Doctor of Philosophy
Information and Communication Technology
This program is suited to applicants who:
- have some prior research experience
- are interested in a pursuing a career in research
- have a desire to make an original contribution to research in a particular field
- have a naturally inquiring mind and a desire to know more
- wish to gain an internationally recognised qualification
- want to enhance their employment opportunities.
Applicants may also be interested in an alternate Doctor of Philosophy (Information and Communication Technology) program, which is part of a new integrated suite of programs offering a pathway to a higher degree by research for students who hold a three-year bachelor degree.
Duration
3-4 years full time (6-8 years part time)
Intakes
Hawthorn (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
This program is suited to applicants who:
- have some prior research experience
- are interested in a pursuing a career in research
- have a desire to make an original contribution to research in a particular field
- have a naturally inquiring mind and a desire to know more
- wish to gain an internationally recognised qualification
- want to enhance their employment opportunities.
Course structure
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.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Aims and objectives

Graduate skills
- conduct independent research at a high level of originality and quality
- independently conceive of, design, conduct and complete a research project or program
- understand their given substantive area as well as the given methodological approach(es)
- communicate an argument convincingly, with clarity and relevance to appropriate audiences.
Other key skills obtained by research graduates include:
- Independent thinking
- Decision-making skills
- Good judgement
- Logical thought, rationality
- Communication skills
- Project management skills
- Data analysis
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Entry requirements
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.
Find out more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Students applying to the domestic Doctor of Philosophy (DR-ICT) course (or other applicable course name) 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.