New PhD by Practice-Based Research

Swinburne University’s Faculty of Business and Enterprise has recently released a limited number of places in its new PhD by Practice-Based Research program. The program is a Doctor of Philosophy that has been designed to support the research development of senior practitioners in the fields of management, education and other professional areas and to bring benefits to the organisations in which they work.

The program is research-based, focusing on the research and development of professional practice. Key themes are an understanding of research and methodologies, their application and development in work contexts of various kinds and how inquiry informs leadership and promotes high quality professional learning.

Professor Barry O'Mahony, Director of Research Development for the Faculty of Business and Enterprise believes the program is the long awaited next step to maintain Australia's clever country status.

“Employment growth in countries like Australia will be dependent on developing strong research and development capability within businesses and ongoing success will require the development of intellectual capital,” Professor O’Mahony said.

Associate Dean of Research, Professor Santina Bertone credits the innovative concept and design of the program to a combination of local and overseas experience within the development team.

“Swinburne has recruited a number of high achieving professors that think outside the square. This, together with a combination of academic and industry experience, is evident in the program design and has been commended by industry and applicants,” Professor Bertone said.

The nature of the research will be practice-based rather than theoretical. This specialised approach involves the application of research methods within specific contexts. A full range of research methods will be explored and utilised within the cohort experience but the application will be to practice-based research questions only. Compulsory study workshops will be completed throughout the program to support the development of research methodology and research skills.

Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent with at least a credit average and this may be completed by coursework (rather than by research). Candidates are required to complete a structured training program to develop the research skills required to successfully complete the research program. All applicants will be required to attend a pre-enrolment advice session, where their proposed research will be discussed and employer support will be required to conduct the research in the workplace.

For further information
email study@swinburne.edu.au or
access: http://www.research.swinburne.edu.au/higher-degrees/postgraduate/index.html

Duration
The program will only be taken by candidates on a part-time basis as the candidate must be working in order to research their field of practice (including the voluntary sector). The program will take 6-8 years part-time, but there will be provision for early submission in the event that the candidate is ready to submit in a slightly shorter timeframe.

Campus
Hawthorn/City Flinders Street

Intake
Semester One. However, the delivery of the program is not limited to the academic semester timetable and enrolment can occur at any time of the year based on enrolment numbers.

For further information
Please download the PhD by Practice-Based Research Program Brochure or contact

Academic Professor Barry O'Mahony (PhD) Director, Research Development Faculty of Business and Enterprise Level 3, AGSE Building Crn Wakefield and William Sts HAWTHORN VIC 3122 Tel: +61 3 9214 5170 email: bomahony@swin.edu.au

Administrative Ms Anne Cain Student Administration, Faculty of Business and Enterprise Level 1, AGSE Building Cnr Wakefield and William Sts HAWTHORN VIC 3122 Tel: +61 3 92148605 email: ancain@swin.edu.au