Preparing your Candidature Agreement
A Candidature Agreement is an important document which is prepared during the first few months of candidature. It is an agreement between the candidate and the University regarding the topic of research, supervision arrangements, consideration of the research program and the timetable for completion. Candidature Agreements require the approval of the Research and Research Training Committee.
Your Candidature Agreement will be sent to your principal supervisor and you will receive notification when you are required to complete it. The following matters are covered in the agreement:
- the details of candidature approved by the University;
- the supervision arrangements;
- any coursework required together with any advanced standing granted;
- details of specialist resources and facilities available to the project and arrangements for access to them;
- any special conditions which apply to the candidature, including restrictions on intellectual property and requirements for ethical approval;
- details of the materials to be presented for examination and the nature of the examination;
- consideration of the research program with a timetable for completion including major milestones and progress review dates;
- any additional requirements such as presentation of work at seminars.
The intention of the Candidature Agreement is to set out the expectations of all parties regarding the candidature. It is accepted that circumstances change and that it may be necessary to amend the Agreement during candidature. Changes can be made by agreement at any time, subject to the approval of the Research and Research Training Committee, and the document should be reviewed annually at the formal review of progress.
Offers of candidature are made subject to completion of a Candidature Agreement and if it is not completed within the first three months of candidature to the satisfaction of the Research and Research Training Committee, you may be excluded from candidature.
