| Duration | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | First Half of Year, 2025 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CD84 |
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio will enable you to complete a PhD thesis that incorporates your pre-existing peer-reviewed research outputs as a substantial component of the thesis; allowing you to gain recognition for your significant contribution to research in your discipline. You will compile these outputs into a single body of work that is unified through the development of a literature review, discussion and future directions chapters.
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.
Interested in speaking to someone about the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio? Book a call back today.
Career Opportunities
The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio provides graduates with an internationally recognised degree through the Australian Qualifications Framework. As a graduate you will be able to secure professional roles in academia, research centres, institutes and institutions, or in broader business and industry.
Structure & Availability
This is a research-based course, where progress is monitored on a time and progress basis rather than credit point accrual.
Students may have opportunities to undertake optional work integrated learning activities appropriate to their discipline area.
Please note that this is a time-based research higher degree. As per enrolment advice and Research Higher Degree course rules, all candidates are enrolled in a unit of study specific to their discipline for the duration of their candidature, but no credit points apply to this unit. The course is comprised of research and thesis development activities as outlined in the course rules.
The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio will enable you to complete a PhD thesis that incorporates your pre-existing peer-reviewed research outputs as a substantial component of the thesis; allowing you to gain recognition for your significant contribution to research in your discipline. You will compile these outputs into a single body of work that is unified through the development of a literature review, discussion and future directions chapters.
On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| First Half of Year, 2025 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
| Second Half of Year, 2025 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, 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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