Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) ( 003314B )

The PhD is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge.The PhD comprises an independent, supervised research project mutually agreed upon by a student, supervisor, head of school and the Board of the Graduate Research School. It may be undertaken in any school in the University. The PhD requires the development and implementation of a rigorous research plan, based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant literature and the need for answers to questions posed in that literature or as the result of a new theory. The thesis demonstrates a student's ability to document and interpret results, formulate theories and discuss the results in light of the current literature to a high level of competence. Each student's PhD experience is different because each student undertakes a unique course tailored to their interests and needs. All students undertake research that is assessed in the form of a thesis. Students may also undertake taught courses, industry placements and other developmental activities. Many students choose to spend part of their candidature undertaking research interstate or overseas.

To be accepted an applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete a PhD. The normal requirement is for a bachelor's degree with at least upper second class honours in an appropriate discipline. However, applications are also considered from (1) graduates of this University (or equivalent) who can satisfy the Board that they have had adequate research preparation since graduation;(2) applicants who have previously undertaken work, which in the Board's opinion is of a sufficiently high standard, towards a research higher degree in this or another approved institution but have not submitted it for any degree and have had their research proposals approved by the Board; and(3) applicants who have satisfactorily completed an acceptable preliminary program at this University or an approved institution and have had a research proposal approved by the Board. To be eligible for admission, an applicant must demonstrate:academic merit, andadequate research preparation, andEnglish language competency.1. Academic merit can be demonstrated by the completion of either:A UWA Bachelor Honours Degree, or Postgraduate Degree, or equivalent, with a thesis mark of at least 70% and a course WAM of at least 70%; orA qualification and additional demonstrable experience in a relevant field that is deemed to be of a standard comparable to at least a UWA Bachelor Honours Degree with an overall result of at least 70%.2. Adequate research preparation can be satisfied by one of the following:By completing a UWA Bachelor Honours degree or Postgraduate degree or equivalent, with a research project, such as a thesis or dissertation, which is at least 25% of an annual full-time enrolment with a mark of at least 70%; orBy having previously undertaken work towards a Higher Degree by Research at a standard acceptable to the Board; orBy providing evidence of research preparation gained during a relevant occupation since graduation at a standard acceptable to the Board; orBy producing scholarly papers as sole or primary author, that appear in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers; orBy producing research reports for industry, government or business, as sole or primary author, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing (i.e. contain a review of relevant literature, a description of relevant research methods and an evaluation of results); orBy presenting a portfolio of published creative work together with published critical discussion of some or all, of that work, or of a comparable body of work by others, and which demonstrates the applicant's development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation.