Overview

As a Doctor of Philosophy and Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management (Information Systems) candidate, you'll undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession. The research you'll undertake may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative. Our program coursework supports the development of research and career skills.

Your industry experience

Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.

Research areas

  • Information Systems
  • Business Analysis
  • Data Analytics
  • Technology and Digital Management
  • Social Impacts of Information Systems
  • Information Technology Project Management

Skills you’ll learn

  • Independent Thinking
  • Project Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Refined communication skills

Your career opportunities

  • Academic
  • Entrepreneur
  • Researcher/Government consultant
  • Business development
  • Analyst – policy, market, quantitative

Key codes

CRICOS course code
096282B
VTAC Code (CSP)
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Why Swinburne?

Ranked Top 100 in Computer Science and Engineering

ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022

Ranked top 100 in the world for Computer Science and Engineering

ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022

Ranked Top 150 in Computer Science

Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023

Qualifications

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.

Applicants must have completed at least four years (or equivalent) of tertiary education studies in a relevant discipline at a high level of achievement, and must have been approved for the award of the degree(s) for which they studied. 

A high level of achievement is defined as the equivalent of a four year Swinburne Honours degree that includes a significant research component in the fourth year, leading to an Honours degree class 1 (average grade between 80-100) or class 2A (average grade between 70-79) level. 

Four years of tertiary studies can be demonstrated by the completion of any of the combinations of qualifications below, at the required standard of achievement: 

  • a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a Masters by Research or

  • a bachelor degree (three or four years) and an Honours year or

  • a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a Masters by Coursework or

  • a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a postgraduate diploma in Psychology or

  • a bachelor degree (four years) in an approved discipline.

    a bachelor degree (four years) in an approved discipline.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is generally completed over a period of four years full-time or eight years part-time. Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, experimental and/or creative, and are required to submit a written research thesis, a written research thesis including associated papers, or an artefact with an accompanying exegesis. The examinable outcome will normally be equivalent to 70 000 to 100 000 words. Where the examinable outcome takes the form of a thesis, it is acknowledged that thesis length can vary according to the nature of the work and the discipline. 
 
Throughout your candidature you will receive guidance and support from your research supervisors. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of research training sessions on topics such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.

For the Graduate Certificate component, students are required to complete 50 credit points comprised of four units of 12.5 credit points each:

  • 2 core units of study (25 credit points)

  • 2 elective units of study, or equivalent (25 credit points)

At the commencement of their PhD, students will be enrolled into the two core units. They are required to complete these units within the first 12 months of candidature (prior to Confirmation of Candidature). Swinburne Research will deliver the two core units through a mix of online learning and face-to-face workshops on Hawthorn campus. 
 
In consultation with the supervisory team, students take two elective units at any stage during the PhD candidature. The relevant faculty will deliver elective units, which can be online, multi modal, or on campus.

2
Core units
+
2
Elective unts
+
60,000
words
Thesis
=
Graduate Certificate
+
PhD

PhD Thesis

As part of your final submission, you'll submit a written research thesis, or a written research thesis including associated papers, of up to 60,000 words.

Progress reviews

Progress reviews used to monitor academic progress and provide feedback to candidates at different stages of their candidature. Progress review due dates will vary based on your degree and enrolment status.

Progress reviews process Due date from enrolment

Preconfirmation review

Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops

3 months

Confirmation of candidature review

Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops

9-12 months

Mid-candidature review

Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops

I2-24 months

Draft thesis review

Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops

33-36 months and follow-up 3 months prior to thesis submission

Course work

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Project Management for Research
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INF60016
Innovation and Impact in Research
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENT60010
Elective units
Aviation Research Topics
Elective unit
AVA40001
Research Methods in Science
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
BIO80005
Research Methodology
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
BUS80003
Quantitative Research Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
BUS80017
Qualitative Research Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
BUS80018
Research Design and Methodology
Elective unit
CSM80010
Nature of Learning and Teaching
Elective unit
EDU60001
Digital Learning Environments
Elective unit
EDU60002
Curriculum Design and Assessment
Elective unit
EDU60003
Scholarly Teaching: to explore, evaluate and improve
Elective unit
EDU60004
Developing Inclusive Learning and Teaching Practice
Elective unit
EDU60005
Design and Delivery for Online Learning
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
EDU60014
Social Entrepreneurship
Elective unit
ENT80018
Advanced Research Methods in Health Sciences
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
HEA40001
Research Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
ICT80011
Applied Research Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
ICT90003
Neuroscience Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
NEU40002
Research Skills
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
NPS60001
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
PSY40001
Statistical Practice 1
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
STA60001
Research Design
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
STA60004
Multivariate Statistics
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
STA70002
Data Management and Analytics Using SAS
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
STA70003
Survey Sampling
Elective unit
STA70005
Advanced Research Communication Skills in Science, Engineering and Technology
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
COM80001
Research Engagement
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
MFP60001
Research Training
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
MFP60002
Directed Study
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
MFP60003

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$36,600.00

Fees are estimates only

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply to 2024 unit enrolments for HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Finances
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.
Learn more about paying your fees

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are now open. Our research scholarships are awarded to candidates with exceptional potential who are undertaking doctoral studies. These opportunities seek to promote equity and recognise excellence and achievement. 

Please view our guidebook to help determine which documents you’ll need to prepare an application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
DR-ISGC
Search for agents

Apply for a research degree

Step 1: Decide on a research topic

Your research topic should align with one of the areas of research we are involved in. You can find out about Swinburne's areas of research through our:

Step 2: Find a supervisor

Using the Find a Supervisor tool search for a potential supervisor in your area of interest and contact them directly to discuss supervision. You must find a supervisor for your research project before applying for a research degree. Your application will not be considered unless you have an appropriate and willing supervisor.

Find a supervisor

Step 3: Submit your application

Once you have decided on a research topic and found an appropriate and willing supervisor, you must complete and submit the online application form.

Submit your application
Course code
DR-ISGC
Apply directly
Course code
DR-ISGC
CRICOS code
096282B
Apply directly

Graduate certificate

Domestic students applying to the Doctor of Philosophy (DR-IS) course will automatically be considered for a place in the Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management (GC-RESIM) and do not need to apply separately for this course. The Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management (GC-RESIM) is not available for direct entry.

Start dates

Students are able to apply and enrol into this course at any stage during each monthly intake. Start dates are a guide only.

Location
Start dates
Research Period 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
01-January-2025
Research Period 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
01-July-2025

Start dates

Students are able to apply and enrol into this course at any stage during each monthly intake. Start dates are a guide only.

Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Research Period 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
27-December-2024
Start dates
01-January-2025
Research Period 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-June-2025
Start dates
01-July-2025
Upcoming research events
Earth Observation Data Analysis Short Course
15-October-2024