Doctor of Philosophy and Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management
Information and Communication Technology
Candidates complete research, which may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative. They must submit a written research thesis, or a written research thesis including associated papers, of between 70,000 and 100,000 words.
The graduate certificate aims to support students’ doctoral research and enhance their capacity to contribute significantly to knowledge in their discipline. The course also seeks to enhance students’ career prospects and employability through innovative research coursework and workshops. Students may also have the option of undertaking a work placement as an elective unit.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
4 Year/s (maximum)
Intakes
Hawthorn (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
CRICOS code
096282B
Fees
A$40400 (annual for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search 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. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
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.
Find out more about research areas and expertise in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology.
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.
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.
- 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.
Units of study
Core units of the Graduate Certificate component
Complete the following 25 credit points:
- AVA40001 Aviation Research Topics
- BIO80005 Research Methods in Science
- BUS80003 Research Methodology
- BUS80017 Quantitative Research Methods
- BUS80018 Qualitative Research Methods
- CSM80010 Research Design and Methodology
- EDU60001 Nature of Learning and Teaching
- EDU60002 Digital Learning Environments
- EDU60003 Curriculum Design and Assessment
- EDU60004 Scholarly Teaching: to explore, evaluate and improve
- EDU60005 Developing Inclusive Learning and Teaching Practice
- EDU60014 Design and Delivery for Online Learning
- ENT80018 Social Entrepreneurship
- HEA40001 Advanced Research Methods in Health Sciences
- ICT80011 Research Methods
- ICT90003 Applied Research Methods
- NEU40002 Neuroscience Methods
- NPS60001 Research Skills
- PSY40001 Advanced Quantitative Methods
- STA60001 Statistical Practice 1
- STA60004 Research Design
- STA70002 Multivariate Statistics
- STA70003 Data Management and Analytics Using SAS
- STA70005 Survey Sampling
- STA80006 Statistical Decision Making
- STA80007 Bayesian Statistics
- COM80001 Advanced Research Communication Skills in Science, Engineering and Technology
- MFP60001 Research Engagement
- MFP60002 Research Training
- MFP60003 Directed Study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives

Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
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.
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.
English language requirements
- 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 longer than 24 months before submitting your application
- satisfactory completion of Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced level certificate at the postgraduate level (EAP 5: PG-70%)
- successful completion of 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 longer than 60 months before submitting your application
- successful completion of 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