Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The PhD is a research-intensive program in which you design and complete an original thesis that advances knowledge across business, justice and behavioural science domains. Typical research topics include organisational behaviour and ethics, policing and criminal justice policy, forensic and investigative practice, decision-making and risk, mental health in justice settings, restorative justice processes, and evaluation of intervention programs.

Candidates work closely with one or more supervisors to develop a research proposal, conduct literature reviews, employ appropriate qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, collect and analyse data, and present findings in a substantial written thesis. Depending on the nature of the project, you may also undertake coursework or short professional development modules in research methods, statistics, ethics and higher degree candidature skills.

Research training emphasises applied and translational outcomes: designing projects that can inform practice and policy, collaborating with industry or government partners, and producing outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and practitioner reports.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant masters degree with a substantial research component (for example a Master of Philosophy, a research masters, or a coursework master plus supervised research project) or an honours degree at a high level. In exceptional cases, candidates with a strong record of professional experience combined with research potential may be considered.

Selection is based on an assessment of your academic record, research proposal or research interests, the availability of suitably qualified supervisors, and the applicants capacity to complete a sustained research project. Typical application materials include a research proposal or statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, names of referees, and evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.

Prospective students should discuss potential supervision prior to application and identify academic staff whose expertise aligns with the proposed project. Part-time and full-time study options are available, and continuing enrolment is contingent on meeting progression and ethics approval requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences go on to careers across academia, public service and industry. Common career pathways include:

• Academic and research positions in universities and research institutes, leading teaching and research programs.
• Policy and research roles in government departments dealing with justice, corrections, policing, social services and public safety.
• Leadership and specialist roles in non-government organisations, community services and advocacy groups involved with justice and behavioural health.
• Consultancy in organisational development, risk and compliance, program evaluation and forensic investigation.
• Senior roles within policing and justice agencies where evidence-based practice, evaluation and program design are required.

The degree also prepares graduates for roles that require advanced skills in research design, data analysis, critical synthesis and communicating complex findings to diverse stakeholders.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt has a strong applied research focus and established research centres that intersect with justice and behavioural sciences, providing opportunities for collaborative projects and industry engagement. The universitys regional presence and long-standing partnerships with policing, courts, community services and forensic programs create pathways for research that addresses real-world problems.

PhD candidates benefit from experienced supervisory teams, structured research training, and resources such as specialised laboratories, field partnerships and cross-disciplinary networks. Flexible study arrangements, including part-time enrolment and a mix of on-campus and remote supervision, support candidates from diverse locations and professional backgrounds.

Charles Sturts emphasis on translational research means your work can contribute directly to policy, practice and service improvement, making this a suitable environment for researchers who want to produce impact alongside scholarly outputs.