Central Queensland University

What you'll study

The PhD (Industry) is an applied, industry‑engaged doctoral degree focused on producing a substantial piece of original research that addresses a clearly defined industry problem. Candidates undertake a research project developed in collaboration with an industry partner and supervised by academic staff. The emphasis is on research rigour combined with demonstrable impact—outputs often include a thesis plus industry deliverables such as technical reports, prototypes, policy briefs or implementation plans.

Programme components and typical stages include:

• Development of a research proposal and industry engagement plan.
• Ethics approval and methodological design tailored to applied problems (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods or design‑based approaches).
• Literature review, data collection, analysis and iterative reporting to the industry partner and supervisory panel.
• Milestone reviews such as confirmation of candidature, progress reports and a final examination of the thesis and associated industry outputs.

Research topics span CQU’s strengths and industry links and may include areas such as regional development, engineering and resources, health and allied health practice, education and workforce development, environmental management and agriculture, digital technologies and data analytics. Candidates may study full‑time or part‑time with flexible arrangements to accommodate workplace commitments.

Entry requirements

Admission to the PhD (Industry) normally requires a recognised research master’s degree or a bachelor honours degree with a substantial research component, together with a viable industry‑facing research proposal. Applicants without a traditional research qualification but with substantial relevant professional experience and demonstrated research capability may be considered.

• Evidence of an industry partner or host organisation willing to collaborate and support the research project is typically required.
• A clear research proposal outlining the problem, aims, methods and anticipated industry impact is expected.
• Academic transcripts, referee reports (often including an employer or industry supervisor) and a statement of research experience are standard application documents.
• Applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements through prior study or recognised language testing.
• Successful applicants are matched with an appropriate supervisory team; sometimes preliminary discussions with potential supervisors are recommended prior to application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD (Industry) combine deep disciplinary knowledge with practical experience of translating research into practice, making them attractive to a range of employers. Typical career pathways include:

• Senior research and development roles within industry or commercial research organisations.
• Leadership positions such as R&D manager, innovation manager or technical lead.
• Policy and advisory roles in government, non‑government organisations and industry associations.
• Academic positions or research fellowships where applied research and industry engagement are valued.
• Consultancy, entrepreneurship or technology transfer roles that commercialise research outcomes.

Why study at Central Queensland University

CQUniversity emphasises regional engagement and strong industry partnerships, making it well suited to practice‑oriented doctoral research. The university offers flexible candidature arrangements, access to specialist facilities and networks across multiple campuses and research institutes, and support services for HDR candidates including training in research methods, project management and knowledge translation.

CQU’s supervisory teams are experienced in applied and interdisciplinary research; candidates benefit from connections to local, national and international industry partners and a focus on research that delivers practical outcomes for communities and organisations. These strengths help ensure your doctoral work is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to industry needs.