Faculty of Science and Technology
Deakin University
Candidature may be full-time or part-time, as approved by the Research and Research Training Committee. For masters candidates the time is a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years, and for doctoral candidates the times are two years and four years respectively. These times are based on full-time candidature, and are adjusted appropriately for part-time candidature. The Committee can approve other limits on candidature, given an appropriate case.
Field of Research
Not all research topics are suitable for higher degrees by research. The topic must provide scope for research training, and be likely to lead to sufficient results for an acceptable thesis to be produced within the normal period of candidature. In addition, the topic must be appropriate for this University in terms of the required infrastructure (such as specialised equipment or particular specialist library materials) and the availability of staff with the necessary skills and experience to provide super. Topics based around the University’s research priority areas have the advantages of a concentration of resources and facilities, and the stimulating environment and peer support provided by a critical mass of good students and research staff.
<<Menu>>
Each HDR candidate is appointed a principal supervisor by the Research and Research Training Committee on the recommendation of the Head of School. The Committee may also appoint associate and research supervisors who can contribute to the research being undertaken by the candidate.
The associate supervisor's role is to assist the principal supervisor and to provide continuity of supervision across a period when the latter is absent from the University for more than a few weeks.
A research supervisor is generally an employee of a research organisation such as the CSIRO, another government instrumentality, another university, or industry.
More information on HDR supervision maybe found in the Guide to candidature
<<Menu>>
A Candidature Agreement is an important document which is prepared during the first three months of candidature. It is an agreement between the candidate and the University regarding the topic of research, super arrangements, the outline or plan of the research program and the timetable for completion.
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, and the document should be reviewed annually at the formal review of progress. An example of a Candidature Agreement is provided.
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, you may be excluded from candidature.
<<Menu>>
In addition to being enrolled in a particular course code, all candidates are enrolled by the Research Services Division in unit codes according to their field of study. Those required to do coursework will also be enrolled in the appropriate coursework units.
Coursework units are normally graded Pass, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction, but may be ungraded. Research units are not graded during the candidature and a grade of XA (Not to be assessed yet) is recorded automatically for such units. Once a candidate is eligible to graduate, the grade of the final unit of enrolment is recorded as SP (Satisfactory Progress).
<<Menu>>
A formal annual review of the progress of your candidature is conducted each year by the University. Re-enrolment and the continuation of scholarships (for those candidates who have a scholarship) are dependent upon satisfactory progress. The annual review is an opportunity for candidates and supervisors to review the progress of the degree program and to identify and solve any related problems.
It is important that the review is conducted with frankness and honesty: it is only when problems are identified that solutions can be found. If you are reluctant to mention a sensitive matter, then you should contact the Faculty Research Administrator - Rosemary Billings, Executive Officer HDR, the Director Research Services Di, or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). A matter raised in this way will remain strictly confidential unless you agree that it can be taken further.
<<Menu>>
The conditions of your candidature are prescribed by the Committee. If you wish to have any changes made to these conditions, you must apply to the Executive Officer, Higher Degrees by Research.
Your request must be endorsed by your principal supervisor and the Head of School. You must also notify the Executive Officer HDR of any changes to citizenship, or personal information such as name, address and other contact details.
Changing field of study
If you wish to change your research topic after candidature has commenced, you should first discuss the matter with your principal supervisor and Head of School. (PDF)
Changing supervisor
In some instances it is necessary to change your principal supervsior, this can happen if the supervisor leaves the University, if another staff memeber has greater expertise or experience in the research area or there is a clash in personalities between the student and the supervisor. (PDF)
Changing to part-time candidature
It is possible to change your candidature from full-time to part-time, however, where it is feasible students are encouraged to remain full-time. (PDF)
Transferring between degree programs
It is possible to transfer from a masters to a doctoral program under certain conditions. Masters candidates who have the necessary formal qualifications to undertake a doctoral program may transfer at any time if the project is suitable and the request is supported by the supervisor and Head of School. It may also be possible to transfer from a masters to a doctoral program without the prescribed formal entry qualifications after the first full year of candidature. (PDF)
Intermission
Candidates are expected to pursue their
research programs without interruption. However, circumstances sometimes occur
which disrupt work for the degree, and it may be sensible to consider
intermitting candidature until the problems are solved. An extended period of
illness or some difficult personal problem might be best handled in this way.
The HDR Committee is reluctant to grant intermission of more than twelve months
in total over the whole candidature. The HDR Committee will not generally grant
intermission during the first twelve months of candidature unless there are
exceptional circumstances. (PDF)
Changing the place of candidature
At the beginning of candidature, the Higher Degrees by Research Committee determines whether your studies must be pursued within the University or may be carried out at another location. If you wish to change the place of candidature, you must apply in writing to the Executive Officer HDR through your principal supervisor and Head of School. The details of the super arrangements and facilities available for your program must be described.
Extension of time
An application for an extension of time will only be approved if a good case is made and a detailed timetable for the completion of the program is provided. Requests for changes to the period of candidature should be made in writing to the Executive Officer HDR and must be supported by your principal supervisor and Head of School. Extension of candidature (PDF) . Extension of Scholarship (PDF).
Withdrawal
If you are considering withdrawing from your degree program you should first discuss the matter with your supervisor and the Head of School. Formal withdrawal requires written advice to the Executive Officer HDR. Readmission after withdrawal may be possible in some circumstances provided that the application is supported by the Head of School and approved by the HDR Committee. A request to resume the original research topic or to be given credit for work done during the earlier candidature will be considered on its merits.
Exclusion from candidature
“Exclusion” means the termination by the University of a candidate’s enrolment with no right of readmission.
You may be excluded from candidature if:
It is important to note that a thesis can only be submitted for examination by a current candidate and work done outside candidature cannot be included in a thesis without special approval.
Unsatisfactory performance
Unsatisfactory performance can constitute grounds for exclusion from candidature. If you have any problem which impedes the progress of the research program, such as access to facilities or equipment, or with research methodology, you should discuss it with your supervisor as soon as possible. Personal or health problems which affect the progress of the degree program should also be discussed so that arrangements for intermission can be made if necessary.
Grievances and problems during candidature
If you experience problems during your candidature, it is important that they are tackled without delay so that progress is not unduly impeded. In general, problems are best solved without recourse to formal complaint. The first contact is normally your supervisor. Other people you may contact are the Facutly Research Administrator, Associate Dean (Research), Executive Officer HDR, the Director Research Services Di or the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Counselling and advice on non-academic matters can be sought from Student Life, and from DUSA.
For more information on changing the conditions of your candidature please refer to the Research Services Web Site: Changing the Conditions of your Candidature
<<Menu>>
Forms and guidelines relating to HDR administrative matters maybe be downloaded from the Research Services web site Forms and Guidelines
<<Menu>>
