Study a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

The main difference between a PhD and MRes is the duration of the study, length of the thesis, and level of originality.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master’s by Research (MRes) are the highest tertiary qualifications in Australia, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Levels 9 and 10.

HDR students plan and execute an original research project under the mentorship of their supervisory panel, culminating in a body of work (often a thesis) that demonstrates either substantial supervised research or scholarship (for a Masters by Research) or substantial supervised research or scholarship that leads to an original contribution to knowledge (PhD).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Course structure

• additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development
• a research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature
• a second oral presentation midway through their candidature
• a third oral presentation towards the end of their candidature
• a thesis, usually comprising 60,000 to 100,000 words

Instead of a thesis, some candidates may complete a creative output, such as a film, novel, or exhibition, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words.

Masters by Research (MRes) Course structure

• additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development
• a research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature
• a second oral presentation towards the end of their candidature
• a thesis, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words

Instead of a thesis, some candidates may complete a creative output, such as a film, novel, or exhibition, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 15,000 to 25,000 words.

Domestic students

Domestic candidates incur no fees if they complete their degree within the allocated time. Candidates may also be eligible to receive a living allowance while they complete the research project. Learn more about domestic scholarships.

International students

International candidates often pay fees to undertake a research degree at CDU. However, if their record is especially strong, they might receive a fee waiver or even an additional living allowance while they complete the research project. Learn more about international scholarships.

To be eligible for entry to a PhD you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours division A
• a Masters qualification which contains a substantial research component.

To be eligible for entry to a MRes you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours
• a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component.

Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.

Finding an appropriate supervisor is the key moment in summoning a successful PhD candidature. CDU ensures that students are supported by a principal supervisor and a panel of experts, including, where relevant, industry professionals spanning from civil engineering to GLAMS (galleries, libraries, archives and museums).

• If you have not already developed a project outline here is a list of projects that CDU academics are willing to supervise.
• If you have not identified a supervisor, please skim our supervisor profiles , or for more comprehensive information, visit our Research Webportal

As part of the application process, you must provide written confirmation from a CDU supervisor that they are willing to supervise your proposed project.

Whether you are developing your own research project or joining an available project, you must write a brief research outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the proposed research project.  Your outline should include the project title, general field of research, proposed principal supervisor, brief description, ethical considerations, resource implications, fieldwork requirements, and any other relevant issues to the research.

Financial support for research degrees are available, including scholarships for living expenses (often called a stipend) and a tuition fee offset, which enables you to focus full-time on your research project.

• CDU offers a number of different competitive scholarship schemes for domestic research students. To find out more about these scholarships or to apply for a research scholarship, please visit the CDU Research Scholarship page
• For external scholarship opportunities, please visit the Scholarship Finder page.
• You can also contact our Scholarships team for enquiries regarding CDU external scholarships.

The online application process allows you to attach the relevant documents to your application. The following forms and documents are required to be submitted:

• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required
• Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications
• Two referee reports should be completed via this Referee Report Form
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (e.g. email correspondence)
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable

To be eligible for entry to a PhD you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours division A
• a Masters qualification which contains a substantial research component.

To be eligible for entry to a MRes you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours
• a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component.

Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.

A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or an equivalent English proficiency test result is required for entry into a Higher Degree by Research at CDU. However, please refer to the entry requirements page for more information on the forms for demonstrating English language proficiency.

Identifying a supervisor and a project is a crucial step before applying for admission into a research degree at CDU:

• If you have not already developed a project outline here is a list of projects that CDU academics are willing to supervise.
• If you have not identified a supervisor, please skim our supervisor profiles , or for more comprehensive information, visit our Research Webportal

As an international candidate you are required to pay tuition fees to undertake a research degree at CDU. However, if your record is especially strong, you might be eligible to receive a tuition fee waiver valued at between $31,135 and $33,705 per annum (2025 rate) and relocation allowance, while completing the research project. 

Learn more about international scholarships

Whether you are developing your own research project or joining an available project, you must write a brief research outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the proposed research project.  Your outline should include the project title, general field of research, proposed principal supervisor, brief description, ethical considerations, resource implications, fieldwork requirements, and any other relevant issues to the research.

The online application process allows you to attach the relevant documents to your application. The following forms and documents are required to be submitted:

• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required
• Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages)
• Proof of English language proficiency – please visit our Entry Requirement page for more information: https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/how-apply/entry-requirements
• Copy of passport showing personal and visa details
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications
• Two referee reports should be completed via this online form. 
• A well-written Statement of Purpose (Single) or Statement of Purpose (Family)
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (e.g. email correspondence)
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable

There is no application fee when you apply online.

• Higher Degree by Research degrees are categorised as either low-cost or high-cost fields of education. 
• Applicants can select either low-cost or high-cost during the application process; however, these costs are determined upon approval for an offer of admission. 
• There is no difference in the entry requirements or documents required for a full application.

CDU PhD by Prior Publication Guidelines

(Guidelines based on literature, sector standards, and input from CDU stakeholders across faculties and schools)

What is a PhD by prior publication

The PhD by prior publication (PPP) is an award that may be appropriate for someone with an established career or research profile, who has not gained a PhD but has demonstrated significant contribution to a specific knowledge area, via a substantial body of rigorously peer reviewed research output. (For some further insights see the CDU PhD by Publication Guidelines).

The PPP thesis typically comprises initial and final chapters that cohesively link the candidate’s key first author publications, which are presented as the middle chapters along with accompanying text. These outputs along with the thesis narrative clearly articulate the significant original contribution of the body of work to a focused area of knowledge. 

(NB. Due copyright and IP the PPP thesis must adhere to specific presentation protocols. After a student has enrolled CDUs Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) and the CDU library can provide advice on these). 

In addition to relating wider research outputs such as books and other outputs, the PPP thesis should include a minimum of 6-8 first author high quality journal articles (see later section for non-traditional research outputs) that demonstrate the outstanding knowledge contribution. While this may vary by discipline, these significant articles should present primary research and new knowledge, rather than literature review.

Credibility and quality of the journal articles’ contribution to knowledge can be demonstrated by relating the associated journal ranking, e.g. top 10%, or top quartile Q1 ranked journals, e.g. https://www.scimagojr.com/, as well as other objective quality indicators.

Credible impact evidence should also support the PPP thesis narrative, including citation metrics for outputs overall and for the headline PPP articles, e.g. Google Scholar, ResearchGate; SciVal and other relevant indicators. Additional impact indicators include reference in policy documents, regulation, etc. (After a student has enrolled, the ORI team can offer further insights on impact).

The PPP thesis follows the same examination process and criteria as a traditional PhD in which the SOCK is the key factor. However, the PPP usually covers a longer period (i.e. greater contribution made over a period greater than four years). Candidates will also usually be required to give an oral presentation or viva voce as part of the examination process in order to verify the validity of their contributions.

Eligibility criteria for the PPP

Determining a potential applicant’s suitability to undertake a PPP, as well as the award criteria will include consideration of:

• A well-established career/research profile, which has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to a specific knowledge area 
• Publications that cluster into a particular field and demonstrate significant original contribution to knowledge (SOCK). This SOCK will generally refer to new research that has impact and verifiable outcomes relating to knowledge, often in relation to the economy and/or society and/or environment. 
• Where appropriate (e.g. research involving people or animals), the candidate must demonstrate that the related research was approved by committees responsible for ensuring research integrity and ethics and was conducted in accordance with the Australian Code for the Conduct of Research, or similar.
• A minimum of 6-8 first authored high-quality journal articles, up to a maximum of 12, which form the focus of the PPP thesis contribution narrative and demonstrate the significant knowledge contribution. (NB. High quality refers to top-quartile Q1 journals, i.e. ranked in the top 25% of academic journals in a particular subject area).
• Publications with other quality indicators such as high citation counts, or other demonstrable impact might be relevant for inclusion, e.g. a highly cited articles from lower ranked journals, but in such cases including a higher number of high-quality outputs might be applicable.
• It may be possible to include outputs where the applicant is not first author, but these require careful consideration. For example:
  • For multiple author publications where the applicant is not first author, the applicant must demonstrate how they made a major contribution to the work (conception and design of the project, data collection, analysis and interpretation of research data, and drafting the work), e.g., as outlined in a co-author statement.
• Other outputs like book chapters, conferences, reports, etc., can be related to support overall contribution and impact. However, these would usually receive mention rather than being part of the actual thesis, since such outputs do not undergo the same rigorous peer review process associated with most top-tier journals.
• Publications should have contemporary relevance and will have been published within the past 15 years.
• Publications must not incorporate work that has previously been submitted for the award of a degree or have arisen directly from research work performed within another award.
• Publications should demonstrate originality of contribution. Literature review papers would not therefore normally be eligible for inclusion in the PPP thesis.
• In some disciplines, such as Arts, where research outputs often do not take the form of published written works, alternate outputs can be considered. For example:
  • original creative works
  • live performance of creative works
  • recorded/rendered creative works
  • curated or produced substantial public exhibitions and events
  • research reports for an external body
  • portfolio/collection

These are often referred to as non-traditional research outputs (NTROs). NTROs comprise activities or artefacts that may be included in the PPP provided a strong exegetical case is made regarding how they demonstrate original contribution to knowledge. Furthermore, NTROs equivalent credible quality indicators should be provided, which could include quantifying the scale of works based on where they were exhibited, scale of audience, etc. (CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Associate Dean of Research can advise further on NTROs)

Applying for the PPP

In a PPP application a potential candidate should consider and demonstrate how they satisfy the criteria outlined above, and present a well-thought case for their PPP eligibility, which should include:

• Full references, with DOI links, and abstracts of the selected PPP focused quality research outputs (selected from their publications/outputs overall), which will form the key elements of the proposed PPP thesis. 
• The relevant associated quality indicators for each of these outputs (e.g. Scimago journal ranking), as well as evidence of the impact of the research output.
• A summary of the anticipated SOCK narrative proposed for each output, as well as for the thesis overall.

Selecting a PPP supervisor

The proposed PPP principal supervisor must also have a strong, credible research profile that includes high quality outputs and a background that relates to the proposed PPP knowledge area. 

Before agreeing to supervise a student, a potential supervisor should evaluate the applicant’s eligibility against the PPP evaluation criteria, including reviewing and confirming the ranking of the proposed high quality research outputs. Where appropriate a proposed supervisor may advise the applicant by offering guidance on developing their PPP case. 

Following PPP application submission, it will undergo a review process that will include screening by the associated Discipline Chair. 

Students enrol at CDU between 6 and 12 months and full-time and part-time enrolments are available.

For further information please contact Research.Degrees@cdu.edu.au

CDU PhD by Publication Guidelines

(Guidelines based on literature, sector standards, and input from CDU stakeholders across faculties and schools)

What is a PhD by publication?

Different institutions use different names for the PhD by publication (PP), such as a PhD including publication. Regardless of name, the typical PP thesis format is initial and final chapters that cohesively link selected key publications, which are presented as the middle chapters with accompanying text. The publications are generated by research conducted during the PhD candidature and the thesis overall must clearly articulate their collective significant original contributions to a specific focused area of knowledge. The PP thesis follows the same examination process and criteria as a traditional PhD in which the SOCK is the key factor. (Some further reading is listed at the end of the guidelines).

(NB. Due copyright and IP the PP thesis must adhere to specific presentation protocols. After a student has enrolled CDUs Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) and the CDU library can provide advice on these). 

Number and type of outputs

As a rule of thumb, a PhD by Publication thesis should include a minimum of 3 or 4 first author articles published in quality journals (see later section for non-traditional research outputs). This number can vary by discipline and contextual factors. For example, Paltridge & Starfield (2023) report between 3 to 6 articles for humanities/social sciences PP theses. Article length is also a consideration, and a larger number of articles with lower word counts may be needed.

The selected PP articles should cluster in a particular knowledge area, and each must demonstrate clear and distinct outstanding knowledge contribution. While this may vary by discipline, the selected articles will usually therefore present primary research, rather than literature review, or reflections and opinions about a subject (e.g. opinion piece and literature review articles may not count).

The selected articles should also be published in top-quartile journals, e.g. see https://www.scimagojr.com/ . This high ranking provides an objective, internationally recognised benchmark for research quality and impact – 3 Q1 (top 25% of journal) and a Q2 article might be therefore acceptable. 

Credibility and quality of an articles’ contribution potential can further be demonstrated by relating a journal’s specific ranking percentile, e.g. see https://www.scimagojr.com/, as well as other objective indicators, including journal impact factor, and an article’s citation metrics, e.g. Google Scholar, ResearchGate; SciVal, etc. Additional indicators include reference in policy documents, regulation, education programs, etc. (After a student has enrolled, the ORI team can offer further insights on impact).

Other PhD research outputs, such as practitioner articles and reports, conference papers or book chapters, may be related in the thesis but these would not usually appear in full in the PP thesis, since the associated peer review process is often not as rigorous as top journals. Such outputs are often therefore mentioned in support of practical contributions and research impact, rather than knowledge contribution. 

Is a PhD by publication is a suitable option? 

The PhD journey provides candidates with Australian Qualifications Framework level 10 training in academic research and writing. Students and candidates sometimes mistakenly consider a PhD by publication as a simpler option. Whereas it presents additional challenges and requires a clear publication strategy to demonstrate the same significant contribution to knowledge as the traditional PhD. For candidates without a record of article writing and publication, a PhD by publication may not be a viable option. 

Candidates considering a PhD by publication should conduct their own research to develop their understanding of what this PhD format entails. General reading around, along with specific reading in the chosen discipline or field of research (FoR) is essential. Reviewing examples of prior PhDs by publication in the relevant FoR can assist. Examples can be found by searching “dissertations” in the CDU library (e.g. Norris 2023). (The CDU library support team can also assist if needed). 

Where possible, candidates should try and include a supervisor on their panel who has experience of supervising a PhD by publication in the relevant FoR. However, this will depend upon supervisor availability and may not always be an option. 

Some research projects have an associated pre-planned PhD by publication. However, for most candidates considering a PhD by publication, the logical pathway is to start off with a traditional PhD in mind. Research and writing capabilities will be evaluated via a candidate’s progression, including the confirmation of candidature (CoC) proposal, and the initial thesis literature review and methodology chapters. The decision is thereby informed by this progress, and supervisors will determine whether the PP is a realistic option. 

Starting off with a traditional PhD makes sense for most candidates, since the publication process is unpredictable. The period from paper submission to resubmission(s) to acceptance is often more than a year. While an under-review paper may be acceptable for inclusion in the thesis, most papers will need to have been published prior to the thesis submission. Furthermore, rejection of a key paper can undermine the viability of the PhD by publication. 

Many traditional PhDs produce not only a thesis but also numerous high-quality journal articles. While the PhD by publication is becoming more common, candidates should also be aware that some disciplines may view it as a second-rate PhD.

Eligibility criteria for the PP

Determining a potential candidate’s suitability to submit a PP thesis will include consideration of:

• Publications produced during the candidature that cluster into a particular field and demonstrate significant original contribution to knowledge (SOCK). This SOCK will generally refer to new research that has impact and verifiable outcomes relating to knowledge, often in relation to the economy and/or society and/or environment. 
• A minimum of 3-4 first authored quality journal articles, which form the focus of the PP thesis. The associated cohesive contribution narrative then demonstrates the significant knowledge contribution. (NB. High quality typically refers to top-quartile Q1 journals, i.e. ranked in the top 25% of academic journals in a particular subject area, though Q2 articles may be acceptable).
• Publications with other quality indicators such as high citation counts, or other demonstrable impacts might be relevant for inclusion, e.g. a highly cited articles from lower ranked journals, but in such cases including a higher number of outputs might be applicable.
• Other outputs like book chapters, conferences, reports, etc., can be related to support overall contribution and impact. However, these would usually receive mention rather than being part of the actual thesis, since such outputs do not undergo the same rigorous peer review process associated with most top-tier journals.
• The included publications must all have arisen directly from the PhD research work.
• Publications included in the PP should demonstrate originality of contribution. Literature review papers and opinion pieces would not therefore normally count toward the minimum number of articles required.
• In some disciplines, such as Arts, where research outputs often do not take the form of published written works, alternate outputs can be considered. For example:
  • original creative works
  • live performance of creative works
  • recorded/rendered creative works
  • curated or produced substantial public exhibitions and events
  • research reports for an external body
  • portfolio/collection

These are often referred to as non-traditional research outputs (NTROs). For PP theses comprising NTROs equivalent credible quality indicators will need to be provided, which could include quantifying the scale of works based on where they were exhibited, scale of audience, etc. (CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Associate Dean of Research can provide further insights to NTROs)

NB. The PhD format involving artefact and exegesis is likely to be more applicable for research producing NTROs.

Reading

Mason, S., Frick, L., Castelló, M., Cheng, W., Chong, S. W., Díaz Villalba, L., … Weise, C. (2024). What makes a Thesis by Publication? An international study of policy requirements and restrictions. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 47(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2024.2389357

Norris, E. (2023). Is Corporate Reporting Useful for Stakeholder Accountability? The Case of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Not-for-Profits in Australia [ProQuest Dissertations & Theses]. https://doi.org/10.25913/8prr-t094

O’Keeffe, P. (2022). The PhD by Publication as Preparation for Work in the ‘Performative University’. In: Chong, S.W., Johnson, N. (eds) Landscapes and Narratives of PhD by Publication. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04895-1_13

Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2023). The PhD by publication in the humanities and social sciences: a cross-country analysis. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 47(7), 863–874. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2023.2190450

For further information please contact Research.Degrees@cdu.edu.au

Higher Degree by Research have changed, and are now available online

• Students and supervisors can be located anywhere in the world 
• Weekly meetings are held via Teams or Zoom 
• Feedback is delivered digitally 
• Charles Darwin University (CDU) Library provides full online services and support 
• Milestone events are delivered and assessed digitally 
• Thesis are sent to examiners digitally

What is a Cotutelle?

A Cotutelle Doctoral Degree refers to a doctoral degree program that is undertaken jointly at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and another international higher education institution. A PhD student (domestic or international) is supervised jointly by academics from both institutions. 

The candidature is divided between CDU and the partner institution, spending a minimum of 12 months at each university. Upon successful completion of a PhD students will also be awarded two parchments, one from each institution. CDU can either be the home institution (where the student spends the majority of their time) or the host institution.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a cotutelle doctoral degree a student will need to be:

• Admitted to a doctoral degree at your home institution 
• A full-time student • Within the first year of your PhD 
• Have the support of your home institution's principal supervisor, and 
• Have identified a potential supervisor at the host institution

Timeframes

Due to the detailed nature of cotutelle arrangements, it can take up to three months to develop an agreement and gain approval.

Benefits of a Cotutelle PhD

Benefits for Students 

• Exposure to diverse international educational environments 
• Increased professional networks 
• Enhanced career opportunities 
• Access to different infrastructure and research expertise

Benefits for Supervisors

• Enhancing current research collaborations 
• Developing broader research programmes 
• Increasing professional networks 
• Understanding innovative research perspectives extending the global impact of research