Demonstrating research ability
Research ability may be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Students applying to undertake a higher degree by research must:
a) comply with the University's English language requirements
b) have met one of the minimum entry requirements listed in (1 - 4) below in a relevant discipline from a recognised tertiary institution at the standard specified, or demonstrate equivalent prior learning and research experience as set out in (6). Relevant qualifications must have been obtained less than five years prior to application. Where qualifications do not meet this requirement, the applicant must provide an additional portfolio of evidence of equivalent research or professional experience and outputs from the last five years. Additional evidence may include but is not limited to: workplace experience, verified reports, reviews, conference presentations, publications and data analysis.
Simply transferring from a coursework degree to a research degree isn't possible. All applicants must meet the following entry requirements to be admitted to candidature.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) stipulates the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training.
1. Doctoral Degree
Minimum entry requirements
Completion of research project in a related area including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% or equivalent.
OR
Masters Degree (Research) in a related area.
2. Masters Degree (Research)
Minimum entry requirements
Completion of research project including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65% or equivalent.
3. Master of Philosophy – offered by the School of Medicine
Minimum entry requirements
Coursework Master degree with a minimum credit average (65% or equivalent) in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis.
OR
Bachelor degree with a distinction average (70%) for the third year or equivalent in the same discipline as the proposed research thesis.
OR
Completion of the pre-clinical component of the Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent degree) at the postgraduate level.
4. Prior learning equivalent to a qualification at least at AQF Level 8
Qualification/equivalent research experience
Prior learning equivalent to a qualification at least at AQF Level 8 and research experience with outputs which is sufficient to prepare the applicant for HDR candidature.
Required standard of achievement
For admission to master's degree (research) or doctoral degree
Sufficiency of research experience and standard of research outputs to be determined with reference to evidence which might include independently peer-reviewed publications, research-related awards or prizes and/or professional reports.
Grade equivalence
The following table provides a guide to grade equivalence at Deakin University. It is an indicator only and does not automatically equate to other institution grades.
| % range | Description | Deakin Honours Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 80%+ | First class | H1 |
| 70-79% | Upper second class | H2A |
| 60-69% | Lower Second class | H2B |
Additional evidence (optional)
You are encouraged to provide copies of peer-reviewed publications as evidence of your research experience. Include details on the nature of your research ability, specifically length and content of the program or research, with particular attention to the standard of any research component.
Application assessment
Deakin assesses each application on its merits, and final decisions are at the discretion of the University rather than individual faculty members. The University must also take into account supervisor availability, the suitability of the proposed project, strategic university goals and available funding.
Thesis based on a series of publications prior to candidature
It is possible to be admitted to candidature to produce a thesis based on prior publications.
To be admitted, the publications to be included in this thesis must form a coherent body of work that demonstrates a substantial original contribution to knowledge on the part of the applicant.
The publications must normally have been produced within the last ten years. The research leading to the publications must have been conducted in a way consistent with university research integrity requirements.
Any part of the publications submitted for another degree must be identified, and cannot be considered as part of the contribution to knowledge that is to be demonstrated in the thesis.
For more information, email the HDR Candidature office.
Scholarship eligibility
To be competitive for a scholarship you'll need to have an H1 grade average or equivalent. Please see individual scholarship terms and conditions for further information.