Coursework in the PhD degree

1. Coursework in the PhD degree Ingrid Nielsen

2. The Monash PhD structure – “Brilliant Goes Beyond” • The first iteration of the Monash PhD represented a shift from a 100% research (thesis) model to a composite research (thesis) and research training model, where training was broadly conceptualised to encompass both coursework and more traditional training activities. • The fundamental driver of the original shift and its subsequent development has been a commitment to develop both the research and the researcher. • The degree subsumes discipline-based “Programs”, where the thesis model and the research training composition are specific to the discipline and reflect world’s best practice in the given discipline area. • The starting point for Program development was hence a thorough review of the international doctoral space, but with a particular emphasis on current practice among our key competitors.

3. The Monash PhD – degree components • Research thesis (100,000 words) • Empirical study/studies following scientific method • Thesis by publication • Coursework options • 6000 level units (core and elective) • Genuine 5000 level units with 6000 level assessment (core and elective) • Enabling units • Training options • Academic Practice • Professional Skills • Project Management • Research Practice • Responsible Research • Specialist Training • Technical Training • Communicating and Disseminating Research

4. Monash PhD structure – original arrangement • The original arrangement was an integrated coursework and training structure where each coursework credit point was deemed to be equivalent to 8 hours of research skills training, with students across all disciplines required to complete the equivalent of 192 hours. • 1x6cp unit + 144 skills training hours (including 9.5 mandatory skills training hours) • 2x6cp units + 96 skills training hours (including 9.5 mandatory skills training hours) • 3x6cp units + 48 skills training hours (including 9.5 mandatory skills training hours) • 4x6cp units (plus 9.5 mandatory skills training hours) • ‘Bean counting’ approach led to: • Development of (some) skills training activities that added little to no value to the PhD experience • Artificial inflation of training hours • High administration costs of tracking student progress • A surveillance culture

5. Monash PhD structure – new arrangement • The new Monash PhD is an umbrella under which candidates can pursue one of either: • Skills training (professional and academic development through University-led “Skills Essentials” programs (minimum of two weeks equivalent) and Faculty-led training (minimum of one week equivalent) throughout their candidature; • coursework (according to existing regulations); or • training activities through specially established and funded Graduate Research Interdisciplinary Programs. • Under this new arrangement, the Faculty of Business and Economics and inter alia the Department of Management has adopted the coursework approach • Philosophy of Research • Advanced Quantitative Methods or Advanced Qualitative Methods • Research Integrity training (centrally mandated) • Some further locally mandated (or not) training

6. Monash PhD structure – new arrangement • All on-shore students enrolling in the approved Management PhD Program from 2014: • complete all coursework units pre-confirmation, to a standard of no less than 70%; • Complete the following Faculty-mandated training, pre-confirmation: • online research integrity training • induction activities • (It is likely that the University will in future also mandate OHS training to meet legislative compliance requirements) • Coursework must comply with AQF requirements • Research is the defining characteristic • “Research in the program of learning will be for at least two years and typically two thirds or more of the qualification…coursework may support but not replace the research outcomes” • Learning outcomes at Level 10 • Coursework must comply with Monash governance requirements

7. Monash PhD structure – new arrangement • Any additional training over and above the Faculty mandated training is at the discretion of the Program Director in consultation with the supervisory team. • This approach allows for the Department to tailor any additional training as they see appropriate to individuals or cohorts. • Candidates will not be formally enrolled in any training activities and as such this will not appear on the academic transcript. • Any training activities will be captured in an e-portfolio, allowing candidates to record activities and to print a statement to provide to milestones panels or prospective employers.

8. Developing a coursework PhD – key considerations • Who are your key competitors? • How do you want to differentiate yourself? • What do you want your graduates to be trained in: research/management/both? • Staff capability and capacity • Timetabling (against start dates, scholarship start dates, census dates, delivery mode, progression vis a vis confirmation etc)