Doctor of Philosophy: Emergency Medical Care

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy: Emergency Medical Care Degree is to promote the career advancement of students in the field of emergency medical care and rescue by enabling students to conduct independent, novel research in emergency medical care and rescue.

Rationale

This Doctoral Degree: Emergency Medical Care will provide students with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation contributing to the development of the field of emergency medical care and rescue. The outcome of this field-specific Doctoral Degree is a comprehensive and systematic grasp of an in-depth body of knowledge in the field of emergency medical care and rescue with the development of specialist expert knowledge, thereby contributing to evidence based professional practice.

It is assumed that the student

• Has specialist knowledge in research methodology.
• Is knowledgeable about ethical considerations in relation to research in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue.
• Is competent in research proposal writing.
• Is competent to undertake research.
• Is competent in report writing and dissemination.
• Has expertise in the area to be investigated.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Through our Recognition of Prior Learning process, access to this Doctoral Degree could be granted to students not in possession of a Master's Degree that meet the admission requirements at the discretion of the institution and in agreement with the relevant Quality Council.

Access to the Qualification

An appropriate Master's Degree in the field of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue is required. Alternatively, conferment of status may be granted through an internal evaluation process in alignment with institutional policies; or Recognition of Prior Learning granted through an internal process.

The Doctoral Degree is awarded on production and submission of an original thesis that has been assessed, suitably published and accepted by relevant peers.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the field of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue and a mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with the field of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue.
2. Demonstrate the ability to conceive, design and implement research with scholarly integrity.
3. Make a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work in an area of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue, some of which merits national or international refereed publication.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue is demonstrated.
• New research initiatives are conceptualised and new knowledge or practice in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue is created.
• Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in an ethical and accountable manner in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• New methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies are developed in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within Emergency Medical Care and Rescue.
• Specialist knowledge and theory is applied in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work that meets international standards is considered to be new or innovative by peers and makes a significant contribution to Emergency Medical Care and Rescue is produced and disseminated.

Integrated Assessment

The general research rules of the institution provide rules for the examination of the thesis and are outlined in the Postgraduate Student Guide. The examination will be conducted by at least two appropriate examiners, external to the institution and approved by the Higher Degrees Committee. Supervisors will be excluded from examining students' work.

During the preparation of the thesis the work will be regularly presented to the supervisor for formative assessment in preparation for the final submission to the examiners for summative assessment. If applicable, the proposal will be submitted to the institutional Research Ethics Committee for ethical clearance prior to commencement of the research.