11 Doctoral Degree Level

Doctoral Degree Level provides a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field.

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied. This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

This narrow level comprises the following detailed levels:

111  Higher Doctorate
112  Doctorate by Research
113  Doctorate by Coursework
114  Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level
115  Statement of Attainment at Doctoral Degree Level
116  Bridging and Enabling Course at Doctoral Degree Level

Higher Doctorate provides a significant contribution to knowledge in a chosen field which demonstrates an authoritative standing as recognised by other scholars in that field. Higher Doctorates are usually a body of original work, and are awarded on the basis of submission of works published since graduation for assessment by independent experts in that field.

The focus is a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field of study which demonstrates an authoritative standing in that field.

The entry requirement is a Doctoral Degree and several years experience in the chosen field.

Candidates do not enrol in a course but submit a dissertation for assessment.

Doctorate by Research provides a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as an original research project.

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

The duration can typically be up to four years of full-time study or equivalent. 

Doctorate by Coursework provides a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding within a particular field, and to the application of knowledge within that field. The majority of the programme, usually about two-thirds, is undertaken as coursework.

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

The duration can typically be up to four years of full-time study or equivalent.

Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level recognises a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field which demonstrates an authoritative standing as recognised by other professionals in that field.

The focus is a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field which demonstrates an authoritative standing in that field.

The usual entry requirement is a four or five year Bachelor Degree and several years practice in the chosen field.

The duration is typically the equivalent of several years practice in the chosen field since graduation.

Statement of Attainment at Doctoral Degree Level provides recognition of completion of any coursework components which may contribute towards a qualification at Doctoral Degree Level, and is usually in the form of an academic transcript.

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied.  This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Duration of education at this level may vary.

Bridging and Enabling Course at Doctoral Degree Level provides specific background knowledge to allow further detailed study for students who do not have the pre-requisite subject matter knowledge or who have not studied for some time.

The focus is an in-depth theoretical study of the nature and underlying principles of a specific area of interest that clearly falls under the broader area of interest previously studied. This level involves an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding in the chosen field.

The usual entry requirement is a Master Degree or a Bachelor (Honours) Degree or equivalent, and demonstrated potential to undertake doctoral work through academic and/or professional performance.

Duration of education at this level may vary.