Doctor of Philosophy (Industry)

The PhD (Industry) is a professional-practice doctorate that combines preparatory research coursework, research coursework and dissertation. Unlike a traditional PhD, it is specifically designed to build on your industry experience and offers the choice of completing an industry placement or advanced coursework alongside your research project to align with your research and enhance your professional expertise.

In the first six months, you will complete foundational research coursework to become familiar with the language and expectations of research and to shape your research topic — this mirrors the Graduate Certificate in Research. You will then follow the same pathway as a traditional PhD, completing 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 which stage you will also choose between either four advanced coursework units or an industry placement of at least three months duration.

Applications are open year-round. You first check that you meet the course requirements, then submit your preliminary proposal. Your preliminary proposal will be received by the School of Graduate Research team and directed 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.

The PhD (Industry) 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. CQU also offers stipends and scholarships to reduce study costs, plus project and conference financial support.

Yes, the PhD (Industry) can be studied on a part-time basis. The standard duration is 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time, and the course is available both on campus and online, offering flexible options to suit your circumstances.