Doctoral Research Thesis Elective R (3cp) (12199.1)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | Research |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Graduate Research Office | Research Level | Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905) Band 5 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
If there are no applicable coursework units related to your research area, or you have been deemed to have significant research methods experience, upon recommendation from the HDR Convenor or equivalent you may enrol in this Thesis Elective.
Candidates will conduct original research that significantly contributes to knowledge or its application within a specific area of study. This research will involve a comprehensive literature review, a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge, and the preparation of a substantial, well-organized dissertation. The dissertation will demonstrate a deep understanding of the current state of knowledge in the area of inquiry and its broader context within the field.
The final output will be a research thesis, not exceeding 100,000 words, submitted for external examination according to the Higher Degree by Research Procedure. This thesis can take various forms: a traditional thesis, a series of papers accepted for publication, or written conference presentations. Alternatively, it may be a creative work accompanied by an essay of at least 30,000 words.
1. Conceive, design and carry to completion a piece of original research which adds to existing knowledge and understanding of the field of study;
2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the scholarly literature in their field of research and be aware of current or potential areas of contention;
3. Analyse data in complex ways enabling the development of new insights;
4. Integrate data and theory in order to clarify and support an argument;
5. Develop broader transferrable skills designed for professional careers;
6. Develop skills in, and strategise approaches to, communicating their findings and expertise to academic and general audiences; and
7. Develop capacity and knowledge to translate research findings into useful applications.
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
Candidates will conduct original research that significantly contributes to knowledge or its application within a specific area of study. This research will involve a comprehensive literature review, a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge, and the preparation of a substantial, well-organized dissertation. The dissertation will demonstrate a deep understanding of the current state of knowledge in the area of inquiry and its broader context within the field.
The final output will be a research thesis, not exceeding 100,000 words, submitted for external examination according to the Higher Degree by Research Procedure. This thesis can take various forms: a traditional thesis, a series of papers accepted for publication, or written conference presentations. Alternatively, it may be a creative work accompanied by an essay of at least 30,000 words.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Conceive, design and carry to completion a piece of original research which adds to existing knowledge and understanding of the field of study;
2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the scholarly literature in their field of research and be aware of current or potential areas of contention;
3. Analyse data in complex ways enabling the development of new insights;
4. Integrate data and theory in order to clarify and support an argument;
5. Develop broader transferrable skills designed for professional careers;
6. Develop skills in, and strategise approaches to, communicating their findings and expertise to academic and general audiences; and
7. Develop capacity and knowledge to translate research findings into useful applications.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
12194 Master of Research Thesis Elective R (3cp)Assumed knowledge
None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | Research | Prof Wayne Spratford | |
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 | Research | Prof Wayne Spratford |
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit
timetable.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
