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).

A higher doctorate degree may be granted by the UNSW Council on the recommendation of the Academic Board (for an original contribution or contributions of distinguished merit in a particular field).

In general, a candidate for a higher doctorate degree will be a graduate of UNSW and have at least 10 years standing, or be a full-time member of UNSW staff, have at least 10 years standing and been engaged in advanced study and research at UNSW for greater than 4 years.

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.

A candidate is then required to submit to the Manager of the Graduate Research School 4 copies of the published work including a discourse, full list of publications and their curriculum vitae. The discourse describes the candidate’s work, its importance and the candidate’s role in collaborative work.

The degree is awarded on the published work of the candidate which is collated and submitted for examination.

The discourse and list of published work will be sent to the appropriate Faculty’s Presiding Member or the Academic Board Committee on Research by the Graduate Research School. If it is determined that the submitted work is prima facie worthy of examination, the work shall be submitted to three examiners. Each examiner is required to submit a report on the published work and shall recommend whether or not the degree be awarded.

The Academic Board Committee on Research shall, after consideration of the ad-hoc committee’s recommendation and the examiners’ reports, recommend to the Academic Board whether or not the candidate be awarded the degree.

A higher doctorate degree may be granted by the UNSW Council on the recommendation of the Academic Board.

For further information on the Conditions for the Award of Higher Doctorates including specific examination processes and requirements please see the UNSW Summary Calendar or contact Barbara Chmielewski on 9385 5615 or via email barbarac@unsw.edu.au.