Postgraduate research
La Trobe University offers a wide range of research programs including Master's by Research, Professional Doctorates and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
For full course information please visit our Find a course website.
Research degrees
A Master's by Research degree usually takes between one and two years to complete and requires students to competently undertake a supervised research project. Candidates for a Master's degree by Research must submit a thesis that makes a contribution to knowledge in an approved area.
Professional Doctorates are programs which involve both coursework and research components. They enable students to develop their professional practice skills to a high level. Candidates undertaking a Professional Doctorate by Research submit a major thesis, while candidates undertaking a Professional Doctorate by Coursework submit a smaller thesis. The thesis needs to make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge of direct relevance to the profession.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research degree that normally takes three to four years to complete. A thesis based on original investigations is presented to external examiners and must be considered a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study.
For further information on research programs, La Trobe University's research strengths and to identify a potential supervisor, please refer to individual Faculty websites, or particular School/Department websites.
