Higher Doctorates

Graduate Research School

A higher doctorate degree is a postgraduate research degree in which a candidate’s published work and merit in a particular field are recognised. A higher doctorate degree is of a higher standing than either a Masters by Research degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The awards are made on the basis of a significant body of published scholarly work that establishes the candidate as a distinguished authority in an area of research, commanding worldwide recognition. The candidate should have made a significant contribution to the advancement of learning with the contributions being exemplified in a discourse that outlines the theoretical basis of the work and the significance of the candidate’s contribution to knowledge.

Higher Doctorates available at UNSW

  • Doctor of Science (DSc)
  • Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
  • Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
  • Doctor of Laws (LLD)
  • Doctor of Music (DMus)
  • Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
  • Doctor of Economics (DEc)
  • Doctor of Business (DBus)
  • Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

Eligibility

  • A candidate for a Higher Doctorate should have made a substantial and distinguished contribution to knowledge in an area of research, which is reflected in their professional career.

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A candidate who holds a degree from UNSW must have held that degree for at least ten years.



  • A candidate who does not hold a degree from UNSW must have held a degree of at least ten years standing from another approved university AND also have been engaged for at least four years in advanced study and research as a member of the academic staff at UNSW.

Application

A candidate wishing to apply for a higher doctorate should in the first instance contact the relevant Faculty Dean and/or Presiding Member to determine suitability of material for the award of the degree and gain advice on the format of submitted material in the relevant discipline.

Further Information

For further information on the Conditions for the Award of Higher Doctorates, including specific examination processes and requirements, please contact the Director of the Graduate Research School, Margaret O'Byrne (via email: mob@unsw.edu.au).