In the context of only that information provided in this article, I would argue that doing a PhD does very much mean becoming an expert and researcher. The Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 criteria are clearly about achieving expert, specialised cognitive, technical and research skills, and advancing new knowledge.

To me, it’s a Doctor of Philosophy, not a Doctor of Technical Research Proficiency or a Doctor of Employer Suitability. In the Research Training Scheme era are we diluting the long-established principles of advanced scholarship that the P in PhD has always embodied? Do we have to privilege employability over scholarship and how much room is there for both in a 3 year program with students of differing interests and capacities? Is it time for two different doctorates – the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Research? These are certainly issues that myself and my colleagues discuss with great passion, but of course, never resolve. This is a fascinating area of debate, and your work brings valuable new insights. Thank you.

Yours sincerely
Associate Professor Melissa Parsons
University of New England