C02062v1 Doctor of Philosophy

Overview

This is a research degree requiring an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the field of learning analytics. It is the traditional path for those wishing to pursue a career in research or academic life.

The PhD provides an opportunity for graduates to acquire high-level research skills and substantially deepen their knowledge in this area.

This course has been developed as a response to a global talent gap for people with data science knowledge, as identified and reported by the McKinsey Global Institute study (2011). The study predicted a shortfall by 2018 of nearly 200,000 data scientists and 1.5 million managers with the capability to make decisions using big data in the United States alone.

The dramatic growth of data in every conceivable industry, from oceanography to market research, presents another major driving force in generating unprecedented global demand for data science skills.

Career options

This degree prepares data scientists for leadership positions in teaching, management and research. There are opportunities for developing a career on a national and international level.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised master's by research or bachelor honours degree with first class or second class / division 1 honours, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.

Selection criteria also include the quality of the research proposal, the centre's ability to offer appropriate supervision in the applicant's chosen field, and, where necessary, demonstration of generic technical skills.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 7.0 overall with a writing score of 7.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 584-609 overall with TWE of 5.0, internet based: 94-101 overall with a writing score of 27; or AE6: Pass; or PTE: 65-72 overall with a writing score of 65; or C1A/C2P: 185-190 overall with a writing score of 185.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Course duration and attendance

The maximum course duration is four years of full-time or eight years of part-time study.

Course structure

The research degree is undertaken wholly by thesis. A doctoral thesis is normally a work of between 80,000 and 100,000 words.

The Doctor of Philosophy is structured in three phases.

• Phase 1: Students negotiate a doctoral study plan with their supervisor. This plan makes explicit the kinds of support each student requires. A formal doctoral assessment is undertaken at the end of Phase 1 in which the candidates present a full proposal for assessment, which is a prerequisite for entering Phase 2.
• Phase 2: Students develop their individual program of research, and their readiness to enter Phase 3 is assessed at the end of Phase 2.
• Phase 3: Candidates engage in the preparation and submission of a major thesis which makes a sustained contribution to knowledge in their field of inquiry.

Research and development activities are provided throughout the three phases to assist students to develop the capabilities of a successful doctoral graduate.

Course completion requirements

Other information

Further information is available about the UTS Connected Intelligence Centre's research and from:

Connected Intelligence Centre
telephone +61 2 9514 9978
email cic@uts.edu.au