Doctor of Philosophy (Industry)

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Duration

4 years full-time, 8 years part-time

Location

Online

Next start term

First Half of Year, 2026

Study mode

On Campus, Online

Course code

CM33

Overview Structure & Availability Requirements Fees & Scholarships How to Apply

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Overview

We see real people creating real results and our Doctor of Philosophy (Industry) will arm you with the practical expertise to make a real difference in your industry and career. CQU's PhD (Industry) is a professional-practice doctorate, combining preparatory research coursework, research coursework and dissertation to prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking to your profession. Designed to build on your industry experience, you will have the choice of completing an industry placement or advanced coursework to align with your research project and enhance your professional expertise.

The PhD (Industry) is designed to cater to individuals with industry or academic experience who wish to undertake a research degree. The course will prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking skills to bear on your existing leadership and/or management roles. Over a standard duration of four years, the course offers a supportive entry into research, enabling you to become familiar with the language, techniques and expectations of research before embarking on your PhD-level project. The course structure includes high-quality coursework, research coursework and research dissertation (project and thesis) elements in a unique and flexible combination that can be tailored to you.

The PhD (Industry) also offers a robust model of student support, including cohort-style supervisory teams, guidance and instruction from academic staff in research coursework; the provision of generous access to resources to directly support your research project and conference activity, and study support, training, events and research culture through the School of Graduate Research.

The course is governed by the Doctor of Philosophy (Industry) Course Rules which provide details regarding all aspects of admission, progression, submission and examination of your thesis.

Interested in speaking to someone about the Doctor of Philosophy (Industry)? Book a call back today.

Study Experience

Discover more about your Doctor of Philosophy (Industry) and how you'll benefit from flexible options and dedicated research higher degree support networks. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

Apply Anytime
Part-time or Full-time
Local Networks
Socially Innovative
Strong Research Connections
World-class Researchers

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD (Industry) are expected to access senior/management level positions in their current industry sector, or promotions pathways within the academic or public policy setting. They may also explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, consultancy or professional practice areas.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

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Available Locations

Your Course

This is a research-based course and progress is monitored on a time and progress basis, rather than credit point accrual (0 credits):

1
You'll choose between four advanced coursework units OR an industry placement of at least three months duration.

What You'll Study

Research higher degree courses at CQU do not use a set credit point value. The PhD (Industry) course structure comprises various curriculum components, with some mandatory and some elective areas.

In the first six months, as a research candidate, you will complete foundational research coursework to become familiar with the language and expectations of research and to shape your research topic. This part of the curriculum mirrors the Graduate Certificate in Research.

You will then follow the same pathway as a traditional PhD, completing the required research development activities and the confirmation milestone. Following approval of the Confirmation of Candidature milestone, you will progress to research and thesis/dissertation activities. At this stage, you will also have the flexibility to choose between either four advanced coursework units or an industry placement alongside your research project.

The PhD (Industry) requires you to participate in either four advanced coursework units or a three-month research-based industry placement. If you choose the coursework option, a list of available units will be provided at the beginning of each term. These units must be advanced level units in any disciplinary area, and meet minimum criteria as described in the Doctor of Philosophy (Industry) Course Rules.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.

Fees & Scholarships

Fees and Financial Support

At CQU, we offer a vibrant research community, generous project funding, training and financial support, so that you can thrive as a researcher. This makes pursuing your research higher degree at CQU more affordable than you think. You may be eligible for stipends and scholarships to reduce your study costs, plus you can access project and conference financial support. For more information, visit our research higher degree fee page.

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

1
Check you meet the course requirements

What happens after you submit your preliminary proposal?

Your preliminary proposal will be received by the School of Graduate Research team and directed on to the relevant academic School for review and identification of available supervisors. You may be contacted directly by a potential supervisor to discuss your proposed topic.

If your preliminary proposal is accepted, you will be invited to prepare a full research proposal in collaboration with your nominated supervisory team.

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