The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research degree commencing with a cohort-based foundation year of research preparation followed by an independent, supervised research project.

The subjects covered in the first year support the development of the research project and include generic research training and discipline-specific units. These provide you with strategies for a successful research journey, appropriate research design and methodology, timely completion, and effective writing and communication skills. You must achieve an overall weighted average mark (WAM) of 70% in the first year of research preparation in order to continue into the thesis component of the course.

A PhD (I) may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span multiple research fields and Schools. We encourage you to view the Research Activity pages of the School websites for ECUs areas of research focus.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community.
• Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field.
• Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence.
• Use expert skills and authoritative judgment to adapt and implement research methodologies and conduct systematic and independent investigation of theory and/or practice at the frontier of a discipline.

Communication, Media Studies and Journalism:

Communications and Media Studies research at ECU concentrates on the media within cultural, political, economic, historical and social contexts.

Specific postgraduate research topics are developed in conjunction with the postgraduate coordinator or potential supervisor, however applications are particularly encouraged from those with an interest in: Textual or visual analysis of media representations; Social analysis of new media (Internet, digital, computer); Identity formation; New communication technologies; Mobile culture; Audience studies. Verification methodologies Media futures.

Employment opportunities

It is possible for graduates to find employment in various academic, research and communication organisations.