Creative work examinations

The award of a research degree may be based on a creative work such as a play, a book, a musical piece, a performance of music or dance, a work of art or collection of artworks, etc. The creative work will be judged by appropriate examiners, and a written exegesis must also be submitted for examination.

Nomination of examiners

There is a set of criteria that must be adhered to when your supervisor nominates the examiners. Normally at least two nominees must be from outside Australia. For examinations that include an exhibition or performance, this criteria is not required. All four nominated examiners may be from Australia.

Examiners attending a performance or exhibition

The Examinations Officer HDR will make arrangements and cover costs for the examiners to attend your performance or exhibition. This may include flights, accommodation and transportation to the location. If a guide is required to escort the examiners to the performance, someone from your School will be allocated to meet them.

Students and supervisors are not permitted to make any contact with the examiners before, during, or after the exhibition or performance under any circumstances.

The exegesis

The exegesis must be submitted within three months either side of the exhibition or performance. If your performance will take place before you have submitted your notice of intent to submit your thesis, your supervisor will need to provide details of the examiners in advance. This will allow the Examinations Officer HDR time to formally invite the examiners to examine the creative work and exegesis and begin arrangements for their attendance.

Audiences at examination

Where performing is appropriate, it is important to recognise that this is an examination rather than a performance in the colloquial sense. An audience introduces an uncontrollable element into the examination that could lead to an unsatisfactory outcome through no fault of the University or the candidate, or could place the examiners under substantial pressure, direct or indirect, which could affect their judgment.

An audience is not normally permitted at a performance given as part of an HDR examination. You can request that an audience be present. The request should be made well in advance of the intended examination, and must include a case justifying the presence of an audience in conveying the new knowledge created during the research program. This request must be submitted to the Executive Officer, HDR.

Costs incurred

Deakin Research will reimburse some of the expenses you incurred in setting up for your performance. This may include the hire of a hall or gallery, purchase of props, hiring of dancers or musicians etc. Costs equal to one third of the overall expenses incurred and up to a maximum of $1000 will be reimbursed on the production of original paid receipts. These need to be provided to the Examinations Officer HDR.

Additional materials

If your examination submission includes a CD or DVD, or you complete your performance prior to submission of your exegesis, we recommend that you make a copy of the performance and provide three copies to the Examinations Officer HDR. They will send a copy to each examiner for review during the examinations process.

Promotional materials

Some students prepare a flyer for their performance or exhibition. This can be a useful method of promotion and usually includes the title, location and dates. This can also be a handy document to provide to the examiners.

On occasion some examiners have requested a student biography. It may be useful to prepare one of these in the event one is requested.