Which graduate research degree is right for you?

La Trobe University offers graduate researchers three types of research degree, depending on your goals, and your educational and professional background.

We offer PhD, Professional Doctorate and Masters by research programs. Which degree is right for you?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The award of a PhD degree:

  • depends on the examination of a completed thesis of 80,000 words or less (although there can be differences depending on your field of research)
  • the expected period of study is 39 months full-time (with a maximum period of study of 4 years full-time), or part-time equivalent
  • as a candidate, you must gain through your studies (and demonstrate in your thesis) a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution.
  • you can have the option to complete a tailored 'industry PhD'  which provides you with more industry experience.
  • you can also complete this degree in practice-based mode or as a thesis with publications.

Professional Doctorate

The Professional Doctorate degree consists of:

  • research towards completion of a thesis with a requirement to complete some coursework, normally in the first year of enrolment
  • the expected period of study is 39 months full-time (with a maximum period of study of 4 years full-time), or part-time equivalent
  • the award of the degree depends on the examination of the completed research thesis of typically 60,000 words or less
  • the completion of core subjects may be a requirement for satisfactory academic progress in some professional doctorates
  • you must make an original and substantial contribution of direct relevance to your profession

Masters degree by research

The award of a Masters by research degree:

  • depends on the examination of a completed thesis of 40,000 words or less.
  • the expected period of study is 20 months full-time (with a maximum period of study of 2 years full-time), or part-time equivalent
  • you must gain through your studies (and demonstrate in your thesis) a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines.
  • you also have the option to complete this degree in practice-based mode or as a thesis with publications.