Design Options for the Future Doctorate: An Australian Case Study

• In Event: 25.067 - Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: 25.067-6 - Exploring the Experiences of Doctoral Students

Abstract

The doctorate is instrumental to maintaining quality and capacity at the highest levels of the workforce. This national Australian project proceeds from a growing perception that the doctorate is not optimised to best serve the interests of industry, academia or candidates. The project aims to produce a suite of program designs and change opportunities that engage universities in advancing doctoral experiences and outcomes. The paper reports findings from research reviews, national and international consultations, a survey of doctoral-granting institutions, and a survey of graduates three years out. It discusses how implementation of the design options could improve the nature and contribution of doctoral education.

Authors

• Hamish Bennett Coates, University of Melbourne

• Mollie Dollinger, University of Melbourne

• Paula Kelly, University of Melbourne

• Emmaline Bexley, University of Melbourne

• Gwilym Croucher, University of Melbourne

• Kenneth Scott Moore, University of Melbourne