The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Victoria University is VU's Doctoral Degree (Research) program, and qualifies individuals who acquire and apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more fields of investigation or scholarship. This unit (SHM8003) contributes to the research student's progress towards the production of a thesis in an approved thesis format for independent examination by at least two external expert examiners of international standing. In this unit of study the student will be expected to demonstrate progress towards thesis completion as per the Learning Outcomes and procedures outlined as part of the university's Higher Degrees by Research Policy.

Unit details

Location:
City Campus
Footscray Park
St Albans
Werribee
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
0
Unit code:
SHM8003

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Expert understanding of a substantial body of theory and its practical application at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including substantial expert knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to the field;  
  2. Intellectual independence and cognitive skills to undertake a systematic investigation, reflect critically on theory and practice and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, including identifying, evaluating and critically analysing the validity of research studies and their applicability to a research problem;  
  3. Expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to design, develop and implement a research project/s to systematically investigate a research problem; to develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge; and to manage, analyse, evaluate and interpret data, synthesising key ideas and theorising within the context of key literature;  
  4. Expert communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; to disseminate and promote new insights; and to cogently present a complex investigation of originality, or original research, both for external examination and to specialist (eg. researcher peers) and non-specialist (industry and/or community) audiences through informal interaction, scholarly publications, reports and formal presentations;  
  5. Capacity to reflect on, develop and evaluate strategies for achieving their own learning and career goals;  
  6. Intellectual independence, initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning;  
  7. Ethical practice and full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs; and  
  8. Autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading scholar.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Thesis Research Thesis (60,000-100,000 words) Pass/Fail
The student will demonstrate substantial progress towards completion of the research thesis through formal meetings with their thesis supervisors, who will provide formative feedback. The unit will be internally assessed by the supervisory team, the Flagship Research Insitutes and University through Candidature Milestone reviews. On completion, the thesis will be assessed through independent examination by at least two external expert examiners of international standing.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.