UTS course code: C02018
Testamur title: Doctor of Philosophy
Abbreviation: PhD
Course fee: see note (local); $9,000 per semester (international)

Note: Research degrees are offered on a sponsored, scholarship, faculty part-sponsored, or full-fee-paying basis. Students should contact the Faculty or the University Graduate School for further details. There are, however, student service fees to be paid (see Fees and costs).

Overview

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may be awarded to candidates who have completed an individual program of supervised research and submitted a thesis embodying the results of the work. The thesis must constitute a distinct contribution to knowledge, whether by original investigation or by review, criticism or design. A formal course of study or other work may also be prescribed.

The Faculty's overall policy is one of close interaction with industry and the profession, and of seeking to contribute directly to the advancement of Australian engineering practice. Consequently, research programs of an applied nature, and fundamental studies which involve a direct relationship with industry, are strongly encouraged. The greater proportion of research conducted by Faculty staff is supported by industry sources. There are a number of equally active programs of more basic research supported by granting agencies, and it is University policy to increase support from these sources.

Admission requirements

To qualify for admission to PhD candidature, applicants should hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree with Second Class Honours Division 1, or a Master of Engineering degree, from UTS or the former NSWIT; or must hold another qualification or meet other requirements deemed to be equivalent.

Alternatively, an applicant may be permitted to register as a Master's degree student for the purpose of preparing for admission to Doctoral candidature, and may be permitted to transfer to Doctoral candidature upon satisfying prescribed requirements. Details are set out in the UTS: Calendar.

Applicants for admission to research degree programs in Engineering should preferably have a minimum of two years' experience in employment related to the course or program they wish to undertake.

Applications

All applicants must complete an application form. The application must indicate the proposed research topic and the name of a member of academic staff with whom the topic has been discussed and who is willing to supervise the candidate's work, and should also include any evidence of ability to conduct research and to complete a substantial project.

For part-time candidature, the application must also include a statement from the applicant's employer, indicating the level of the employer's support for the application, and the time allocation of the candidate to the research project.

It is important that formal applications are lodged after the intending candidate has made suitable inquiries within the Faculty. This is necessary in order to clarify an appropriate research area and to ensure that supervision is available, together with any equipment and laboratory facilities that may be required. Applications which are not supported by an indication of the proposed research topic and the name of a prospective supervisor are not accepted.

Attendance

Doctoral degree candidature may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. The work may be carried out either on University premises, at a site external to the University, or some combination of both.

Course duration

For full-time candidates, the program is normally of at least four semesters' duration for the holder of a Master's degree by research and six semesters for a holder of a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree by coursework.

For part-time candidates, the program is normally of at least six semesters' duration for the holder of a Master's degree by research and eight semesters for the holder of a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree by coursework.

Assessment

For Doctoral students there is a formal assessment of their progress at the end of the first two semesters for both full-time and part-time candidates.

The Doctoral Assessment is conducted in accordance with University Rule 3.5.9.1.

The objectives of the assessment are to ensure that: the candidate has gained the prerequisite knowledge and skills to allow successful and timely completion of the proposed research program; and the candidate's progress is consistent with completion of the research program in the prescribed time and demonstrates potential to complete the work to Doctoral standard. Candidates who, for any reason, are not equipped with requisites necessary to bring the proposed research program to a successful completion or have not demonstrated sufficient aptitude are made aware of this assessment before they invest further time and money. Where it is proposed (at the candidate's instigation) that the nature or scope of the research program be changed significantly, there is continued commitment by the Faculty for provision of adequate human and physical resources, including proper supervision.

Other information

Initial inquiries regarding research areas may be made with the Associate Dean, Research and Development, on telephone (+61 2) 9514 2686. Academic advice on research is also available from the members of the Faculty Research Degrees Committee.

Faculty Research Degrees Committee

Management, Policy and Practice

Associate Professor Helen McGregor
CB02.6.28
telephone (+61 2) 9514 2678
fax (+61 2) 9514 2655
email helen.mcgregor@uts.edu.au

Infrastructure and the Environment

Dr Prasanthi Hagare
CB02.5.20
telephone (+61 2) 9514 1952
fax (+61 2) 9514 2633
email prasanthi.hagare@uts.edu.au

Information and Communication Technologies

Professor Robin Braun
CB01.24.24
telephone (+61 2) 9514 2460
fax (+61 2) 9514 2435
email robin.braun@uts.edu.au

Mechatronics and Intelligent Systems

Associate Professor Joe Zhu
CB01.24.23
telephone (+61 2) 9514 2318
fax (+61 2) 9514 2435
email Joe.Zhu@uts.edu.au

Dr Nong Zhang
CB02.608
telephone (+61 2) 9514 2662
fax (+61 2) 9514 2655
email nong.zhang@uts.edu.au