Chapter 1: Introduction

1.2 The origin and development of doctoral and MPhil degrees

The Monash University doctorate program began with the traditional Doctor of Philosophy by thesis-only degree, and the first PhD degree was conferred at the inaugural graduation ceremony held on 8 July 1963. As Monash has grown into a large and multi-faceted institution supporting a wide range of research activities, it has also attracted students from a diversity of cultural and educational backgrounds, resulting in a significant broadening of the doctoral programs Monash has to offer.

Some PhD programs now incorporate a coursework component of up to 12 months, and four professional doctorate degrees are available: one in the discipline of education, the Doctorate of Education (EdD); three streams in psychology, the Doctor of Psychology (DPsych); one in the discipline of law, the Doctorate of Juridical Science (SJD); and one in the discipline of medicine, the Doctorate of Public Health (DPH). A PhD program in the Faculty of Art and Design focuses on an exhibition and supporting documentation, while other PhD programs are available in the specialities of music composition, theatre performance and creative writing.

The university also offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and higher doctorate and MPhil programs.

Monash University, acknowledging dramatic changes to postgraduate education brought about by the electronic revolution in particular, has introduced further flexibility in doctoral programs, including candidature by off-campus or external mode. Other professional doctorate programs may become available in the future.