PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated): Writing Edith Cowan University (ECU)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research degree commencing with a cohort-based foundation year of research preparation followed by an independent, supervised research project.

The subjects covered in the first year support the development of the research project and include generic research training and discipline-specific units. These provide you with strategies for a successful research journey, appropriate research design and methodology, timely completion, and effective writing and communication skills. You must achieve an overall weighted average mark (WAM) of 70% in the first year of research preparation in order to continue into the thesis component of the course.

A PhD (I) may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span multiple research fields and Schools. We encourage you to view the Research Activity pages of the School websites for ECUs areas of research focus.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community.
• Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field.
• Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence.

Writing:

Writing research at ECU focuses on the development of a body of creative work alongside an exegesis, fusing practice and theory with critical analysis.

Specific postgraduate research topics are developed in conjunction with the postgraduate coordinator or potential supervisor, however applications are particularly encouraged from those with an interest in: Theories and practices of writing and editing, including fiction, poetry, prose-poetry, life writing, therapeutic writing, writing for children and young adults, essays and exegetical writing. Memory, mourning, and literary responses to war. Ecological approaches, regionality and place writing. Exile, immigration, silence, grief and loss. The Armenian Genocide, comparative genocide, and the artistic legacy of genocide.

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find employment in publishing, editing, teaching, speech writing, report writing, journalism, literary writing.