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156 weeks
On Campus and Online
Full-time / Part-time / On Campus / Online · 10 hours of study per week; three hours facilitated and seven self-directed
01 Jun 2026 | 14 Sep 2026
Course Overview
What is a Professional Doctorate of Applied Research? The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) integrates research training with coursework and practical application, fostering reflective practice to generate new knowledge within the discipline. Graduates will possess a deep, critical understanding of complex subject areas, advanced research skills to drive innovation, and comprehensive expertise in a substantial, cutting-edge body of knowledge within their field. During their studies, students will produce a portfolio of applied practice-based learning and a thesis with an original contribution to professional practice and industry. More Learning outcomes Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in the profession by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship for professional practice. Synthesise, apply, and analyse existing and new knowledge using critical thinking, digital literacy and problem solving to develop new concepts for advanced professional practice. Critically evaluate a wide variety of research approaches and methodologies and select an appropriate research methodology and method(s) to conduct your research project. Plan and execute ethical research that demonstrates the capacity to scope, design and conduct research projects independently. Use appropriate and coherent communication skills to report, present, publish and disseminate research data and findings to peers and the community. Exhibit autonomy, authoritative judgement and leadership in workplace research and advanced professional practice. Download course guide Start online application Study mode On campus, Online Campus locations* Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online Student Domestic International Course duration Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years Start date 14 Sep 2026 15 Feb 2027 31 May 2027 13 Sep 2027 View all key dates Fee & scholarships Learn more This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E. *For more details on international student study options .
Where You Can Study
Sydney
1 Chambers Rd, Leura, NSW 2780
Eligibility
Entry details Domestic International Fees Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course. FEE-HELP Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income. Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP Scholarships We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au Admission criteria Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below. A sound and consistent performance in one of the following showing readiness to study Higher Degree by Research: Applicants with formal study: Direct Entry A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) if they have: Completed qualification at AQF level 8 (Master's degree or above from an Australian University or an equivalent overseas higher education qualification AND Seven years' practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession, OR An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice. Applicants with work and life experience Students without a Master's degree may pathway to the Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) with RPL based on: Seven years' practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession; OR An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice; AND A discipline-specific portfolio based on competency-based learning and non-formal learning; AND A letter of recommendation from two most recent employers. View full course admission information Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer . We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning. Learn more about study pathways Fees Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options. Fee payment Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date. Scholarships We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information. Admission criteria Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below. A sound and consistent performance in one of the following showing readiness to study Higher Degree by Research: Applicants with formal study: Direct Entry A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) if they have: Completed qualification at AQF level 8 (Master's degree or above from an Australian University or an equivalent overseas higher education qualification AND Seven years practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession, OR An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice. Applicants with work and life experience Students without a Master's degree may pathway to the Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) with RPL based on: Seven years' practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession; OR An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice; AND A discipline-specific portfolio based on competency-based learning and non-formal learning; AND A letter of recommendation from two most recent employers. In accordance with the English Language proficiency requirements IELTS 7.0 (Academic) with skills band no less than 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL, CAE or PTE) View full course admission information *For more details on international student study options .
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Critical Literature Review
Practical planning, searching, recording, analysing, interrogating and writing skills for conducting a literature review. Develops mastery in identifying research gaps from the literature to establish future research directions, culminating in a project statement for further scholarly research.
Developing the Research Proposal
Develops foundations of research, critical problem solving and evidence-based decision-making skills. Students gain understanding of the core structure of the research proposal, research integrity and positioning a research project to offer significant contribution to new knowledge.
Methodology and Research Design
Builds methodological literacy for higher degree research, addressing methodological questions and specific issues connected with the choice of research methods. Covers advanced topics in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and research design.
Preliminary Research Thesis
Provides students with skills for planning, conducting, analysing and reporting for a research project. Develops understanding of responsible conduct of research including ethical review for projects involving human research participation.
Research Communication
Provides essential skills and conventions of academic writing, authorship, research communication and dissemination of research outcomes. Prepares students for targeting communication to appropriate audiences.
Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation
Offers students an opportunity to develop a business case for commercialisation of an idea resulting from a student's own research. Focuses on building traits of entrepreneurial leadership for research and innovation.
Workplace Learning & Research
Assists students to develop knowledge and skills to learn effectively in the workplace as a senior professional. Guides how to learn from- and in-action and to reflect on experience in a structured manner.
Professional Portfolio 1
Students think strategically and apply concepts and tools learned in the course to develop a portfolio of advanced professional practice, preparing a project with real-world consequences that will make an impact on the profession.
Professional Portfolio 2
Facilitates work-integrated investigation and advanced professional practice contributions for the professional practice portfolio. Requires students to undertake and document original project work and learning that bridges theoretical-practice.
Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health
Designed to make students conceptually clear about the need for and importance of qualitative research in public health, adopting a stepwise approach of designing and implementing qualitative research.
Qualitative Research Methods
Students develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research including collecting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative data. Topics include ethnography, observation, case studies, focus groups, interviews, and participatory action research.
Biostatistics
Learn how to investigate basic statistics and concepts used in public health research and practice to interpret results in journals and government reports using a practice-based approach to statistical analysis.
Statistics and Applied Analytics
Covers essential techniques such as descriptive statistics, distributions, machine learning, and recommendation systems. Students apply statistical techniques to different datasets using various tools to perform analysis and reporting.
Thesis Unit 1
Thesis subjects focus on substantial writing for thesis and analysis for the thesis project. Students demonstrate high-level skills in independent research and/or analysis and in written expression.
Thesis Unit 2
Thesis subjects focus on substantial writing for thesis and analysis for the thesis project. Students demonstrate high-level skills in independent research and/or analysis and in written expression.
Thesis Unit 3
Thesis subjects focus on substantial writing for thesis and analysis for the thesis project. Students demonstrate high-level skills in independent research and/or analysis and in written expression.
Thesis Unit 4
Thesis subjects focus on substantial writing for thesis and analysis for the thesis project. Students demonstrate high-level skills in independent research and/or analysis and in written expression.
Thesis Unit 5
Thesis subjects focus on substantial writing for thesis and analysis for the thesis project. Students demonstrate high-level skills in independent research and/or analysis and in written expression.
Research and Innovation
Culminates in the development of a synthesised project proposal that can form the foundation for an incubator project. Students develop and consolidate their understanding of various research practices to analyse and review quantitative and qualitative data.
User Research
Introduces students to the tools and methodologies required for both user research and user experience research. Students use various research methods such as surveys, interviews and observations to provide insights to user needs, behaviours and attitudes.
Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Provides a solid mathematical background for studies of Artificial Intelligence, covering linear algebra, differentiation and optimisation, vectors and matrices, statistics and probabilities.
Machine Principles
Provides an in-depth understanding of the methodologies, technologies, and algorithms currently used in machine learning. Explores classification, linear models, supervised and unsupervised learning.
Deep Learning
Introduces the basics of deep learning and how to build neural networks, covering natural language processing, speech recognition, and computer vision.
Design Futures
Introduces designers to research methodologies as a basis for identifying problems which can be the catalyst to bring about change. Students gain skills in analysis of research data using grounded theory and phenomenography.
Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in Public Health
Introduction to the principles of public health and fundamentals of public health practice. Considers the way major social determinants of health affect a population's health outcomes.
Global and Environmental Health Issues
Examines the impact environmental factors have on the health and safety of local and global communities, including elements that comprise an environment and casual links between chemical, physical and biological hazards.
Common Questions
The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) integrates research training with coursework and practical application, fostering reflective practice to generate new knowledge within the discipline. Students produce a portfolio of applied practice-based learning and a thesis with an original contribution to professional practice and industry. A PhD is listed as a potential further study pathway for graduates of this program.
During their studies, students will produce a portfolio of applied practice-based learning and a thesis with an original contribution to professional practice and industry. The thesis requires 150 credit points of thesis writing, and the professional portfolio subjects require a Portfolio Proposal, Reflective Narrative, Project Overview, and Reflective Portfolio.
The Professional Doctorate (Applied Research) comprises nine core subjects, five thesis subjects, one Work Integrated Learning subject, and eight electives, requiring 10 hours of study per week — three hours facilitated and seven self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes, and there are no formal exams.
Graduates will have demonstrated their preparedness for a career in research and analysis within government, higher education, research centres and private enterprises. They will have demonstrated intellectual leadership, positioning them for roles in policy research, research projects, research & development, academic research, industry and government advising, and further study including a PhD.
The course is delivered both on campus and online. Campus locations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Online. It is available for both domestic and international students, with a full-time duration of 3 years and a part-time duration of 6 years. Intake dates include 01 Jun 2026 and 14 Sep 2026.
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