Doctor of Communication

2008 | 2009 | 2010

Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences | School of Communication, International Studies and Languages

Program Code: MPCS

Program Level: Postgraduate — Professional Doctorate

Home Campus: Magill

Program Length (in EFTSL): 4

Program director/s

Dr Jackie Cook (MPCS)

Applications can be made online at Research Degree Apply Online.
Please see further information at Professional Doctorates.

Aim

To provide a research-based program which will enable practitioners in the field of communication to link knowledge, research skills and professional skills to enrich their personal intellectual growth and advance their professional contribution to society.

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission to candidature for the Professional Doctorate must satisfy the Research Degrees Committee of competence to undertake a higher degree by research by holding or being eligible to hold from an approved higher education institution an award which is assessed by this University as being equivalent to:

For the professional doctorate program, there will be normally an additional requirement of five years practice in the communication industries.

English language entry requirements for International students:

All international applicants are expected to be proficient in English comprehension and expression. Generally, for entry to a research program at UniSA, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards:

English Language Test (see Note 1)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  - Reading, writing, listening and speaking - 6.0
  - Overall band score - 6.5
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) (University of Cambridge ESOL examination)
  - Grade of C
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) (University of Cambridge ESOL examination)
  - Grade of B
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  - TOEFL iBT (internet based test) - 90 with no band less than 21
  - TOEFL PBT (paper based test) - 577 with TWE (test of written English) of 4.5
English Language Programs
- Successful completion of the CELUSA Academic English Program - Level 5
Other qualifications
- Successful completion of a tertiary qualification at bachelor level or above completed in Australia within the last two years; or
- Successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study at bachelor level or above conducted and completed in English within the last five years in a country in which English is commonly used, as determined by the University (see Note 2). Where the study in English was more than five years ago, this requirement may be satisfied by subsequent and recent work experience of at least two years duration in a setting where English is the language of business subject to satisfactory evidence as determined by the University; or
- Having taught in the English language for at least two years at an overseas academic institution prior to the date of application. Such applications must be supported by the proposed supervisor and Dean of Research (or equivalent); or
- Having written in English and been published in scholarly books or internationally recognised journals - normally at least two articles in the last five years prior to the date of application. Such applications must be accompanied by an authorship statement or evidence of the contribution of the applicant and supported by the proposed supervisor and Dean of Research (or equivalent).

Note 1: Results from IELTS, University of Cambridge ESOL examinations and TOEFL are valid for two years.
Note 2: The University, through UniSA International, maintains a list of countries where English is commonly used and which would satisfy this criterion. This may include particular educational institutions within a given non-English speaking country where English is the language of instruction.
Note 3: Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

Content/structure

Variations to the generic pattern are possible, providing that the coursework does not exceed 33% of the program and the principles on which the pattern has been constructed are maintained.

The program will comprise the following components:

Year One: 36 units (4 x 9 units)

Year One introduces students to advanced issues and practices in contemporary communications research. While organised into 4 x 9 units study modules, the primary focus of the study is the supervised development of applied research skills. It includes the following elements: enhanced autonomy in the identification and planning of contemporary research issues; improved capacity for critical involvement in the research culture of the communications industries and in the production and presentation of research reports; extended familiarity with the most recent theories and research methods engaging the communications industries and professions; special attention to the social and cultural outcomes of interactive computer-mediated-communications and e-services.
Year Two: 36 units (4 x 9 units)

Year Three: 36 units (4 x 9 units) (1 x 30,000 Dissertation and Thesis preparation)

Each student will be assigned a supervisor from the School's research register. It is expected that the candidate will take up one or other of the issues investigated in the research papers already completed. The 'thesis' comprising the body of research work will be submitted to external examination by two or more examiners.

Fee information

Fees for Domestic students: RTS
Fees for Research students that have exceeded their RTS entitlement are calculated at the course level. Click on the above link to determine your fee.

Program requirements

Course name	Area + Cat. No.	Units	EFTSL
FIRST YEAR
First Half (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication as a Field of Study	COMM 5050	9	0.250
Communication Practice 1: Writing for Research	COMM 8004	9	0.250
Second Half (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication Issues and Methods 1: Reading Research	COMM 8001	9	0.250
Communication Issues and Methods 2: Research Methodology	COMM 8002	9	0.250
SECOND YEAR
First Half (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication Practice 2: Applied Industry Research A	COMM 8005	9	0.250
Communication Issues and Methods 3: The Literature Review	COMM 8003	9	0.250
Second Half (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication Practice 3: Applied Industry Research B	COMM 8006	9	0.250
Communication Practice 4: Writing for Professional Practice	COMM 8007	9	0.250
THIRD YEAR
First Half (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Thesis (COM) 1	COMM 8008	9	0.250
Thesis (COM) 2	COMM 8009	9	0.250
Second Half (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Thesis (COM) 3	COMM 8010	9	0.250
Thesis (COM) 4	COMM 8011	9	0.250

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