As a candidate for a professional doctorate you will pursue an independent and sustained investigation into a research problem of your own design that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the context of professional practice. After you have completed any required coursework subjects, you will undertake a supervised research project that culminates in the submission of a thesis for examination which meets the following course learning outcomes:
a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution of direct relevance to the profession
your ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge with particular reference to the profession in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations
your knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques used in the research and any shortcomings associated with these techniques
a satisfactory level of literary presentation reflecting an ability to communicate in a clear, concise and authoritative manner appropriate to the field of research and to the professional area to which it is addressed.
You will be expected to submit your doctoral thesis three years and three months (or part-time equivalent) after you commence; the maximum period of study is four years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
Applying for a Professional Doctorate
Step 1: Check your eligibility
You will need to have:
a four-year degree or a Masters degree with a weighted average mark in the final year of 65 or above completed within the last ten years;
eligibility for registration for professional practice in Australia; and
at least two years professional practice.
International applicants
As an international applicant, you will also need to provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language requirements set for your course. See information about the minimum English requirements and the different forms of evidence and test results we accept. Ensure you also check the course information for your chosen course as some programs can have higher English requirements.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Also, please note that our partner La Trobe College Australia offer comprehensive ELICOS Courses to specifically prepare international applicants for academic studies in English prior to commencing graduate research studies.
Step 2: Find your supervisor
Before you apply for graduate research candidature you must identify a potential supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your research project. You will need to include your potential supervisor's details on your completed application form.
If you have already made contact and have in-principle approval from your potential supervisor you can move on to the next step.
your most recent academic qualification and your grades or results
your research background
any previous publications
your intended area of research
a brief description of your intended research project.
Your enquiry will be sent directly to a specialist in your area of interest and they will be able to quickly determine whether appropriate supervision is available for you.
Documentary evidence of your English language proficiency (optional)
If you hold a current passport and/or an Australian visa, you must include a copy with your application
Important information about documentation
The same form is used for both candidature and scholarship applications.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and are highly competitive. To be eligible for consideration you must hold La Trobe University H1-equivalent results in your honours year or Master's, including your thesis component.
Step 4: Submit your application
Domestic applicants
By email: admissions.grs@latrobe.edu.au (You will receive confirmation by return email that your application has been received.)
By post: Graduate Research School, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086
In person at Graduate Research School, John Scott Meeting House, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus
International applicants
Online Applications can be lodged via the International Online Application System. After you access the online system and enter and submit your details, you’ll receive an email with your username and password to log into the Student Portal and start your online application. You will be required to scan and upload all required documentation before your application can be considered.
