Professional doctorates
You may be eligible to do a professional doctorate at the University of South Australia. Find out about programs on offer. See also the Postgraduate research degree program directory
- What is a professional doctorate?
- Are you eligible?
- Professional doctorates available
- Guidelines for examiners
What is a professional doctorate?
A professional doctorate is a rigorous program of advanced study and research, designed specifically to meet the needs of industry and professional groups. Professional doctorates foster excellence in professional practice by developing the capacity of individuals to lead development of knowledge in their professional contexts. The professional doctorate encourages close cooperation across the university/industry/profession interface and provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly inquiry.
Professional doctorates usually consist of a blend of coursework and research. The coursework component is designed to build on candidates' professional expertise by exposing them to leading and challenging ideas in their fields. Research undertaken as part of the professional doctorate is geared to directing and informing change, and to making a difference in the workplace and/or professional context. Supported by expert facilitators, professional doctoral candidates bring the highest levels of systematic research knowledge and practice to professional projects.
Professional doctorates meet scholarly and university standards of research practice.
Are you eligible?
Applicants normally will have an honours degree or postgraduate qualifications and substantial experience in the field.
Professional doctorates available
The University of South Australia offers two types of professional doctorate. Some divisions offer a research professional doctorate that comprises at least two-thirds research. There are also coursework professional doctorates in which the research component is less than two-thirds research. The following professional doctorates are offered by the University of South Australia.
| Program code | Program name | Program Director(s) | Research:Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPCM | Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy | Stefan Kowalski | 50:50 |
| IPPM | Doctor of Project Management | A/Prof George Zillante | 50:50 |
| LPEP | Doctor of Engineering Practice | Dr Tim Ferris | 67:33 |
| MPCS | Doctor of Communication | Dr Jackie Cook | 67:33 |
| MPEU, MPEO | Doctor of Education |
Professor Marie Brennan Dr Lew Zipin |
67:33 |
If you are interested in applying please contact the Program Director.
For more information go to UniSA
Higher Degrees by Research Policy and
Academic
Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research
Guidelines for examiners
Guidelines for examiners of the professional doctorate by research (RTF file)