and to shape their research topic. This part of the curriculum mirrors the Graduate Certificate in Research. Candidates will then follow the same pathway as a traditional PhD, stepping through required research development activities and the Confirmation milestone. Following approval of the Confirmation of Candidature milestone, candidates will progress to research and thesis/dissertation activities. At this stage, they will also have the flexibility to choose between either four advanced coursework units or an industry placement alongside their research project.
The PhD (Industry) requires candidates to participate in either four advanced coursework units or a 3 month research-based industry placement. For candidates choosing the coursework option, a list of available units will be provided at the beginning of each term. These units must be advanced level units in any disciplinary area, and meet minimum criteria as described in the PhD (Industry) Course Rules.
On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| First Half of Year, 2025 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Distance, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
| Second Half of Year, 2025 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Distance, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| First Half of Year, 2025 | Available Online |
| Second Half of Year, 2025 | Available Online |
Majors and minors are not applicable to this course.
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
To be eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Fees and Financial Support
At CQU, we offer a vibrant research community, generous project funding, training and financial support, so that you can thrive as a researcher. This makes pursuing your research higher degree at CQU more affordable than you think. You may be eligible for stipends and scholarships to reduce your study costs, plus you can access project and conference financial support. For more information, visit our research higher degree fee page.
How to apply
How to apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your application options
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Start your application
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