Doctor of Philosophy (Organisational Leadership)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Organisational Leadership) at Excelsia University College is a research doctorate for people who want to study how organisations lead, change and govern themselves, and then produce original research that adds something new to that field. It sits in the business and management space, so your reading and writing will draw on organisational behaviour, leadership theory, strategy, ethics and the social sciences more broadly. The focus is on your own research question, not on sitting through a fixed slate of coursework subjects.

How the degree is structured

As a doctorate, this qualification sits at the top of the Australian Qualifications Framework. A PhD is normally three years full time, or the part-time equivalent, and that is the duration published for this course. Most Australian PhDs begin with a period of probationary candidacy. You work with a supervisory panel, develop a research proposal, and have that proposal formally confirmed, often within the first year, before you continue to the thesis. Some candidates are required to complete a small number of research training or coursework units, usually measured in credit points, to build methodological skills. The bulk of the degree, though, is independent research leading to a thesis examined by external academics.

What you actually do

You will design a study, gather and analyse data, and write a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in organisational leadership. Along the way you will sharpen skills that transfer well beyond academia: framing a research problem, choosing appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods, managing a long project with little day-to-day supervision, and writing clearly for an academic audience. Many candidates present at conferences and publish papers or book chapters before they submit. If your research touches on professional practice, you may also negotiate placements or industry partnerships to access organisations and participants, though the PhD itself is a research degree, not a coursework programme with a built-in internship.

Who it suits

This doctorate suits people who already have a strong academic record, typically an honours degree or a master's with a research component, and a genuine question they want to spend three years answering. Many candidates are mid-career leaders, consultants, managers or educators who want to move into research, teaching or senior advisory work. Others are preparing for an academic career. Excelsia is a small institution, so you can expect closer contact with supervisors than you might get in a large faculty, but you should confirm supervision availability in your topic before applying. International graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, and student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 091316D. Check the official page for current entry requirements, English proficiency details and application steps.

• Academic researcher or lecturer, universities and research institutes, teaching and building a publication record.
• Senior organisational development consultant, consulting firms and independent practice advising on leadership, change and culture.
• Executive or senior manager, private companies, not-for-profits and government agencies where research skills inform strategy and governance.
• Policy analyst or advisor, public sector departments, peak bodies and think tanks working on organisational and workforce policy.
• Leadership development specialist, corporate learning teams, professional associations and training providers.
• Research manager, industry bodies, social enterprises and consultancies that commission and interpret research.