Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio

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Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
First Half of Year, 2026
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CD84
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio will enable you to complete a PhD thesis that incorporates your pre-existing peer-reviewed research outputs as a substantial component of the thesis; allowing you to gain recognition for your significant contribution to research in your discipline. You will compile these outputs into a single body of work that is unified through the development of a literature review, discussion and future directions chapters.

If you already have a significant record of published research in your field or are looking for a way to have your current research portfolio formally recognised, then the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio may be ideal for you.

The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio offers you the opportunity to complete a PhD thesis that incorporates your pre-existing, peer-reviewed research outputs as a substantial component of your thesis. CQUniversity supervisors will guide you to compile your research portfolio into a single body of work, unified through the development of a literature review, discussion and future chapters, to be presented and examined by a panel of academic experts to ensure it meets our stringent doctoral guidelines.

Entry into this course requires you to have a substantial existing body of peer-reviewed publications, as outlined in the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio Course Rules (section 4.3 and 4.4). The Course Rules note that the University will consider applications for admission to candidature for PhD by Portfolio from individuals who can clearly demonstrate existing peer-reviewed research output/s to be considered for an award of a doctoral degree. In particular, such output must be:

  • work for which the applicant is largely responsible (for example, as demonstrated by authorship sequence)
  • cogent; occurring within a unified area of study, and
  • of a volume and quality that aligns with the expectations of an Australian doctoral degree.

In addition to existing peer-reviewed outputs, an applicant is required to hold the following qualifications:

  • has been awarded a Masters degree either by research or with a substantial element (typically one-third) of research work within it, from a university or any other approved institution
  • has qualified for the award of a Bachelor degree in an appropriate discipline with first class or second class honours conferred by a university or any other approved institution, or
  • alternative qualification/s and/or relevant professional experience deemed by the Research Division at CQUniversity to be of equivalent scope and standard to those listed above. This may include the CQUniversity Graduate Certificate in Research and/or consideration of vocational training qualifications where these are shown to have relevant research or discipline-based content.

Interested in speaking to someone about the Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio? Book a call back today.

Study Experience

Discover more about your Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio 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

The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio provides graduates with an internationally recognised degree through the Australian Qualifications Framework. As a graduate you will be able to secure professional roles in academia, research centres, institutes and institutions, or in broader business and industry.

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.

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. 1
    You'll complete a unit of study specific to your discipline for the duration of your candidature, no credit points apply.

What You'll Study

As per enrolment advice and Course Rules, as a research candidate, you will be enrolled in a unit of study specific to your discipline for the duration of your candidature, but no credit points apply to this unit.  The course comprises research and thesis development activities as outlined in the course rules.

You may have opportunities to undertake optional work-integrated learning activities appropriate to your discipline area.

Additional Information

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

How to Apply

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

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

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