Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a doctorate degree by research, meaning that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research. The research has been conducted and reported by the holder via the thesis, under academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period. Examiners have also declared the thesis to be a significant and original contribution to knowledge, demonstrating the student’s capacity to carry out independent research. A PhD candidate must be an enrolled student of the Institute and is required to carry out a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the guidance of at least two supervisors. The candidate, under the guidance of the supervisor(s), is responsible for developing the research program to be followed. The thesis makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and / or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research ‘apprenticeship’ is complete, and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.