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Doctoral and MPhil handbook
    		 

    Chapter 1: Introduction

    1.6 Professional doctorates

    The professional doctorate, while it remains research-based, is oriented to the improvement of professional practice. Professional doctorates require the advanced application of existing knowledge and technology to professional fields like education, psychology, law, information technology and public health (see Appendix H ).

    1.6.1 Doctor of Education (EdD)

    The key objective of the Doctorate of Education program offered by the Faculty of Education is the improvement of professional practice by extending the knowledge, expertise and skill of EdD candidates through the application of research to educational problems and issues.

    Candidature may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis and by on-campus or external mode. The course of study comprises two elements: doctoral-level units representing 25% of the work requirements and a thesis component of up to 75,000 words which is 75% of the work load.

    In keeping with both the intellectual and practical nature of the program, one examiner is to be an academic, while the other is selected for his or her expertise in professional practice.

    This program is not being offered to commencing students at present.

    1.6.2 Doctor of Psychology (DPsych)

    The Doctor of Psychology degree is presently offered through the School of Psychology, Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

    It is intended that completion of the degree will qualify graduates for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registration as a psychologist in the State of Victoria. The program is also designed to satisfy the academic training requirements for membership of the relevant APS Colleges and for relevant specialist registration in the State of Victoria. The degree may be undertaken in one of the following specialities: clinical; neuropsychological; and organisational.

    The course comprises: supervised practica being the equivalent of 125 days and comprising approximately 10% of the program; doctoral-level psychology units representing approximately 20% of the program; and a thesis of approximately 60,000-70,000 words representing approximately 70% of the program.

    The initial two years of the course must be completed on a full-time basis, after which the candidate may be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis.

    1.6.3 Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

    Offered through the Faculty of Medicine, the Doctorate in Public Health has research, coursework and professional practice components comprising 70, 20 and 10% respectively of the program. Intending applicants must have a minimum of two years of work experience in the field of public health and may undertake the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

    1.6.4 Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

    Offered by the Faculty of Law, the Doctor of Juridical Science will prepare students for high-level research and policy formulation roles in private practice and government. Taken on a full-time or part-time basis, the SJD has a 75% research component. The 25% coursework component consists of four elective units and a compulsory seminar. External mode is available for candidates in the research component of the course.

    1.6.5 Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

    This program, offered through the Faculty of Information Technology, combines coursework and a 66% research component and may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis.

    This program is currently not being offered to commencing students.