Doctor of Philosophy | Swinburne University, Sarawak, Malaysia

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD candidates are required to make a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession by submitting one of the following, equivalent to 70,000 – 100,000 words:

a written research thesis
a written research thesis including associated papers
an artefact, such as a creative work or design product, with an accompanying exegesis (critical explanation).

A PhD candidate is expected to:

conduct independent research of high originality and quality
independently conceive of, design, conduct and complete a research project or program
develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the research area and methodological approaches
communicate convincingly with clarity and relevance to appropriate audiences.

Upon successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:

demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or disciplines by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice.
effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills, and work productively within teams of experts in the field.
demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience, and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar

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Entry requirements

At least a four-year recognised bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.67, or a First-Class Honours (or equivalent) qualification comparable to Swinburne University of Technology standards, OR

An average overall grade for the Masters Degree (coursework) equivalent to a Swinburne grade of at least 70%, OR

A pass in a Masters degree (Research).

Note: Applicants must also satisfy any additional requirements as specified by the University

In addition, you must reach the required standards of achievement based on any prior qualifications and research experience.

English language requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

have successfully completed a total of 24 months (full time equivalent) of formal study where the language of instruction and assessment was English at AQF level 7 or above (or equivalent) at an approved university no more than 60 months prior to submitting their application for candidature;
have successfully completed a degree where the language of instruction and assessment was English at AQF level 8 or above (or equivalent) at an approved university no more than 60 months prior to submitting their application for candidature;
have obtained a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; or a TOEFL iBT (Internet-based) minimum score of 79 (with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20); or Pearson (PTE) 58 (no communicative skills less than 50) no more than 24 months prior to submitting their application for candidature;
have satisfactorily completed the Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced level certificate at the postgraduate level (EAP 5: PG-70%).