UOW Policy Documents

Policy Documents at a Glance

Writing & Reviewing Policy

GENERAL COURSE RULES


Date approved:	1 January 1991	Date Policy will take effect	1 January 1991	Date of Next Review
Approved by:	University Council
Custodian title & e-mail address:	Senior Manager, Policy and Governance Unit governance@uow.edu.au
Author:	Not applicable
Responsible Faculty/Division & Unit:	Policy and Governance Unit, Academic Registrar’s Division
Supporting documents, procedures & forms of this policy:	Nil
References & Legislation:	University of Wollongong Act 1989 University of Wollongong By-Law 1991 Assessment Committee Standards Academic Grievance Policy (Coursework and Honours Students) Academic Grievance Policy (Higher Degree Research Students) Admissions and Advanced Standing Policy Course Progress Policy Delegations of Authority Policy Graduate Qualities Policy IP Intellectual Property Policy IP Student Assignment of Intellectual Property Policy Student Academic Consideration Policy Teaching and Assessment Policy Code of Practice – Honours Code of Practice - Practical Placements Code of Practice – Students Code of Practice - Teaching and Assessment Assessment Guidelines – Scaling Double Degree Guidelines Good Practice Assessment Guidelines University Strategic Plan
Audience:	Public – accessible to anyone
Expiry Date of Policy:	Not applicable

1 Preamble 5
2 Introduction 5
3 Definitions 5
4 Admission 8
5 Advanced Standing 9

Regulations Governing Advanced Standing 9
Summary of Advanced Standing Allowable 10
Advanced Standing towards Bachelor Degrees 10
Advanced Standing towards Honours Bachelor Degrees 10
Advanced Standing towards Postgraduate Courses 10

6 Enrolment 11

General Enrolment Rules 11
Variation of Course 11
Variation of Subjects 12
Enrolment of Subjects 12
Withdrawal from Subjects 12
Time Limits for Course Completion 13
Overseas Student Enrolment Requirements 13
Leave of Absence 14
Refusal of Registration 15
Grounds for refusal of registration 15
Period of refusal of registration 15
Conferral of Awards 15

7 Information Literacies 15

Independent Learners Introductory Program (ILIP) 15

8 Assessment 16

Definitions 16
Assessment Responsibilities of Students 17
Declaration and release of final results 19
Grades of performance 20
Honours 22
Guidelines for granting awards with distinction 24
Guidelines for granting HDR awards with an "Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis" 25
Amendment of academic record 25
Course Progress Requirements 26

9 Ownership of Work and Intellectual Property 28
10 Higher Degree Research Rules 28

Registration Requirements for Higher Research Degrees 28
Transferring Between Research Degrees 29
Supervision of Higher Research Degrees 30
Procedures Governing Admission of Offshore Doctoral Candidates 30
Changes of Status During Candidature 31
Grades of Performance Higher Degree Research Thesis (THES) subjects 31
Progress During Candidature 32
Probation 32
Procedures Governing the Submission of Theses 33
Procedures Governing the Preparation of Theses for Examination 33
Examination of Theses 35
Investigation of Allegations of Plagiarism by Examiners of Research Theses 36
Appeals Against a Thesis Examination Outcome 36
Procedures Governing the Preparation of Theses for Final Submission 37
Procedures for Examination of Work Submitted for Doctoral of Philosophy by Published Works 38
Procedures for Examination of Work Submitted for Higher Doctoral Degrees 38
Grievance Procedures 40

11 Other 40

General Saving Clause 40
Application for Amending Rules 40
Appeal 40

12 Awards and Degrees of the University 40

Bachelor Degrees 40
Graduate Certificates 45
Graduate Diplomas 47
Masters by Coursework Degrees 48
Masters by Research Degrees 51
Doctoral Degree by Thesis 52
Doctoral Degree by Published Works 53
Doctoral Degree by Published Works and the Abbreviation 53
Admission requirements for Doctor of Philosophy by Published Works 53
Course Requirements for Doctoral Degree by Published Works 54
Examination Requirements for Doctoral Degree by Published Works 54
Higher Doctoral Degree Rules 54

13 Version Control and Change History 55
Appendix 1: List of Courses for each Honours Method 58
Appendix 2: Submission of Digital Theses for UOW Research Students 60

Background 60
Aim 60
Rationale 60
Process 60

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1 Preamble

1. Students and staff should note that the University’s Course Rules are under constant review and may change between the issue of this Handbook and the commencement of the 2009 Academic Year. Students are advised, therefore, to consult the University’s online Policy Directory prior to enrolment.

2 Introduction

1. The General Course Rules govern registration, enrolment, progression through and qualification for courses offered by the University and are to be read in conjunction with other rules, codes of practice and policies. These Rules became operative on 1 January 1998.

3 Definitions

1. In the interpretation and implementation of these Rules, Council will normally act on the recommendation of appropriate authorities within the University. In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:

Term	Definition
000 level subject	is a subject at Foundation level
100 level subject	is a subject at first year level
200 level subject	is a subject at second year level
300 level subject	is a subject at third year level
400 level subject	is a subject at fourth year level
600 level subject	is a subject at graduate entry undergraduate level
800 and 900 level subjects	are subjects at postgraduate level
Academic Adviser	Academic Adviser is a person approved to advise candidates on programs of study
academic year	academic year refers to the period comprising autumn session, the following spring session and the following summer session
advanced standing	advanced standing is credit or exemption granted to a candidate
approved or approval	approved or approval means approval by Council or under authority delegated by Council
compulsory study period	one in which the student must enrol unless granted a deferment or suspension from enrolment or leave of absence. It does not include periods in which the student can elect to undertake additional studies.
co-requisite subject	co-requisite subject is a subject which must be completed satisfactorily before, taken concurrently with or attempted before the subject for which it is prescribed
Council	Council is the Council of the University of Wollongong
course	course is a program of study that includes those courses leading to higher education awards and non-award courses. A course consists of a subject or combination of subjects and other requirements as specified in the course structure
course structure	course structure refers to the specific program of subjects which a candidate undertakes to meet the requirements of a course as specified in the Award Rules and the Course Handbook for the year the course was commenced
credit	credit is the number of credit points granted towards a course for work completed satisfactorily outside that course
credit point	credit point is the value attached to a subject that indicates study load
Delegated Authority	Delegated Authority is a person given delegated authority under the Academic Delegations Policy
domestic student	A domestic student is an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or New Zealand Citizen
double degree	double degree is an approved course leading to the conferral of two degrees as separate awards upon a candidate who has complied with the Course Requirements for double degrees and the two individual Course Requirements inclusively
excluded student	An excluded student must apply directly to the University for admission at the conclusion of the period of exclusion should re-admission be sought
exemption	exemption is the waiving of the requirement that a subject prescribed for a course be completed satisfactorily and is granted, as exemption A, B, C, or D on the basis of the satisfactory completion of an appropriate subject, subjects or other work at an approved tertiary institution or other establishment, as follows: Exemption A: the subject is regarded as having been completed satisfactorily for all purposes Exemption B: the subject is regarded as having been completed satisfactorily for all purposes except for the accrual of credit points; Exemption C: the subject is regarded as having been completed satisfactorily for all purposes except the satisfying of a pre-requisite requirement Exemption D: the subject is regarded as having been completed satisfactorily, but not for the purposes of either the satisfying of a pre-requisite requirement or the accrual of credit points
expelled student	an expelled student shall not be re-admitted except by permission of Council
full-time candidate	full-time candidate is a candidate enrolled in at least 75% of the standard load for a period of study
ILIP	Information Literacies Introductory Program Policy
lapsed student	a lapsed student is a student whose enrolment in a course has lapsed due to the student failing to re-enrol and not obtaining an approved leave of absence
leave of absence	leave of absence is a period of approved leave from the University
major / major study	a major or major study in a course is an approved combination of subjects offered by one or more academic units which have a minimum value of one third of the total degree requirements. A major or major study in a Bachelors Degree is at least 48 credit points offered by one or more academic units. The title of the major shall appear on the testamur
minor / minor study	a minor or minor study in a course for a Bachelor degree, is an approved combination of subjects which have a minimum value of 24 credit points offered by one or more academic units. The minor shall be recorded on the official academic transcript
non-award	non-award refers to those candidates or courses that do not lead to a higher education award at the University
offshore candidate	offshore candidate is a candidate who is enrolled in a course at a location outside of Australia
overseas student	An overseas student is a student who is not a domestic student. This includes but is not limited to students on temporary residence visas, bridging visas and student visas.
Part time candidate	part time candidate is a candidate who is not a full-time candidate
postgraduate	postgraduate refers to candidates or courses for Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Masters by Coursework degrees, Masters by Research degrees and Doctoral Degrees
pre-requisite subject	pre-requisite subject is a subject which must be completed satisfactorily before the subject for which it is prescribed may be taken
program	program is the combination of subjects in which a candidate is enrolled
schedule	schedule refers to all subjects approved for inclusion in a course leading to an award
session	session is a period in which subjects may be offered. Standard sessions are defined as Autumn and Spring. Non-standard sessions may be created in accordance with the Session Policy
specified credit	specified credit is credit for a specific subject or subjects listed in a Schedule and is granted on the basis of satisfactory completion of a substantially corresponding subject or subjects at an approved tertiary institution
standard load	standard load is based on one year of full-time study being equivalent to 48 credit points. Some combined programs of study, such as double degrees, may have a non-standard load
student or candidate	student or candidate is a person registered for a course
study period	a six month period of study within a course
subject	subject is a self-contained unit of study identified by a unique code
supervisor	A supervisor is a person approved to supervise the research work of a candidate
suspended student	A suspended student may be re-admitted to this University at the conclusion of the defined period of suspension
undergraduate	undergraduate refers to candidates or courses for diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees, Bachelor degrees, and honours Bachelor degrees
unspecified credit	unspecified credit is credit granted on the basis of satisfactory completion, at an approved tertiary institution, of a subject or subjects not substantially corresponding to subjects listed in the appropriate Schedule
weeks of session	weeks of session are the weeks counted from the beginning of a session and not including weeks scheduled as University recess
weighted average mark / WAM	weighted average mark is the average of marks gained by a candidate in a program, programs or course and weighted by credit point value and by level
year	year refers to a calendar year period of 12 months

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4 Admission

1. To qualify for admission to:

a. a diploma shall be such entry requirements as specified in the Admissions Policy or
b. a Bachelor degree, a person shall have successfully completed secondary education or equivalent as specified in the Admissions Policy or
c. a Graduate Certificate, a Graduate Diploma or a Masters by Coursework degree, a person shall have qualified for an Australian Bachelor degree or for an equivalent qualification as specified in the Admissions Policy or
d. a Masters by Research degree, a person shall have qualified for an Australian Bachelor degree in the same or appropriate discipline as the proposed degree, or for an equivalent qualification as specified in the Admissions Policy or
e. a Doctoral Degree by research, a person shall comply with requirements for admission set out in Rules 12.21-12.24 inclusive, except that, in appropriate circumstances, an applicant who does not qualify for registration under these Rules may be permitted to register as a candidate for a postgraduate course provided that evidence is submitted of such tertiary academic and professional attainment as may be approved or
f. a non-award course shall be such entry requirements as specified in the Admissions Policy.

2. An application for admission as a candidate shall be made on the prescribed form and be lodged as directed in the Admissions Policy by the specified date. Application for admission may be required to be made to an external Tertiary Admissions Centre.
3. Notwithstanding any provisions of these Rules, an applicant may be required to demonstrate fitness for candidature by carrying out such work and satisfactorily completing such examinations as may be prescribed.
4. Council may refuse admission to a qualified applicant should there not be appropriate and sufficient personnel or resources to enable the candidate to undertake the course, or should there be a limitation imposed on the number of candidates to be registered for that course, or should other restrictions or limitations be applied to that course.
5. A person admitted as a candidate shall register for the particular course for which admission was sought and shall be then subject to all relevant Rules and requirements.
6. Some courses may only be available on a full-time or part time basis, as specified in the Course Handbook.
7. Continuation of registration is contingent upon compliance with any approved conditions imposed at initial registration or thereafter.
8. Except with approval a candidate shall not be registered concurrently for more than one course in this University or other tertiary institution.
9. A person who, in the opinion of Council, has an unsatisfactory academic record in, or who is suspended, excluded or expelled from, any tertiary institution shall not be permitted to register for any course.
10. Except with approval in exceptional circumstances, a candidate is subject to the course time limits set out in Rules 6.26 - 6.30 inclusive.
11. Where false documentation is identified on application, the candidate shall not be admitted to the University.
12. Where a student is found to have been admitted on the basis of false documentation, that student shall be immediately suspended from the University by the Vice-Chancellor under the Student Conduct Rules. If the student wishes to appeal the facts of the matter, the appeal will be heard, under the Student Conduct Rules, by the Student Conduct Committee. If the Committee finds the allegation proven, they shall recommend to the Vice-Chancellor either that the student be expelled from the University or that the student be suspended for a limited period as stipulated in the Student Conduct Rules.
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5 Advanced Standing

1. Students enrolling for courses may seek advanced standing (or credit) on the basis of tertiary studies completed prior to their enrolment at the University of Wollongong. Studies undertaken at other universities, colleges of advanced education, other domestic providers and TAFE may be considered for advanced standing. Applications for advanced standing must be accompanied by full documentation of previous studies, with photocopies of the relevant pages from the Handbook/Calendar of the institution concerned and a certified transcript of results. Policy Statement heading, add as many as required

Regulations Governing Advanced Standing

2. A candidate who has completed, at an approved tertiary institution or other establishment, one or more subjects or other work approved for the purpose of this Rule may apply for such advanced standing as detailed below.
3. With prior approval, a candidate may be permitted to enrol on a cross-institutional basis for a subject at another tertiary institution and, on satisfactory completion of that subject, have it counted towards a course of this University.
4. A candidate who has been granted specified credit for a subject or subjects completed at the University of Wollongong or elsewhere shall not be permitted to count substantially corresponding subjects towards a course of this University.
5. Except for subjects completed at the University of Wollongong, no marks or grades shall be recorded for subjects recorded as specified credit.
6. Where advanced standing has been granted to an overseas student on a student visa an assessment of their allowable course duration will be undertaken and where appropriate a new Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued.

Summary of Advanced Standing Allowable

7. An application for advanced standing shall be made on the prescribed form and lodged as directed. A record of advanced standing granted will be provided to the student.
8. An application for advanced standing for subjects or qualifications not herein covered will be determined on merit.
9. Qualifications or subjects that have been completed more than ten years prior to application will be assessed based on merit and current relevance by the Delegated Authority.
10. Unspecified credit may be converted to specified credit at any level on the recommendation of the Delegated Authority.
11. Advanced standing additional to the maximum prescribed may be approved for a specific course to be undertaken at the University of Wollongong at the discretion of the Delegated Authority.

Advanced Standing towards Bachelor Degrees

12. The maximum advanced standing allowable:

a. for a completed Bachelor degree, is one half the credit point equivalent of the completed degree or one half the credit point value of the degree for which the applicant is a candidate, whichever is least
b. for an incomplete undergraduate Bachelor degree, other than a degree of this University, is two thirds of the minimum number of credit points required for the degree for which the applicant is registered
c. for a completed sub-degree tertiary qualification approved under the Australian Quality Framework Guidelines (AQF Guidelines), is a maximum of 48 credit points as detailed in the advanced standing guidelines
d. for an incomplete sub-degree tertiary qualification, at the discretion of the Delegated Authority on a case by case basis
e. for more than one completed tertiary qualification, shall be that advanced standing allowable for one only completed tertiary qualification.

13. Credit at 300 or 400 level may be granted towards a major study if permitted in the course structure for that course. Rules regarding the cross-counting of subjects towards a course or major also extend to subjects recorded as credit.
14. Except for the exclusion provided in Rule 5.12(e), the maximum advanced standing allowable is two thirds the minimum number of credit points required for the degree for which the advanced standing is sought.

Advanced Standing towards Honours Bachelor Degrees

15. Advanced standing for a course for one of the honours degrees listed in Rule 12.2(c) will not be approved.

Advanced Standing towards Postgraduate Courses

16. Advanced standing may be granted towards postgraduate courses for complete or incomplete postgraduate qualifications or subjects.
17. The maximum advanced standing allowable towards courses listed under Rules 12.6, 12.9, and 12.12 is 25% of the total credit point requirement for that course, except as provided in Rules 5.18 and 5.19 below.
18. Where there is a formal articulation arrangement between two University of Wollongong courses, up to 50% of the second course may be granted as advanced standing.
19. A candidate for the degree of Masters by Research under the provision of Rules 12.15-12.18 inclusive, who has completed other relevant qualifications, may be granted up to 24 credit points of advanced standing for the coursework requirement set out in Rule 12.18(b).Back to Contents

6 Enrolment

General Enrolment Rules

1. During prescribed periods in each year, a candidate shall enrol in a program in accordance with requirements of these Rules and pay any required charges. Prior to the initial registration for a course, a candidate may consult with an Academic Adviser.
2. A candidate may enrol in a subject provided that:

a. the conditions for enrolment specified for that subject are satisfied, save that a prerequisite or co-requisite requirement may be waived by the Delegated Authority
b. the candidate is not excluded by any restriction that may be imposed on the number of candidates to be enrolled in that subject
c. the subject is available in the nominated session or sessions
d. the candidate is not suspended, excluded or expelled from any tertiary institution
e. Council has determined that there are appropriate and sufficient personnel and resources to enable the candidate to undertake the subject and
f. enrolment is not restricted to candidates in a specific course, location (campus) or mode of delivery. This may be waived by the Delegated Authority.

3. Except with the approval by the Delegated Authority, a student shall not be permitted to enrol in a program which exceeds more than one third above the standard full-time load for that session. This means no more than:

a. 32 credit points for a standard session
b. 64 credit points for an annual load or
c. the maximum load specified in the Session Policy for all other sessions.

4. For the purposes of Rule 6.3 above, where a student is enrolled in multiple overlapping sessions, the load shall be distributed on a pro-rata basis.
5. A candidate enrolled in a subject in contravention of the conditions for enrolment specified in the Course Handbook or subject requirements shall be withdrawn from that subject unless permitted by the Delegated Authority to remain enrolled.
6. A candidate who, in a particular year, is not permitted to enrol in a subject pursuant to these Rules may apply for permission to enrol in a subsequent year.
7. A candidate who is refused continuation of registration, through suspension, exclusion or expulsion may not enrol in any subject.

Variation of Course

8. After consultation with an Academic Adviser a candidate may apply to the Delegated Authority for permission to change registration from one course to another.
9. After consultation with an Academic Adviser, a candidate may apply to the Delegated Authority for permission to change location (campus) or mode of delivery within a course.
10. Permission for a candidate to change registration is contingent upon any restriction that may be imposed on the number of candidates to be registered for a particular course, location or mode of delivery, as well as any specific admission criteria for a particular course.
11. Variation of enrolment associated with change of registration is contingent upon restrictions imposed by relevant provisions of Rules 6.1-6.7 inclusive and Rules 6.17-6.25 inclusive.
12. Upon change of registration, a candidate becomes subject to rules relating to the course to which registration is changed.
13. A candidate for a higher research degree or for an honours Bachelor degree may apply to change candidature from full-time to part time or from part time to full-time prior to the census date for the current session of enrolment.
14. Candidates for higher research degrees may vary their course registration in accordance with Rules 10.7-10.14 inclusive.
15. Except with approval to the contrary, restrictions imposed on enrolment or registration of a candidate prior to, or at the time of a change of registration, shall continue to apply after change of registration.

Variation of Subjects

16. Students may not vary enrolment in a subject that is currently part of an academic misconduct investigation until the investigation has been finalised.

Enrolment of Subjects

17. Permission for a candidate to enrol in a subject is contingent upon restrictions imposed by relevant provisions of Rules 6.1-6.7 inclusive and the deadlines for enrolment as specified below.
18. A candidate may enrol in a subject through SOLS before:

a. the end of the second week of the session for a standard session or
b. as specified in the Session Policy for a non-standard session.

19. After the date stated in Rule 6.18 has passed, a candidate may enrol in a subject with academic approval from the Delegated Authority before:

a. the end of the third week of the session for a standard session or
b. as specified in the Session Policy for a non-standard session.

20. Under no circumstances may a candidate enrol in a subject:

a. after the third week of the session in a standard session or
b. after the date specified in the Session Policy in a non-standard session.

Withdrawal from Subjects

21. A candidate may withdraw from a subject provided such withdrawal is made no later than the deadlines for withdrawal as specified below. A candidate who withdraws from all subjects in a session without obtaining an approved leave of absence, as per Rules 6.32 - 6.39 inclusive, will have their enrolment lapsed. Once enrolment has lapsed, the candidate will need to re-apply for admission.
22. A candidate may withdraw from a subject without academic penalty and without the subject appearing on the official academic transcript if they withdraw:

a. before the end of the ninth week of session for subjects in a standard session or
b. before the last day to withdraw without academic penalty, as specified in the Session Policy for subjects in a non-standard session.

23. A candidate may apply to withdraw late without academic penalty from a subject after the date specified in Rule 6.22 above, but before the end of the last teaching week of the session, under exceptional circumstances. An application must be made under the University’s Student Academic Consideration Policy for late withdrawal from a subject without academic penalty on the appropriate form with supporting documentation.
24. If an application for late withdrawal from a subject without academic penalty is approved, the candidate will be deemed to have withdrawn from the subject without penalty for the purposes of Rule 8.55 (course progress requirements) and the subject shall be recorded as “Approved withdrawal” on the enrolment record and the subject will not appear on the academic transcript.
25. If an application for late withdrawal from a subject without academic penalty is not approved, the enrolment will stand and a grade will be declared for that subject. The candidate may appeal the grade received in accordance with Rule 8.49 (amendment of academic record).

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Time Limits for Course Completion

26. The minimum and maximum time limits for completion of courses, as listed below, apply except when approved to the contrary in exceptional circumstances. Periods of approved leave of absence are not included as part of the total course duration for the purpose of Rules 6.27-6.30 inclusive. Overseas students on student visas have specific requirements as detailed in Rule 6.31.
27. A candidate for an undergraduate course may be registered for a maximum period of three times the duration for completion of that course under a standard full-time load.
28. A candidate for a postgraduate coursework degree may be registered for a maximum period of three times the duration for completion of that course under a standard full-time load.
29. A candidate for a Masters by Research degree may be registered for that degree for:

a. no less than one year, and no more than two years as a full-time candidate or
b. no less than two years, and no more than four years as a part time candidate.

Candidature may be extended beyond the maximum time period following a satisfactory review of progress.

30. A candidate for a Doctoral Degree by thesis may be registered for that degree for:

a. no less than two years, and no more than four years as a full-time candidate or
b. no less than four years, and no more than eight years as a part time candidate; except that:

i. a candidate who, before registration, was engaged upon approved study may be exempted from not more than one year
ii. in special circumstances, a candidate may be permitted to devote not more than one calendar year to study at another institution provided that the work shall be supervised in an approved manner and
iii. in exceptional cases, a candidate may apply to be exempted from not more than one year, as stipulated in Rules 6.30(a) and (b) inclusive above.

Candidature may be extended beyond the maximum time period following a satisfactory review of progress.

Overseas Student Enrolment Requirements

31. Overseas students on student visas are required to complete their course within the duration as registered for that course on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The registered duration is determined on the basis of a minimum time to complete the course under a standard full-time study load.

a. Overseas students shall only exceed this duration as a result of:

i. compassionate or compelling circumstances as evidenced by the student and approved by the Academic Registrar or standing nominee; or
ii. participation in an approved University intervention strategy; or
iii. an approved deferment, leave of absence or suspension of study.

b. The duration of course completion for individual overseas students may be shortened as a result of advanced standing granted for prior study.

Leave of Absence

32. A student enrolled in a Bachelor degree:

a. becomes eligible for leave of absence at the beginning of the second session of enrolment
b. may take leave of absence for up to one year provided that they notify the University before the last day to enrol with academic permission of the session for which leave is sought and
c. may apply to the Delegated Authority for an extension of their leave of absence beyond one year.

33. A student enrolled in an end-on honours Bachelor degree as listed in Rule 12.2(c) may be granted leave of absence for up to one year provided:

a. that the student has the written consent of his/her supervisor and
b. that written application is made to the Delegated Authority before the last day to enrol with academic permission of the first session for which leave is sought.

34. A student enrolled in a Masters by Coursework degree, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate:

a. becomes eligible to apply for leave of absence at the beginning of the second session of enrolment and
b. may be granted leave of absence for up to one year provided that written application is made to the Delegated Authority before the last day to enrol with academic permission of the first session for which leave is sought.

35. A student enrolled in a higher degree research course may be granted leave of absence for one year or, in exceptional circumstances, up to two years provided that:

a. the student has the written consent of his/her supervisor and
b. written application is made to the Manager of the Research Student Centre before the last day to enrol with academic permission of the first session for which leave is sought.

36. Students should note that leave can only be taken as entire sessions. It is not possible for students to take leave for only a part of a session.
37. Students who take leave of absence from their course for more than one year should note that the course rules and conditions under which they originally enrolled may change during their period on leave and that they may be subject to the rules and conditions as they apply at the time that they return to their course.
38. In addition to 6.32 to 6.37 overseas students on student visas shall only be granted leave of absence under the following specific circumstances:

a. compassionate or compelling grounds as evidenced by the student and approved by the Academic Registrar or standing nominee; or
b. administrative grounds for example where the University is unable to offer a pre-requisite unit; or
c. where a student is participating in an approved University intervention strategy.

39. Where an overseas student on a student visa is granted leave of absence as specified in 6.38 and this leads to an extension to the duration of the student's course of study a new Confirmation of Enrolment must be provided to reflect the extended period.

Refusal of Registration

40. A student may be refused registration by reason of suspension, exclusion or expulsion from the University as a consequence of failing to comply with University Rules.

Grounds for refusal of registration

41. Where a student fails to meet the minimum rate of progress in a course they may be suspended or excluded from the University, as specified in Rules 8.56 - 8.63 inclusive.
42. Where a student fails to perform satisfactorily in a mandatory placement component of a course or for other specified reasons is deemed to be unlikely to perform satisfactorily in that placement and therefore has been assessed as unsuitable to continue in such professional practice by the Academic Course Coordinator, or where the external agency has refused to permit that student access to their facilities, the student may be excluded from the course, as specified in course rule Rules 8.64 - 8.66 inclusive.
43. Students may be excluded from the University for either academic or non-academic misconduct as specified in the Student Conduct Rules.

Period of refusal of registration

44. The period of suspension will comprise one or more sessions and the remainder of the session in which the suspension is applied. At the end of the period of suspension, the student may be re-admitted to the course.
45. The period of exclusion will comprise one or more years and the remainder of the year in which the exclusion is applied. Students who are excluded must re-apply for admission directly to the University at the end of the exclusion period.
46. Any record of performance issued by this University in respect of a person refused registration due to being suspended, excluded or expelled, shall include detail of such suspension, exclusion or expulsion.

Conferral of Awards

47. A course award may be conferred upon a candidate who has complied with relevant parts of these Rules, is not indebted to the University, and has met the requirements for the course as specified in the Undergraduate Course Handbook or Postgraduate Course Handbook.
48. Applications to have an award conferred must be made on the appropriate form and by the due date for each session. It is the student’s responsibility to lodge an application to graduate in order to have their award formally conferred.
49. In the event of the death of a student:

a. if the student has completed the requirements of their course as specified in Rule 6.47, but has not yet had the award conferred, a posthumous award can be conferred or
b. if the student has not completed the course requirements, but has completed a substantial proportion of the course requirements, Council may confer a posthumous award at its discretion.

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7 Information Literacies

1. In addition to requirements set out in the Course Rules, candidates must satisfy the relevant requirements listed below. Independent Learners Introductory Program Policy requirements are detailed on the University of Wollongong Library website.

Independent Learners Introductory Program (ILIP)

2. Undergraduate students must complete ILIP100 in their first session of study.
3. Students who fail to complete the relevant Independent Learners Introductory Program will have their results withheld and will not be permitted to graduate.”
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8 Assessment

The Assessment Rules that follow should be read in conjunction with:

General

Code of Practice – Students, outlining the general rights and responsibilities of students at the University

Code of Practice – Practical Placements, setting out policies and practices regarding workplace experience and other practical training requirements

Acknowledgement Practice, explaining how to acknowledge sources

Student Academic Consideration Policy, setting out the procedures and criteria for academic consideration requests for all forms of assessment

University Examination Rules, outlining procedures for the administration of centrally run University examinations.

Coursework and Honours

Code of Practice – Teaching and Assessment, setting out the responsibilities of academic staff in relation to the assessment of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework subjects.

Academic Grievance Policy (Coursework and Honours Students), setting out the University’s general approach to resolving academic grievances and procedures that may be followed where a student wishes to pursue such a grievance

Code of Practice – Honours, setting out the responsibilities of students and academic staff in relation to research or creative projects within an honours program or course of study leading to an Honours award.

Higher Degree Research

Code of Practice – Research, setting out the policy and best practice relating to procedures for responsible practices in research

Research Misconduct Policy – setting out the policy in dealing with problems of research misconduct

Code of Practice – Supervision, setting out the policy regarding supervision of research students

Course Rule 10. Higher Degree Research, setting out requirements for doctoral or Masters theses

Academic Grievance Policy (Higher Degree Research Students), setting out the process for resolving academic grievances for Higher Degree Research students.

Definitions

1. The following are definitions that are specific for Course Rule 8. Assessment:

Term/Abbreviation	Definition
assessment	assessment means work which a student is required to complete to provide a basis for an official record of achievement or certification of competence in a subject. This may include summative and/or formative forms of assessment. Examples of assessments include, but are not limited to: examination, test, take-home examination, quiz, assignment, essay, laboratory report, thesis, demonstration, performance, tutorial presentation, class participation, practicum, clinical placement, and work experience in industry
examination supervisor	examination supervisor means a person authorised by the Academic Registrar to supervise a formal examination held by the University or authorised by the Head of the relevant academic unit to supervise an in-session test
examination room	examination room means a designated place where an examination or in-session test is held
examiner	examiner means a person or persons with responsibility for the assessment of work in any subject
faculty examination	faculty examination means a test, examination, quiz or in-class review conducted by an academic unit
University examination	University examination means a formal examination, including a supplementary examination, conducted by the Academic Registrar's Division (ARD)

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Assessment Responsibilities of Students

Assessment task requirements

2. Unless permission is first obtained from the relevant Subject Coordinator, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students must submit the prescribed assessment work in accordance with the requirements set out or referred to in the relevant Subject Outline, which must be developed and distributed to students in accordance with the Code of Practice – Teaching and Assessment. Failure to meet the requirements for an assessment task as set out in the Subject Outline may result in a reduction in marks or a fail grade for that assessment task.
3. Unless permission is first obtained from the relevant Honours Coordinator, students completing an honours project must meet the assessment requirements set out in the Honours Guide which must be provided to students in accordance with the Code of Practice – Honours. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a reduction in marks or a fail grade for the honours project.
4. Students completing higher degree research projects must comply with the assessment requirements specified in the Code of Practice – Supervision and Course Rule 10. Higher Degree Research.
5. All assessment tasks must be responded to in English unless otherwise directed.
6. All students should keep a copy of all work submitted for assessment and should be prepared to submit a copy if requested by the relevant academic staff member to do so.
7. Students sitting an examination must comply with the University Examination Rules.

Minimum attendance requirements

8. Coursework and Honours students must meet any mandatory minimum attendance requirements, for example, at seminars, tutorials, practicals, laboratories or other modes of instruction, as set out in the relevant Subject Outline or Honours Guide. Failure by a student to comply with such mandatory minimum attendance requirements may constitute grounds for failure in that subject.

Student academic consideration

9. Students may apply for academic consideration under the Student Academic Consideration Policy where they believe that their academic performance in one or more assessment tasks has been, or is likely to be, adversely affected by illness or other circumstances beyond their control.
10. Students must not attempt to avoid assessment requirements using unauthorised means, for example, by forging or altering documents supporting academic consideration applications. A breach by a student of this requirement may amount to misconduct and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person under the Student Conduct Rules.

Acknowledgement practice

11. Students must not submit for assessment work which has been submitted for any other subject at the University or at any other educational institution, except as otherwise permitted.
12. Where any material is used by a student which is not entirely the work of the student, in whole or in part, the student must comply with the Acknowledgement Practice document and fully reference that material in accordance with the system of referencing specified in the Subject Outline.
13. Failure by a student to comply with the requirements in Rules 8.11-8.12 inclusive may amount to academic misconduct and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person under the Student Conduct Rules.

Conduct during University or faculty Examinations

14. Students sitting a University or faculty examination must not:

a. have in their possession any material that is not authorised by the examiner for the subject concerned
b. communicate with any other student, unless expressly approved by the supervisor or examiner
c. give or endeavour to give assistance to any other student, unless expressly approved by the examiner
d. accept or endeavour to accept assistance from any student or other person, unless such assistance has been expressly approved by the examiner
e. permit any other student to read, copy from or use their examination question or answer paper, unless expressly approved by the examiner
f. use any other material belonging to or written by another student or other person unless expressly approved by the examiner
g. remove from the examination room any question or answer paper, other paper provided for use by the student during the course of the examination or test, or other material which is the property of the University, unless authorised by the supervisor or examiner or
h. cause a disturbance or behave in a manner likely to disturb any other student.

15. Students sitting a University or faculty examination must:

a. obey any instruction given by an examination supervisor for the proper conduct of an examination or test and
b. comply with any other University By-Law or Rule in relation to orderly conduct.

16. A student who does not comply with the requirements set out in Rules 8.14 and 8.15 above:

a. may be guilty of misconduct under the Student Conduct Rules or the Campus Access and Order Rules and disciplinary action may be taken by an authorised person and
b. will normally be allowed to complete the examination but may be required to leave the examination room immediately in circumstances considered appropriate by the Academic Registrar or nominee (in the case of a University examination conducted by the Academic Registrar’s Division) or the examiner (in the case of a faculty examination).

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Declaration and release of final results

Declaration of results

17. A mark and an approved grade of performance is determined and declared for each subject in which a student is enrolled in accordance with the Code of Practice – Teaching and Assessment and Assessment Committee Guidelines. The roles of the Faculty Assessment Committee and the Academic Unit Assessment Committee in these processes are set out in their respective terms of reference.

Release of results

18. After final results are declared, the results are released by the Academic Registrar in a form and at a time determined by the Academic Registrar. Students access their results via their enrolment record on Student OnLine Services (SOLS) on the day of release of results. No information concerning results will be given by telephone.

Withheld results

19. Students must not have a blank declaration of results. A withheld result must be given when a grade is not allocated. Withheld results may be granted as follows:

a. WH (withheld):

i. for medical or compassionate grounds: supported by an approved request under the Student Academic Consideration Policy;
ii. for investigative grounds: any formal investigation carried out by a person or committee authorised to conduct the investigation under University Rules or policy;
iii. for where there are unavoidable delays in assessing the material.

b. IPC (in progress coursework): for where a subject spans session dates (for example any subject lasting two sessions or longer), or those which include completion of a practicum, clinical placement, internship or other professional experience
c. WHE (withheld extension): for when an extension for the non-declaration of results, including a reason has been approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International)
d. ND (not declared): is a grade that is automatically generated by the student system when a grade has not been declared.

20. Where a WH or ND result is allocated given these results must be declared ten weeks after the release of results date. If an extension after that ten week period is required, each Dean, or their nominee, must submit a request for a four week extension for the non declaration of results including a reason, to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International). This extension must be submitted within ten weeks from the release of results date. Failure to request an extension will result in an automatic fail grade being given after the ten week period. If an extension has been granted failure to declare a result within four weeks from the extension date will result in an automatic fail grade being given.
21. When a WH or ND result is granted given, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the relevant academic unit as soon as practical. Failure to do so will result in an automatic fail grade being determined after ten weeks from the release of results.

Declaration of results for multi session subjects

22. Where a subject is required to be undertaken over more than one session, a grade shall be declared at the end of each session as either:

a. IPC (in progress coursework) – for coursework subjects and clinical placements or
b. IPR (in progress research) – for research subjects.

23. When the subject has been completed a grade of performance, as per Rules 8.26 - 33 inclusive, shall be declared for the final session of enrolment. All previous session enrolments may be declared as CO (Complete) for the purpose of counting the total credit points for the subject.
24. If a student is deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress during a multi session subject and is not permitted to continue their enrolment in the subject, a grade of U (Unsatisfactory) shall be applied to the current session of enrolment.
25. If a student withdraws from a multi session subject a grade of either U (Unsatisfactory) or NC (Not Complete) may be declared as appropriate to indicate that the student has ceased the subject before completion.

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Grades of performance

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Coursework Subjects

Grades of performance for 100, 200, 300 and 400 level subjects

26. The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 100, 200, 300 and 400 level subjects (except for subjects constituting an Honours program applying 8.37 (a) to determine the Honours grade) are as follows:


Satisfactory completion
High Distinction	85% to100%
Distinction	75% to 84%
Credit	65% to 74%
Pass	50% to 64%
Pass Restricted (for 100 and 200 level subjects only) or Pass Conceded	45% to 49%
Unsatisfactory completion
Fail	0% to 44%

Grades of performance for 600 level subjects

27. The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 600 level subjects are as follows:


Satisfactory completion
High Distinction	85% to100%
Distinction	75% to 84%
Credit	65% to 74%
Pass	50% to 64%
Unsatisfactory completion
Fail	0% to 49%

Grades of performance for 800 and 900 level subjects

28. The approved grades of performance and associated ranges of marks for 800 and 900 level subjects (except for research subjects) are as follows:


Satisfactory completion
High Distinction	85% to100%
Distinction	75% to 84%
Credit	65% to 74%
Pass	50% to 64%
Unsatisfactory completion
Fail	0% to 49%

Determination of performance as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory

29. For approved undergraduate and postgraduate coursework subjects, performance will be determined as:

Satisfactory Completion	Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory Completion	Unsatisfactory

Graduate School of Medicine

30. In addition to the determination of performance in Rule 8.29 above, subjects from the Graduate School of Medicine that are completed with a high standard of performance may be awarded the grade of Excellent instead of Satisfactory.

Pass Conceded and Pass Restricted grades

31. Subjects satisfactorily completed at a Pass Conceded or Pass Restricted grade may comprise no more than one sixth of the minimum credit point value of a course.
32. The award of the grade of Pass Restricted in a subject will prohibit a student progressing to the next subject in a sequence for which the subject in which the Pass Restricted is awarded is a prerequisite. However, students are not prevented from repeating a subject for which a Pass Restricted has been awarded.

Failure to attain minimum performance levels

33. Where a student gains a mark of 45 or greater (for 100, 200, 300 and 400 level subjects) or a mark of 50 or greater (for 800 and 900 level subjects) and does not meet a specified level in an assessment task required to pass the subject a Technical Fail grade shall be used. Where a Technical Fail is given the following applies:

a. failure of the subject;
b. TF (Technical Fail) without a mark will be granted;
c. a TF will be presented on the student’s Academic Transcript; and
d. the allocated mark of 44 will be used as the WAM calculation for subjects at all levels.

34. Where a subject has a minimum performance level required for either the subject, and/or for specific assessment tasks that are part of the subject, this must be included in the Subject Outline with the statement that students who do not meet the minimum performance requirements as set out in the Subject Outline will be given a TF grade on their Academic Transcript.
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Honours

Honours grades

35. The following grades of Honours degrees may be awarded:

Honours Class I
Honours Class II, Division 1
Honours Class II, Division 2
Honours Class III

Calculation of weighted average mark

36. Honours grades will be determined using a weighted average mark calculated as follows:

weighted average mark =
∑ mlc

∑ lc

where:

m is the actual mark obtained in each attempt at each subject;
c is the credit point value of the subject;
l is the weight reflecting the level of the subject (see 8.37 below).

Summation in the numerator and denominator is over all subjects.

Methods for determining Honours grade

37. For each Honours degree, one of the following four methods must be adopted to determine the Honours grade:

a. Method 1:

Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):

1 for 400 level subjects that constitute the Honours program
0 for 300 level
0 for 200 level
0 for 100 level

Ranges for grades of Honours:

Class I 85% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 75% to less than 85%
Class II, Division 2 65% to less than 75%
Class III (where awarded) 50% to less than 65%
Honours not awarded 0% to less than 50%
b. Method 2:

Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):

4 for 400 level
3 for 300 level
2 for 200 level
1 for 100 level

Ranges for grades of Honours:

Class I 77.5% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 77.5%
Class II, Division 2 67.5% to less than 72.5%
Class III (where awarded) 62.5% to less than 67.5%
Honours not awarded 0% to less than 62.5%
c. Method 3:

Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):

4 for 400 level
1 for 300 level
0 for 200 level
0 for 100 level

Ranges for grades of Honours:

Class I 80% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 80%
Class II, Division 2 65% to less than 72.5%
Honours not awarded 0 to less than 65%
d. Method 4:

Weightings for different subject levels (i.e. the l factor set out in 8.36):

1 for 400 level
1 for 300 level
1 for 200 level
1 for 100 level

Ranges for grades of Honours:

Class I 75% to 100%
Class II, Division 1 72.5% to less than 75%
Class II, Division 2 70% to less than 72.5%
Honours not awarded 0 to less than 70%

38. Where a student has completed an honours program which applies Rules 8.37 (b), (c), or (d) but has not achieved a mark entitling the student to an award of Honours, the student will be eligible for a pass degree if they meet the requirements for that degree.
39. Where the method for determining the grade of Honours applied for a particular Honours program is changed after a student has commenced that program, the faculty must ensure that the student is not disadvantaged by the change. This may require the application of a previous method of determining Honours grades to that student.
40. Except as provided in Rule 8.41 below, every attempt at a subject in the course is to be included in the determination in Rule 8.36 above.
41. Subjects which are graded Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) (under Rule 8.29 above) are not to be included in the determination in Rule 8.36 above.

Credit point requirements for Honours

42. For four year prescribed courses, honours may be awarded only for those courses which contain 300 and 400 level subjects having a total value of at least 60 credit points, including:

a. at least 24 credit points at 400 level and at least 36 credit points at 300 level taken by the candidate at this University and
b. a 400 level thesis or project subject with value of at least 12 credit points.

43. A one year discreet honours course shall consist of at least 48 credit points total which includes a 400 level thesis or project subject with value of at least 12 credit points.

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Guidelines for granting awards with distinction

Eligibility for award with distinction

44. The following requirements must be met for a student to be eligible to receive an award “with Distinction”:

a. A student must be enrolled in one of the following courses:

i. a pass Bachelor degree or
ii. a Masters by Coursework degree.

b. An undergraduate student, including a student enrolled in a joint program, must have completed at least 50% of their degree at the University of Wollongong
c. A postgraduate student must have completed at least 75% of their degree at the University of Wollongong
d. Advanced standing is not counted when assessing eligibility for the award “with Distinction” and is not included in the percentage of subjects completed at the University of Wollongong requirements specified in Rules 8.45 (b) and (c)
e. Students enrolled in a double degree shall be assessed for eligibility for the award “with Distinction” for each degree separately or
f. A degree containing 50% or more of subjects that are graded at the level of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory will not be eligible for the award “with Distinction”.

Level of attainment required

45. Subject to Rule 8.45 (d) above, all subjects completed while registered for the course shall be taken into account in determining the granting of an award “with Distinction”.
46. In order to achieve an award “with Distinction”, students must gain an average mark of 75% or more in these subjects. In determining a student’s average mark, subjects will be weighted for credit point value only.
47. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) who achieve a minimum of three out of the four subjects (MEDI601, MEDI602, MEDI603 and MEDI604) with a grade of Excellent and who have not failed any subjects during the course of their candidature, shall be awarded the degree “with Distinction”.

Guidelines for granting HDR awards with an "Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis"

48. The following requirements must be met for a student to be eligible to receive a Higher Degree Research (HDR) award with an "Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis":

a. A student must be enrolled in one of the following courses:

i. A Masters by Research; or
ii. A Doctorate by Research; and

b. BOTH examiners must recommend a commendation because, in that specific discipline, the thesis meets all three (3) criteria listed below:

i. a contribution to the field of study that is exceptionally innovative and original; and
ii. suitable for publication in an esteemed book or in refereed journals of high repute; and
iii. this thesis is amongst the best presented I have read.

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Amendment of academic record

Circumstances where academic record may be amended

49. There are three circumstances where a student’s academic record may be amended, that is, where:

a. there has been an enrolment error (as determined under Rule 8.50 below)
b. a student has successfully applied under the Student Academic Grievance Policy to have a mark or grade altered or
c. a student has successfully applied for academic consideration under the Student Academic Consideration Policy that has resulted in changing a final grade to withdrawn.

Amendment of academic record due to enrolment error

50. A student may apply to have their academic record amended where the student has either:

a. not attempted a subject for which they were formally enrolled as a result of an enrolment error; or
b. attempted a subject for which they were not formally enrolled as a result of an enrolment error and need to be enrolled to have a grade declared.

51. Applications under Rule 8.50 must be made on the appropriate form, which must:

a. be completed and signed by the student
b. include appropriate details to support the application and
c. be lodged with the Academic Registrar’s Division no later than four weeks after the release of results.

52. An academic record will be amended in special circumstances only. The application will be assessed and, if it is determined that the error was the fault of the student, the student must pay an $80.00 charge before the academic record will be altered.
53. Under the Higher Education Support Act, domestic students are not eligible for Commonwealth support or assistance for subjects enrolled after the census date if the reason for late enrolment is student error. In these cases Commonwealth supported students will only be able to enrol in subjects on a full fee paying basis. For courses where there are no full fee paying places offered (e.g. Undergraduate courses), students will be required to enrol on a non-award basis and pay the non-award fees upfront. Non-Commonwealth supported (full fee paying) students will be required to pay the relevant tuition fees upfront.

Time Limit on Amendments to Academic Record

54. An academic record will not be amended if it has been over 12 months since the release of results for the subject for which the amendment is sought.
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Course Progress Requirements

55. Students may enrol in a course providing they comply with the enrolment rules and make satisfactory course progress.

Minimum Course Progress Requirements

56. Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs are required to maintain the minimum level of course progress as specified in the Course Progress Policy. Higher Degree Research (HDR) students should refer to rules 8.61 - 8.63 below, and the HDR Review and Probation guidelines.
57. The course progress policy defines the minimum level course progress as being a passing grade for 50% of credit points attempted in any course progress study period.
58. Except for courses covered in Rule 8.63 students who have failing or withheld grades in 50% or more of credit points attempted will have not met course progress requirements.
59. Except for courses covered in Rule 8.60, students who have not met course progress requirements may be placed on a pending course status, or a course status of referral, or a course status of probation. Students on a course status of probation who do not meet course progress requirements may be excluded from the University.
60. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). If a student fails any component of a subject, as outlined on the course structure, they shall be required to repeat the entire subject. Students are only permitted to fail once during their candidature. A student who fails a second time, at any point in the course, shall be excluded from the course.
61. Higher Degree Research (HDR) students undertaking coursework subjects as part of their degree must complete their subjects at the level required by, and outlined in, the Faculty course program requirements. HDR students who do not meet these requirements may be excluded from the course.
62. A candidate enrolled for a Higher Degree Research shall submit annually to the Research Student Centre through the Faculty, a report on progress of work in accordance with the HDR course rules 10.30.
63. HDR students completing a thesis subject must maintain satisfactory progress throughout their candidature. The candidature of a student making unsatisfactory progress may be made subject to probation and/or may not proceed past the coursework component of the degree. Outcomes may include transfer to a different degree program or termination of candidature.

Performance in a mandatory placement component

64. The student may be excluded from the course:

a. where the student fails to perform satisfactorily in a mandatory placement component of a course or for other specified reasons is deemed to be unlikely to perform satisfactorily in that placement and therefore has been assessed as unsuitable to continue in such professional practice by the Academic Course Coordinator or
b. where the external agency has refused to permit that student access to their facilities, the student may be excluded from the course.

65. Where the Academic Course Coordinator has reason to believe it is necessary to assess a student's suitability to continue to participate in a mandatory placement component, the Academic Course Coordinator must consult and be in agreement with the Faculty Dean before proceeding. The Dean shall advise the student in writing of the decision within three business days of making it, and invite the student to show cause in writing within the next 20 days why the Rule should not be applied to them.
66. If the student is unable to show cause, he/she will be excluded from the course.

Appeal against exclusion

67. An undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student who is excluded from the University may appeal that decision in writing to the Coursework Exclusion Appeal Committee, via the Academic Registrar's Division. Appeals must be submitted to the Academic Registrar's Division within 20 working days of notification of their exclusion.
68. Any HDR student who is excluded from the University may appeal that decision in accordance with the Academic Grievance Policy (Higher Degree Research Students).
69. The Coursework Exclusion Appeal Committee may adjudicate on the basis of appeal documents or permit the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student to appear before the Committee.
70. Upon consideration of the appeal, the following outcomes may be applied:

a. Exclusion stands (appeal declined).
b. Exclusion is amended to an enforced leave of absence
c. Exclusion is removed with enrolment restrictions
d. Enrolment is reinstated and an intervention strategy activated which may include:

i. Prescribed program
ii. Language and learning support
iii. Academic advice
iv. Existing Faculty based remedial learning services
v. Referral to student equity and diversity liaison officer
vi. Appropriate support services

e. Exclusion is removed without any further enrolment restrictions

71. If an appeal is declined and the exclusion stands the student concerned may appeal in writing to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) within 10 working days. Grounds for consideration of an appeal are limited to:

a. lack of due process during the previous appeal and/or
b. relevant new or additional information is now available which may alter the outcome of the previous decision.

Further appeals must be made to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) within 10 working days of the decision from the previous appeal.
If the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) is satisfied the appeal is based on grounds of lack of due process, or that new or additional information is available that may alter the outcome of the previous appeal, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) may refer the matter back to the Coursework Exclusions Appeal Committee or to the Academic Review Committee.

72. A student, who is dissatisfied with the outcome or conduct of an appeal within the University, may appeal to an external agency within 10 working days. Students have the right to make a complaint to the NSW Ombudsman where there is evidence of maladministration or misconduct by the University of Wollongong. If a student decides to make a submission to the NSW Ombudsman or other external agency, the student must notify the University of the decision within 10 working days of being notified of the outcome.
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9 Ownership of Work and Intellectual Property

1. The University reserves the right to retain, at its discretion, the original or one copy of any work submitted for assessment in a course, competition or a subject, other than a research subject, conducted by the University.
2. Ownership of intellectual property vested in the work will be determined in accordance with the University’s Intellectual Property Policy and the University’s Student Assignment of Intellectual Property Policy.
3. A candidate retains copyright over a thesis submitted for assessment in a subject or for an award, subject to the requirements prescribed in Rules 10.41-10.50 inclusive (procedures governing the preparation of thesis for submission).
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10 Higher Degree Research Rules

1. These following Rules apply to higher degree research candidates enrolled in a course under Rules 12.16, 12.20, 12.29, and 12.37.

Registration Requirements for Higher Research Degrees

2. A candidate shall submit the title of the thesis through the Dean or Delegated Authority for approval, no later than one session after registration.
3. Doctoral and Masters by Research candidates (both full-time and part time) shall undergo a formal review of the research proposal as follows:

a. the research proposal should be presented no later than one year after initial enrolment in their thesis subject.
b. assessment of the First Year Research Proposal Review must include a written research proposal (according to the discipline conventions of the degree undertaken) and an oral presentation. The presentation must be made before a First Year Research Proposal Review Committee which consists as a minimum of the supervisor(s), two appropriate members of academic staff capable of assessing the thesis proposal, and a higher degree research student representative (as an observer only). Where relevant (e.g. a cross-unit project), a person external to the academic or research unit may be nominated. A report on this review must be lodged with the Research Student Centre and placed on the student file.
c. all recipients of information presented at the First Year Research Proposal Review will be required to maintain confidentiality.
d. if the First Year Research Proposal Review Committee determines that the proposal is unacceptable, the student must re-present a research proposal within three months. If, after the second presentation of the research proposal, the First Year Research Proposal Review Committee determines that the proposal is unsatisfactory, the student candidature will be terminated.
e. students may appeal against the First Year Research Proposal Review Committee decision pursuant to the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Candidate Academic Grievance Policy.

4. The candidate may submit for consideration as a part of their thesis any relevant work that they have written and has been published.
5. Candidates may not submit as the major part of a thesis any work or material that has previously been submitted for a degree of the University or other similar award of another tertiary institution. An exception to this is the case of a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of this University and recommended by the examiners that it be submitted for a Masters by Research degree.
6. A candidate submitting a thesis for a Doctoral Degree must comply with the following additional requirements:

a. the substantial majority of the work submitted shall have been completed subsequent to registration for the degree, and
b. the work shall comprise an original and significant contribution to knowledge of the subject.

Transferring Between Research Degrees

Upgrading from Masters by Research to Doctor of Philosophy

7. To transfer from a Masters by Research degree to a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field of study the candidate must:

a. have completed sufficient study in the Masters-Research program at this University to allow an assessment of the capacity of the student to undertake independent research. This would normally mean that candidates admitted to a program greater than 48 credit points would complete required coursework components of the degree and have completed approximately nine months of equivalent full-time candidature of their thesis component prior to application to transfer to a Doctoral degree;
b. prove their capacity to undertake independent research by presenting a seminar reporting on the research topic to a group which must include:

i. the primary supervisor, and
ii. a representative from the Thesis Examination Committee (TEC) or their representative, and
iii. the Chair of the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) or the Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS);

The primary supervisor will prepare a report on the candidate’s seminar. The report, signed by the representative from the TEC, FRC or HPS will be presented to the TEC for final approval.

c. provide a written research proposal to the Committee noted in 10.7(b) ii. above;

If the above criteria is met and approved by the TEC, the Research Student Centre will transfer enrolment.

Transferring from a Professional Research Doctorate to a Doctor of Philosophy

8. To transfer from a Professional Doctorate by Research to a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field of study the candidate must:

a. have completed sufficient study in the Professional Doctorate program at this University to allow an assessment of the capacity of the student to undertake independent research.
b. prove their capacity to undertake independent research by presenting a proposal seminar reporting on the research topic and the proposed research to be undertaken for the Doctor of Philosophy to a group which must include:

i. the primary supervisor, and
ii. a representative from the Thesis Examination Committee (TEC) or their representative, and
iii. the Chair of the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) or the Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS);

The primary supervisor will prepare a report on the candidate’s seminar. The report, signed by the representative from the TEC, FRC or HPS will be presented to the TEC for final approval.

c. provide a written research proposal to the Committee noted in 10.8 (b) ii. above.

If the above criteria is met and approved by the TEC, the Research Student Centre will transfer enrolment. Note that if the transfer is accepted, the student will have satisfied the research proposal requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Transferring from a Doctor of Philosophy to a Professional Research Doctorate

9. The Professional Doctorate programs are structured around a combination of coursework and research. Candidates enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy program are accepted based on their research potential. Thus, they have met any research-specific requirements for enrolment in a professional doctorate and are not required to present a proposal as a prerequisite for enrolment. However, they will still be required to present their first year proposal.
10. Transfers from a Doctor of Philosophy to a Professional Doctorate therefore will be actioned by Research Student Centre after receipt of written approval from the Head of the Academic Unit. This written advice must include all details of the transfer including supervision and thesis requirements and any other course requirements and/or conditions.
11. There may be other special requirements for entry into a professional doctorate in specific disciplines, e.g. a portfolio or interview, which they will have to meet before a transfer of enrolment is approved.

Downgrading from Doctor of Philosophy to Masters by Research

12. Should a student wish to downgrade from a Doctor of Philosophy to a Masters by Research degree, the Head of Academic Unit should approve the transfer in a memo to the Research Student Centre who will adjust the enrolment accordingly.
13. If the student has already completed the requirements for a Masters by Research degree at the time of transfer and wishes to graduate, a graduation application form must be submitted by the student.

Downgrading from a Higher Degree Research to a Coursework degree

14. Under the current higher education legislation, it is not possible for students in a research degree to exit with a coursework degree. Students may transfer between research degrees, as detailed above or may cease study and apply for admission to a coursework program as a new course. Prior study may be granted as advanced standing, as per Course Rules 5.15-5.18.
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Supervision of Higher Research Degrees

15. A candidate for a Masters by Research or Doctorate degree shall carry out the work required for the research thesis under the direction of a supervisor or supervisors, of whom at least one shall be a full-time member of the academic staff, appointed under approved conditions.
16. Should a supervisor be absent from the University for a period exceeding four weeks, that supervisor shall recommend alternative arrangements for supervision under approved conditions for the period of absence.
17. Work in research subjects, other than fieldwork, shall be carried out under the primary supervision of an academic staff member of this University. Whilst on fieldwork, staff and students shall adhere to all rules and regulations of the University.
18. After consultation with the Head of Postgraduate Studies, and on written application from a candidate, a change of supervisor may be approved.
19. Before approving the registration of an applicant as a candidate, Council or its delegate, shall be satisfied that adequate supervision and facilities for the proposed work are available.

Procedures Governing Admission of Offshore Doctoral Candidates

20. The University will normally only consider applications for offshore Doctor of Philosophy candidates in exceptional circumstances. Those circumstances are:

a. Applications from members of academic staff at University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) or
b. Where the candidature is part of a larger strategic international alliance and where there is clear evidence of a suitable academic environment in the host institution.

21. Offshore candidature normally only applies to domestic (Australian citizens or permanent residents) or overseas full-fee paying students who:

a. are applying for a research higher degree
b. are applying as individuals (rather than under a group or program initiative)
c. are undertaking research which will require an overseas location with input from an overseas institution, which may include co-supervision, facilities, equipment, and library access and
d. wish to pursue most or all of their research overseas.

22. Unless specifically exempted by the Dean or Head of Academic Unit, a co-supervisor must be appointed at the offshore location. It is the responsibility of the academic unit to ensure that the remote co-supervisor is informed of the University’s rules and policies governing Doctor of Philosophy candidature. A Memorandum of Understanding should be drawn up between the University and the co-supervisor.
23. Domestic candidates who are studying/researching from a remote location but where the academic work, including scoping of topic, writing and analysis are conducted at the Wollongong Campus with a Wollongong supervisor are not considered to be offshore candidates.
24. Candidates who are internal, onshore students, who need to be absent from the University in order to undertake research, either in Australia or overseas, are not considered to be offshore candidates.
25. All Offshore Higher Research Degree applications that the faculty has assessed and agreed to accept, must be sent approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (DVC(R)), together with a copy of the Offshore contract, see Guidelines for Offshore HDR Applications). If approved by the DVC(R), applications will then be follow the normal admissions process and candidature will be governed by the same HDR Course Rules as onshore HDR students.

Changes of Status During Candidature

26. Candidates wishing to change candidature from full-time to part time (or vice versa) may do so by providing written notification, counter-signed by the candidate supervisor(s), through the Head of Academic Unit to the Research Student Centre no later than the census date for the relevant session. Student Visa regulations require that overseas students are enrolled on a full-time basis.
27. As research progresses, candidates may wish to change their thesis title. Candidates wishing to change their thesis title must first seek permission from their supervisor(s). Written notification, counter-signed by the candidate supervisor(s) should be forwarded through the Head of Academic Unit to the Research Student Centre.
28. If for any reason a candidate needs to be transferred from one Academic Unit to another, approval for the transfer must be given by the Heads of both Academic Units. It is expected that there would be consultation with both the HDR candidate and the supervisor prior to the initiation of such a transfer. The Research Student Centre should to be notified in writing of any change to a candidate enrolment.

Grades of Performance Higher Degree Research Thesis (THES) subjects

29. The approved grades of performance for Higher Degree Research Thesis (THES) subjects are as follows:

a. IPR (in Progress Research): Where a THES subject is required to be undertaken over more than one session, an IPR grade shall be declared at the end of each session until a student completes or is withdrawn or discontinued.
b. CO (complete): Thesis has been examined and satisfactorily completed
c. NC (not complete):

i. declared where a student has voluntarily withdrawn or transferred
ii. HDR candidature terminated prior to thesis examination for disciplinary reasons (e.g. lack of progress, misconduct, plagiarism etc)
iii. Doctoral thesis has been examined and based on the Examiners’ reports the Thesis Examination Committee (TEC) determined that the degree for which student enrolled NOT be awarded but that the work was sufficient for the award of a Masters by Research. In such cases an NC will be recorded for the Doctoral degree and the student’s enrolment will be transferred to a Masters By Research degree, where a CO will be recorded.

d. F (fail): Thesis has been examined and based on the Examiners’ reports the TEC determined that the degree for which student is enrolled NOT be awarded.

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Progress During Candidature

30. A candidate enrolled for a Higher Degree Research shall submit annually to Council (or its delegate), through the Head, a report on progress of work.
31. If either supervisor or student expresses dissatisfaction in an annual report then the Dean or Head of Academic Unit, as appropriate, should consult with both parties independently not later than one month after lodgement of the unfavourable report. After such consultation, the Dean or the Head of Unit may decide that the matter has been resolved. If the matter is not resolved, the Dean or Head of Unit may recommend to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) a period of probation. If there is a conflict of interest, the Chair of the Faculty Research Committee will substitute for the Dean or vice versa.
32. Continuation of candidature is conditional on maintenance of satisfactory progress. A supervisor may draw the attention of the Head of Unit to problems with progress of a candidate at any time. A supervisor is required to report immediately to the Head of Unit any failure by a candidate to make satisfactory progress or to abide by other requirements in the regulations governing the degree. When a candidate is not making satisfactory progress or not maintaining adequate and regular contact, the candidate must be advised in writing of the requirements. Satisfactory academic progress is also a visa requirement for overseas students.
33. Initial attempts to rectify unsatisfactory situations should take place within the School or Department. The Faculty’s Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS) should be consulted if matters are not resolvable at Department level. If initial meetings between the supervisor(s) and the student fail to rectify problems, a meeting between the student, the supervisor(s), the relevant Head of Unit and the Dean and/or the Faculty’s HPS should be convened (either independently or as a group) to discuss the situation with the student and supervisor, with the aim of developing specific strategies and recommendations for improving progress towards completion. Consideration may then be given to placing the student on probation.

Probation

34. Probation is a process of assessing the performance of the candidate over a set period subject to a special supervisory regime.
35. The student shall be notified of the probation recommendation and will be given two weeks after notification to submit a response to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (DVC(R)). After this period, the DVC(R) shall make a final decision.
36. If probation is to be imposed, the DVC(R) will appoint a senior academic to oversee the supervision process and research progress for a period of not less than three months and not more than one year. At the end of probation, in a report to the DVC(R), the senior academic will make recommendations addressing any perceived problems. The recommendations may include:

a. continuation of enrolment
b. termination of candidature
c. transfer of award
d. change of supervisor
e. appointment of a panel of supervisors including members from outside the academic unit.

37. If the student fails to make satisfactory progress during the probationary period:

a. and the recommendation is transfer to Masters by Research, but the student refuses, then the DVC(R) can terminate the candidature
b. and the recommendation is termination, then the DVC(R) has the power to terminate the candidature.

38. Prior to acting on a recommendation of termination of candidature, the DVC(R) will review all documentation concerning that students candidature held by the Research Student Centre and will advise the student of the impending termination, so that the student can provide the DVC(R) with any additional relevant information concerning his/her candidature, supervision and progress.
39. Students and supervisors shall be informed of the DVC(R)’s recommendation. If the student disagrees with any of the outcomes, then they may appeal the decision to the HDR Appeals Committee in accordance with the HDR Student Academic Grievance Procedures.
40. If the outcome of probation is termination then the student may appeal this decision to the HDR Appeals Committee in accordance with the HDR Student Academic Grievance Procedures.

Procedures Governing the Submission of Theses

41. On completion of a higher degree research thesis subject, a candidate shall submit a thesis embodying the results of the work undertaken.
42. Theses and other relevant work may be submitted for examination to the Director, Research Student Centre provided candidates have completed the required minimum period of registration for the degree and is registered (enrolled) for the degree for which the copies of the theses or other work are being submitted for.
43. The thesis shall be presented in a form which complies with the requirements set out in Rules 10.46-10.50 inclusive, and shall include a certificate indicating the extent to which the work has been performed by the candidate.
44. A candidate may not submit as the major part of a thesis any work or material which has previously been submitted for a degree of the University or other similar award of another tertiary institution, except for the case of a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Wollongong and recommended by the examiners that it be submitted for the Masters by Research degree.
45. A candidate submitting a thesis for a Doctoral degree must comply with the following additional requirements:

a. the majority of the work submitted shall have been completed subsequent to enrolment for the degree
b. the work shall comprise an original and significant contribution to knowledge of the subject and
c. in special cases, study carried out jointly with other persons may be accepted, provided Council is satisfied that the contribution by the candidate to the joint study is adequate.

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Procedures Governing the Preparation of Theses for Examination

46. A candidate required to submit a thesis for a Masters by Research degree or a Doctoral degree shall submit to the Director, Research Student Centre, three temporarily bound copies of the thesis and supporting work for submission to examiners.
47. All copies of the thesis shall include:

a. an abstract
b. a statement indicating the extent to which the work is the candidate’s own work and
c. a declaration signed by the candidate stipulating that the work has not been submitted for a degree to any other university or institution.

48. A supervisor of a candidate who has submitted a thesis shall provide a certificate indicating:

a. that the supervisor is in agreement with the statement submitted by the candidate in accordance with Rule 10.47(b) and
b. that, in the opinion of the supervisor, the thesis is presented in a form that complies with the requirements of Rules 10.41-10.45 inclusive and is prima facie worthy of examination.

49. A thesis may be formatted in traditional monograph style or, if approved by the Supervisor, may include chapters written in a format that is consistent with journal article styles.

a. All theses are to be prepared in accordance with the following specifications, except that variation may be approved after application to the Thesis Examination Committee (TEC):

i. the text of the thesis, normally in English (unless otherwise approved), shall be in double spaced or one and a half spaced typescript.
ii. the size of the paper shall approximate International Standards Organization paper size A4 (297mm x 210mm) except for illustrative material such as drawings, photographs, printouts and sleeves for audio records, on which no restriction is placed. The paper used in all copies shall be white opaque paper of good quality.
iii. the margins on each sheet shall be not less than 40mm on the bound side, 20mm on the unbound side, 30mm at the top and 20mm at the bottom.
iv. in the binding of a thesis which includes additional material (e.g. mounted photographs or graphs or contains a back pocket), packing shall be inserted at the spine to ensure even thickness of the volume;
v. a completed and signed Thesis Declaration, as prescribed in Rules 10.47(b) and (c) shall be affixed to the inside of the front cover of each copy of the thesis submitted.
vi. the thesis shall be presented in a permanent and legible form as original typescript, offset printing, or copy by other approved technique; and
vii. there shall be a title sheet set out in accordance with the approved style sheet.

b. In the case of a thesis that includes chapters written in a format that is consistent with journal article styles, the thesis should include:

i. An abstract
ii. A chapter that provides the Thesis Examiners with a coherent picture of the context of the body of work and how this contributes to the knowledge in the discipline area. It should include the broad aims, methods and a summary of each of the research chapter/s.
iii. One or more chapters in the format of journal articles, which describe research conducted by the candidate during their period of candidature. These may be published, submitted for publication, prepared as a manuscript for submission, or any combination thereof. Where published journal articles are included, details of publication must be provided.
For journal articles that include co-authors, the candidate must provide one or more statements that describe their contribution to both the research and each journal article included in the thesis. This statement must be supported and certified by the primary supervisor. It is recommended that the thesis typically include only submissions in which the greater part of the work is directly attributed to the candidate. The candidate should, in most cases, be the senior (first) author of all submissions included.
iv. Where published journal articles are included, formal permission from the publisher is required in order to ensure copyright compliance
v. A brief chapter summarising the conclusions and identifying future directions for the research area.
vi. Written agreement between the candidate and the primary supervisor that Style 2 is the thesis format to be used.

50. The copies of theses provided for examination can be temporarily bound, spiral bound or bound in boards, covered with buckram and may be printed single or double sided on the paper.

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Examination of Theses

51. Council shall appoint at least:

a. two examiners of the thesis, each of whom shall be external to the University for a candidate for a Doctoral degree and
b. two examiners of the thesis, not more than one of whom shall be internal to the University for a candidate for a Masters by Research degree.

52. A supervisor of a candidate may not be an examiner of a thesis submitted by that candidate.
53. The selection of examiners is of critical importance. In considering examiners, account should be taken of the examiner’s understanding of and position on the thesis topic and on the methodology employed and their prestige and status in the field:

a. examiners should normally be active in research/scholarship in the relevant area, thus ensuring that their knowledge of the field remains current
b. they should have empathy with the theoretical framework used by candidate and
c. they should have proven familiarity with the supervision/ examination of research theses.

54. The choice of examiners is a process involving both the candidate and the supervisor. Together they should generate a list of at least four examiners, having regard to the known disciplinary bias of those suggested. The final choice will be made from this list by the supervisor and the head of the academic unit. The names of these examiners and their credentials should be submitted to the Manager, Research Student Centre for appointment.
55. Formal invitations to examine the thesis will be issued by the Manager, Research Student Centre.
56. If the list of names agreed upon between candidate and supervisor is exhausted then the candidate must be consulted in drawing up a new list.
57. Examiners should be made familiar with the requirements of the University and the essential parts of the Rules governing the particular degree.
58. Students must not contact any examiner until the examination is complete and the report returned to and acted on by the Thesis Examination Committee.
59. An examiner of a thesis for a Masters by Research degree shall be asked to report on:

a. whether the thesis demonstrates that the candidate has an adequate understanding of the field of research
b. whether the thesis demonstrates that the candidate has designed, undertaken and reported on an investigation in the specified field of research to a satisfactory level
c. whether the candidate has presented the thesis in a manner and level appropriate to the field of research and
d. whether the literary standard of the thesis is adequate.

60. An examiner of a thesis for a Doctoral degree by thesis shall be asked to report on:

a. whether the thesis provides evidence that the candidate conducted original research
b. whether the thesis demonstrates that the candidate has made a significant contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned
c. whether the thesis reveals that the candidate has a broad understanding of the discipline within which the work was conducted
d. whether the thesis contains material suitable for publication
e. whether the candidate has presented the thesis in a manner and level appropriate to the field of research and
f. whether the literary standard of the thesis is adequate.

61. After examining a thesis, an examiner may recommend that:

a. the candidate be awarded the degree without further examination
b. the candidate be awarded the degree subject to revisions or corrections to the thesis, to the satisfaction of the Thesis Examination Committee (or its delegate)
c. the candidate be required to resubmit the thesis in revised form for examination after a specified period of study and/or research
d. the candidate be required to attend an oral examination
e. in the case of a candidate for a Doctoral degree, the candidate be permitted to submit the thesis for a Masters by Research degree or
f. the candidate be not awarded the degree.

62. The reports from the examiners are considered by the Thesis Examination Committee, after receiving the comments of the Head on the reports. The Thesis Examination Committee determines the outcome of the examination.
63. The names of the examiners and copies of the examiners reports are made available to the student after the Thesis Examination Committee has made its determination.
64. The candidate must make any revisions requested by the examiner(s), as per Rule 10.61(b) to the thesis within 12 months from the date of the Thesis Examination Committee resolution. The candidate and their supervisor may make a request to the Chair of the Thesis Examination Committee (or person with delegated authority) for an extension to this period under exceptional circumstances. If the revised thesis is not received by the Research Student Centre within 12 months, the candidate will be awarded a fail.

Investigation of Allegations of Plagiarism by Examiners of Research Theses

65. If an examiner of a higher degree research thesis raises allegations of plagiarism to a member of staff of the University, the examiner should be advised to outline the allegations in writing to the Research Student Centre.
66. If an examiner of a higher degree research thesis raises allegations of plagiarism in the written report, the matter must be referred to the Chair of the Thesis Examination Committee or delegate for investigation.
67. Following receipt of a written allegation of plagiarism by a thesis examiner, the Chair of the Thesis Examination Committee will refer the matter to the Faculty for investigation by a Faculty Investigation Committee, under the guidelines noted in the Student Conduct Rules.

Appeals Against a Thesis Examination Outcome

68. As a result of the complex and special relationship with examiners of research degrees, the University has established a procedure which gives students, in certain circumstances the right of appeal against the examination and evaluation of their candidature.
69. Appeals are permitted on procedural grounds only. Appeals by students simply rejecting the assessment of the merit of their work are not permitted. Appeals on grounds of inadequacy of supervisory or other arrangements during the period of study are normally not permitted, unless the student can show that persistent efforts to deal with these issues were not adequately addressed. University grievance procedures, as well as the possibility of probation, should be used for these matters at the appropriate time during the candidature.
70. The only grounds normally permitted for an appeal against a decision not to award a higher research degree or not to allow re-submission of a thesis for re-examination, are:

a. procedural irregularities in the conduct of the examination, which may have had an effect on the outcome of the examination and/or
b. documented evidence of prejudice or of bias on the part of one or more of the examiners.

71. Appeals should be dealt with in accordance with the HDR Student Academic Grievance Procedures.

Procedures Governing the Preparation of Theses for Final Submission

72. The two final bound copies of the thesis shall be presented in the following manner:

a. the thesis shall be bound in boards, covered with buckram
b. the lettering on the spine binding will be 10mm in height and will be:

i. 15mm from the bottom and across - UOW
ii. 70mm from the bottom and across - the degree
iii. underneath the degree, the year of submission of the thesis and
iv. evenly spaced between the degree and the top, reading upwards, the name of the author, initials of given name or names first followed by family name.

c. no other lettering or decoration is permitted on the spine or elsewhere on the binding
d. printed single or double sided on the paper and
e. the text of the thesis shall be in double spaced or one and a half spaced typescript.

73. A candidate is also required to submit a digital copy of the final version of the thesis. The digital copy of the thesis will be accessible, subject to approved access restrictions requested by the author, through the University of Wollongong’s web site, a national database of Australian theses and through web search engines. Access restrictions are possible in accordance with Rule 10.74(b).
74. A thesis submitted for a higher degree shall be retained in the University of Wollongong Library for record purposes, within copyright privileges of the author, and shall be public property and accessible for consultation at the discretion of the University Librarian. Normally, the University expects that free access to all theses deposited in the Library should be permitted, but recognises that in exceptional circumstances, such as commercial confidences, it may be necessary to restrict access for a period of time. Where access is restricted, it should be for as short a time as possible. To stipulate the wishes of a candidate for a higher degree regarding utilization of the contents of the thesis, the candidate is required to complete a ‘Thesis Declaration’ available from the Manager, Research Student Centre:

a. Form 1 to permit the University Librarian to retain a copy of the bound and digital thesis for record purposes and grant public access to it or
b. Form 2 to allow the University Librarian to retain a copy of the bound and digital thesis for record purposes and under certain conditions, as approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), to restrict access.

75. The degree will not be conferred until the two final bound copies are lodged with the Manager, Research Student Centre accompanied by a letter from the Head certifying that, if required, corrections have been satisfactorily completed.
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Procedures for Examination of Work Submitted for Doctoral of Philosophy by Published Works

76. To submit works for examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Works candidates must first meet criteria outlined in Rules 12.30-12.35 inclusive.
77. Council or its delegate shall appoint at least three examiners of the award, all of whom shall be external to the University.
78. A co-author of the works referred to in Rule 12.31(b) may not be an examiner of the submitted work.
79. Each examiner shall make an independent report on the submitted work. An examiner for a Doctoral degree by Published Works shall be asked to report on:

a. whether the submitted work provides evidence that the candidate conducted original research
b. whether the submitted work demonstrates that the candidate has made a significant contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned and
c. whether the submitted work reveals that the candidate has a broad understanding of the discipline within which the work was conducted.

80. At the conclusion of the examination, the examiners will submit to the Thesis Examination Committee a concise report on the merits of the published work and on the examination results. An examiner may recommend that:

a. the candidate be awarded the degree without further examination or
b. the candidate be not awarded the degree, or
c. the published work is worthy of the degree, but the scholarly overview requires revision or expansion.

81. Should the application for admission to the degree fail, the person may make one only additional application after a period of not less than three years from the date of the original application.

Procedures for Examination of Work Submitted for Higher Doctoral Degrees

82. To submit works for examination Higher Doctoral degree candidates must first meet criteria outlined in Rules 12.38-12.42 inclusive.
83. Criteria for Assessment of Suitability of Higher Degree Submissions for Examination. In accordance with Rules 12.38-12.42 inclusive, before work submitted for examination for a Higher Doctoral degree is sent to examiners, the Thesis Examination Committee, acting on behalf of Council, should be satisfied that the submitted work is of sufficiently high quality to be prima facie worthy of examination for the degree.
84. Suitability Assessment Committee. The Thesis Examination Committee will make this assessment in consultation with a group made up of the following people from the applicant’s Faculty:

a. faculty Research Chair
b. the Head of Postgraduate Studies and
c. at least one and no more than two members of senior staff within the academic discipline of the applicant.

85. Suitability Assessment Criteria. The work submitted for examination must show:

a. evidence that the publications have standing as significant and sustained contributions to knowledge
b. original and significant contribution to the body of knowledge
c. distinguished merit and
d. authoritative standing.

86. The following should be taken into consideration as possible indicators of the significance and importance of the work:

a. international recognition and significance
b. publications cited
c. contributions both solely and to join
d. collaborative work
e. successful grants
f. Doctor of Philosophy completions and
g. Doctor of Philosophy theses examined

87. Appointment of Examiners for Higher Doctoral Degrees. If satisfied that the work is worthy of examination for the degree then the Thesis Examination Committee, on behalf of Council, will appoint examiners in accordance with Rules 12.40-12.42 inclusive and report its action to the University Research Committee.
88. Three examiners shall be appointed, of whom at least one shall normally be, if suitable, a member of the relevant academic unit and at least two shall be external to the University. Examiners selected must be at least at Professorial level or equivalent, and pre-eminent in the field. A list of approximately five examiners should be compiled by the Thesis Examination Committee and shown to the candidate. The candidate may raise an objection based on fair reasons. The Thesis Examination Committee shall consider any objection in making their selection of examiners.
89. Examination Process for Higher Doctoral Degrees. As noted in Rules 12.40-12.42, the examination must be conducted in a rigorous manner and as prescribed in Rule 10.89 below. The applicant may be required to respond orally or in writing to questions concerning the work and the field of knowledge pursuant to Rules 12.40-12.42 inclusive.
90. Procedures for Examiners of Work Submitted for Higher Doctoral Degrees:

a. each examiner shall make an independent report on the submitted work or works.
b. prior to the oral examination of an applicant for a higher Doctoral degree, should such examination be deemed necessary, each examiner shall present questions for the examination.
c. should the examiners be not satisfied with the performance of the candidate in an oral examination, Council may permit the candidate to present for that examination on a second occasion at a time to be determined by the examiners.
d. should the examiners not agree in their recommendations or should, for any other reason, further opinion on the merit of the submitted work be needed, Council may appoint an additional examiner or examiners who shall make an independent report on the submitted work and who may, at the discretion of such examiner or examiners, conduct an oral or written examination on that work and on the general relevant field of knowledge.
e. at the conclusion of the examination, the examiners will submit to Council a concise report on the merits of the published work and on the examination results and Council shall determine whether or not the applicant may be admitted to the degree.
f. should the application for admission to the degree fail, the person may make one only additional application after a period of not less than three years from the date of the original application.
g. an applicant for admission to the degree shall not be present at the relevant deliberations of Council.

91. Final Report. The examiners will submit to the Thesis Examination Committee a concise report on the merits of the published work and on the examination results. The Thesis Examination Committee may facilitate the preparation of this report. The Thesis Examination Committee will then submit this report to the Council for final determination. Council shall determine whether or not the applicant may be admitted to the degree.
92. Award of the Higher Doctoral Degree. Pending Council’s determination, the higher degree will be awarded by Council in the normal manner, either at a meeting or at a Graduation ceremony.

Grievance Procedures

93. Any problems or any disagreements encountered during the candidature, other than allegations of plagiarism which are dealt with in Rules 10.65-10.67 inclusive, that cannot be immediately or easily resolved between the student and the supervisor should be dealt with in accordance with the HDR Candidate Academic Grievance Procedures.
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11 Other

General Saving Clause

1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, Council may dispense with or suspend any requirement of, or prescription by, these Rules.

Application for Amending Rules

2. Should an amendment be made to either or both these Rules or the attachments following these Rules, the amendment shall apply from the date of implementation, but not retrospectively, to all candidates, unless determined otherwise by Council.

Appeal

3. Where a student has a grievance regarding a decision made under these Rules which comes within the definition of ‘academic grievance’ in the Student Academic Grievance Policy, the student may pursue the grievance in accordance with the procedures set out in that policy.
4. Where a student has a grievance regarding a decision under these Rules that does not come within the definition of academic grievance in the Student Academic Grievance Policy, the student may appeal against that decision to the Vice-Principal (Administration) within 14 days of notification of the decision. The appeal must be in writing and provide sufficient detail to enable due consideration of the matter.
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12 Awards and Degrees of the University

Bachelor Degrees

1. These Rules apply to a candidate registered for a Bachelor degree, and is to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Bachelor Degree titles and the Abbreviations

2. The following Rules apply to undergraduate courses, including approved prescribed double degree courses, leading to:

Three Year Pass Bachelor Degrees:

Degree	Abbreviation
Bachelor of Arts	BA
Bachelor of Arts (Dean’s Scholar)	BA(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Business Administration	BBA
Bachelor of Business Administration (Dean's Scholar)	BBA(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Commerce	BCom
Bachelor of Commerce (Dean's Scholar)	BCom(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies	BCommMediaStud
Bachelor of Computer Science	BCompSc
Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar)	BCompSc(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Creative Arts	BCA
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dean's Scholar)	BCA(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies	BHlthScIndHlthStud
Bachelor of Information Systems	BInfoSys
Bachelor of Information Systems (Dean's Scholar)	BInfoSys(Dean’sSchol)
Bachelor of Information Technology	BIT
Bachelor of Information Technology (Dean's Scholar)	BIT(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of International Studies	BIntlSt
Bachelor of Internet Science and Technology	BIST
Bachelor of Internet Science and Technology (Dean's Scholar)	BIST(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Journalism	BJour
Bachelor of Marine Science	BMarSc
Bachelor of Mathematics	BMath
Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced	BMathAdv
Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics	BMedRadPhys
Bachelor of Medical Science	BMedSc
Bachelor of Nursing	BNurs
Bachelor of Science	BSc

Four Year Bachelor Degrees, which may be awarded as Honours or Pass degrees:

Bachelor of Biotechnology	BBiotech
Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced	BBiotechAdv
Bachelor of Education - The Early Years	BEdEarlyYears
Bachelor of Engineering	BE
Bachelor of Engineering (Dean's Scholar)	BE(Dean's Schol)
Bachelor of Engineering (Scholar)	BE(Schol)
Bachelor of Environmental Science	BEnvSc
Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced	BEnvScAdv
Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation	BExScRehab
Bachelor of Laws*	LLB
Bachelor of Marine Science Advanced	BMarScAdv
Bachelor of Mathematics and Economics	BMathEcon
Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance	BMathFin
Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance (Dean's Scholar)	BMathFin(DeansSchol)
Bachelor of Mathematics Education	BMathEd
Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics Advanced	BMedRadPhysAdv
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry	BMedChem
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry Advanced	BMedChemAdv
Bachelor of Nanotechnology	BNanotech
Bachelor of Nanotechnology Advanced	BNanotechAdv
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics	BNutrDiet
Bachelor of Physical and Health Education	BPhyHlthEd
Bachelor of Primary Education	BPrimEd
Bachelor of Psychology	BPsyc
Bachelor of Science Advanced	BScAdv
Bachelor of Science Education	BScEd
International Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies	IntBCommMediaStud
International Bachelor of Science	IntBSc

*The degree title when awarded with Honours is either Bachelor of Laws Honours or Bachelor of Laws Honours by Research.
One Year Honours Bachelor:

Bachelor of Arts Honours	BA(Hons)
Bachelor of Commerce Honours	BCom(Hons)
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours	BCommMediaStud(Hons)
Bachelor of Computer Science Honours	BCompSc(Hons)
Bachelor of Creative Arts Honours	BCA(Hons)
Bachelor of Information Systems Honours	BInfoSys(Hons)
Bachelor of Information Technology Honours	BIT(Hons)
Bachelor of Internet Science and Technology Honours	BIST(Hons)
Bachelor of Marine Science Honours	BMarSc(Hons)
Bachelor of Mathematics Honours	BMath(Hons)
Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced Honours	BMathAdv(Hons)
Bachelor of Medical Science Honours	BMedSc(Hons)
Bachelor of Nursing Honours	BNurs(Hons)
Bachelor of Science Honours	BSc(Hons)

Double Bachelor Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Commerce	BA,BCom
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Laws	BA,LLB
Bachelor of Commerce - Bachelor of Laws	BCom,LLB
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies - Bachelor of Arts	BCommMediaStud,BA
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies - Bachelor of Commerce	BCommMediaStud,BCom
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies - Bachelor of Laws	BCommMediaStud,LLB
Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies - Bachelor of Science	BCommMediaStud,BSc
Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Laws	BCompSc,LLB
Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Medical Science	BCompSc,BMedSc
Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Science	BCompSc,BSc
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Arts	BCA,BA
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Commerce	BCA,BCom
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies	BCA, BCommMediaStud
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Computer Science	BCA,BCompSc
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Laws	BCA,LLB
Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Science	BCA,BSc
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Arts	BE,BA
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Commerce	BE,BCom
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Computer Science	BE,BCompSc
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Laws	BE,LLB
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Mathematics	BE,BMath
Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Science	BE,BSc
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Arts	BJour,BA
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Commerce	BJour,BCom
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies	BJour,BCM
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Creative Arts	BJour,BCA
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Engineering	BJour,BE
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Laws	BJour,LLB
Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Science	BJour,BSc
Bachelor of Mathematics - Bachelor of Computer Science	BMath,BCompSc
Bachelor of Mathematics - Bachelor of Laws	BMath,LLB
Bachelor of Medical Science - Bachelor of Arts	BMedSc,BA
Bachelor of Medical Science - Bachelor of Commerce	BMedSc,BCom
Bachelor of Medical Science - Bachelor of Laws	BMedSc,LLB
Bachelor of Psychology - Bachelor of Commerce	BPsyc,BCom
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Arts	BSc,BA
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Commerce	BSc,BCom
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws	BSc,LLB
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Mathematics	BSc,BMath

Graduate Entry Bachelor Degrees:

Bachelor of Laws

LLB

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

MBBS

Course Requirements for a Bachelor Degree

3. To qualify for award of a Bachelor degree, a candidate shall:

for a three year degree, accrue an aggregate of at least 144 credit points by the satisfactory completion of subjects prescribed in the undergraduate handbook

for a four year degree, accrue an aggregate of at least 192 credit points by the satisfactory completion of subjects prescribed in the undergraduate handbook

for a double degree, accrue an aggregate of at least 216 credit points by the satisfactory completion of subjects prescribed in the undergraduate handbook.

Course Requirements for an Honours Bachelor Degree

4. To qualify for award of a Bachelor degree with honours, a candidate who completes satisfactorily the subjects prescribed in the relevant course structure in the undergraduate handbook at the standard of achievement prescribed in Rule 8.35 shall receive the corresponding honours degree with the class of honours as specified in those rules.
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Graduate Certificates

5. These Rules apply to a candidate registered for a Graduate Certificate and is to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Graduate Certificate titles and the Abbreviations

Graduate Certificate in Adult Education	GCertAdultEd
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Dietetic Practice	GCertAdvDietPrac
Graduate Certificate in Broadcast Journalism	GradCertBroadcastJour
Graduate Certificate in Business	GCertBus
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration	GCertBA
Graduate Certificate in Business Coaching	GCertBusCoach
Graduate Certificate in Commerce	GCertCom
Graduate Certificate in Computer-based Learning	GCertCompBasedLrng
Graduate Certificate in Dementia Care	GradCertDementiaCare
Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership	GCertEdLead
Graduate Certificate in Engineering	GCertE
Graduate Certificate of Engineering Asset Management	GCertEAssetMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting	GCertForAccy
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Rehabilitation Studies	GCertGerRehabSt
Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education	GCertGiftedEd
Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management	GCertHlthLeadMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Health Management	GCertHlthMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Health Research	GCertHlthRes
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education	GCertHighEd
Graduate Certificate in HIV/AIDS	GCertHIV/Aids
Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health	GCertIndHealth
Graduate Certificate in Industry-Based Information Technology	GCertInd-basedIT
Graduate Certificate in Information and Communication Technology	GCertInfoCommTech
Graduate Certificate in Information Systems	GCertInfoSys
Graduate Certificate in International Business	GCertIntBus
Graduate Certificate in Journalism	GradCertJour
Graduate Certificate in Law	GCertLaw
Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice and Advocacy	GCertLegPracAdvocacy
Graduate Certificate in Literacy	GCertLit
Graduate Certificate in Literacy Education (Advanced)	GCertLitEd(Adv)
Graduate Certificate in Logistics	GCertLog
Graduate Certificate in Management	GCertMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies	GCertMaritimeStud
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing	GCertMntlHlthNurs
Graduate Certificate in Nursing	GCertNurs
Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Management	GCertNutrMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety	GCertOH&S
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Hygiene Practice	GradCertOccHygPrac
Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Education	GCertOutdoorEd
Graduate Certificate in Physical and Health Education	GCertPhyHlthEd
Graduate Certificate in Practice Nursing	GCertPracNurs
Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing	GradCertProfWrit
Graduate Certificate in Project Management	GCertProjMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Public Health	GCertPubHlth
Graduate Certificate in Retail Management	GCertRetailMgmt
Graduate Certificate in Rolling Stock Engineering	GCertRollStockEng
Graduate Certificate in Social Change and Development	GCertSocChgDev
Graduate Certificate in Social Marketing for Health	GCertSocMarkHlth
Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science	GradCertSpatialSc
Graduate Certificate in Special Education	GCertSpecialEd
Graduate Certificate in Technology Engineering	GCertTechEng
Graduate Certificate in TESOL	GCertTESOL
Graduate Certificate in Transnational Crime Prevention	GCertTransCrimePrev
Graduate Certificate in Vocational Education and Training	GCertVET
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Psychological Practice	PGCertProfPsycPrac

Course Requirements for the Graduate Certificate

7. To qualify for award of a Graduate Certificate, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 24 credit points by the satisfactory completion of subjects prescribed in the postgraduate handbook.

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Graduate Diplomas

8. These Rules applies to a candidate registered for a Graduate Diploma and is to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Graduate Diploma titles and the Abbreviations

Graduate Diploma in Adult Education	GDipAdultEd
Graduate Diploma in Arts	GDipA
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration	GDipBA
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science	GDipCompSc
Graduate Diploma in Education	GDipEd
Graduate Diploma in Engineering	GDipE
Graduate Diploma in Higher Education	GDipHigherEd
Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health	GDipIndHlth
Graduate Diploma in Information Systems and Technology	GDipInfoSysTech
Graduate Diploma in Internet Technology	GDipInternetTech
Graduate Diploma in Law	GDipLaw
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice	GDipLegPrac
Graduate Diploma in Medical Radiation Physics	GDipMedRadPhys
Graduate Diploma in Nursing	GDipNurs
Graduate Diploma in Science	GDipSc
Graduate Diploma in Statistics	GDipStat
Graduate Diploma in TESOL	GDipTESOL
Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education and Training	GDipVET
Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Training in Clinical Psychology	PGDipAdvClinPsyc
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology	PGDipPsyc

Course Requirements for the Graduate Diploma

10. To qualify for award of a Graduate Diploma a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 48 credit points by the satisfactory completion of subjects prescribed in the postgraduate handbook.

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Masters by Coursework Degrees

11. These Rules applies to a candidate registered for a Masters by Coursework degree and is to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Masters Degree titles and the Abbreviations

Master of Accountancy	MAccy
Master of Applied Finance	MAppFin
Master of Arts	MA
Master of Business Administration	MBA
Master of Business Administration (Executive)	EMBA
Master of Business Administration Advanced	MBAAdv
Master of Business Coaching	MBusCoach
Master of Commerce	MCom
Master of Computer Science	MCompSc
Master of Computer Science Advanced	MCompScAdv
Master of Computer Studies	MCompStud
Master of Creative Arts	MCA
Master of Education	MEd
Master of Engineering	ME
Master of Engineering Asset Management	MEngAssetMgmt
Master of Engineering Management	MEngMgmt
Master of Engineering Practice	MEngPrac
Master of Engineering Studies	MEngStud
Master of English Literatures	MEngLit
Master of Environmental Science	MEnvSc
Master of Environmental Science Advanced	MEnvScAdv
Master of Financial Mathematics	MFinMath
Master of Forensic Accounting	MForAcc
Master of Health Informatics	MHlthInformatics
Master of Health Leadership and Management	MHlthLeadMgmt
Master of Health Management	MHlthMgmt
Master of Indigenous Health	MIndHth
Master of Industry-based Information Technology	Mind-basedIT
Master of Information and Communication Technology	MICT
Master of Information and Communication Technology Advanced	MICTAdv
Master of Information Systems	MInfoSys
Master of Information Systems Advanced	MInfoSysAdv
Master of Information Technology Management	MITMgmt
Master of International Business	MIntBus
Master of International Relations	MIntRel
Master of International Studies	MIntlSt
Master of International Studies Advanced	MIntlStAdv
Master of Internet Technology	MInternetTech
Master of Journalism	MJour
Master of Journalism Advanced	MJourAdv
Master of Laws	LLM
Master of Management	MMgmt
Master of Maritime Policy	MMaritimePol
Master of Maritime Studies	MMaritimeStud
Master of Mathematics	MMath
Master of Medical Radiation Physics	MMedRadPhys
Master of Nursing	MNurs
Master of Nutrition Management	MNutrMgmt
Master of Physical and Health Education	MPhyHlthEd
Master of Professional Accounting	MProfAccy
Master of Professional Writing	MProfWrit
Master of Professional Writing Advanced	MProfWritAdv
Master of Project Management	MProjMgmt
Master of Psychology (Clinical)	MPsyc
Master of Public Health	MPubHlth
Master of Quality Management	MQualMgmt
Master of Retail Management	MRetailMgmt
Master of Rolling Stock Engineering	MRollStockEng
Master of Science	MSc
Master of Social Change and Development	MSocChgDev
Master of Special Education	MSpecEd
Master of Statistics	MStat
Master of Strategic Human Resource Management	MStratHRM
Master of Strategic Management	MStratMgmt
Master of Strategic Management and Marketing	MStratMgmtMark
Master of Strategic Marketing	MStratMark
Master of Technology Engineering	MTechEng
Master of Transnational Crime Prevention	MTransCrimePrev

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Course Requirements for a Masters by Coursework degree

13. To qualify for award of a Masters degree, a candidate shall accrue the required number of credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects specified in the Postgraduate Course Handbook.
14. A Masters degree course program shall comprise subjects having a value of at least 48 credit points at 900 level.

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Masters by Research Degrees

15. These Rules apply to a candidates registered for a Masters by Research degree and are to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Rules.

Masters by Research Degree titles and the Abbreviations

Master of Accountancy - Research	MAccy-Res
Master of Arts - Research	MA-Res
Master of Business - Research	MBus-Res
Master of Computer Science - Research	MCompSc-Res
Master of Court Management - Research	MCourtMgmt-Res
Master of Creative Arts - Research	MCA-Res
Master of Economics - Research	MEcon-Res
Master of Education - Research	MEd- Res
Master of Engineering - Research	ME-Res
Master of Environmental Science - Research	MEnvSc-Res
Master of Finance - Research	MFin-Res
Master of Information and Communication Technology - Research	MInfoTech-Res
Master of Information Systems - Research	MInfoSys-Res
Master of Laws - Research	MLaws-Res
Master of Management - Research	MMgmt-Res
Master of Maritime Studies – Research	MMaritimeStud-Res
Master of Marketing - Research	MMark-Res
Master of Nursing - Research	MNurs-Res
Master of Science - Research	MSc–Res
Master of Social Change and Development - Research	MSocChgDev-Res

Course Requirements for the Masters by Research Degree

17. To qualify for award of a Masters by Research degree, a candidate shall accrue the required number of credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects specified in the Postgraduate Course Handbook and such examinations and other work as may be prescribed.
18. A Masters by Research degree course program shall comprise subjects having a value of 72 credit points at 900 level including:

a. a research thesis subject having a value of 48 credit points and
b. other coursework subjects having a value of 24 credit points at 900 level.

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Doctoral Degree by Thesis

19. These Rules apply to a candidate registered for a Doctoral Degree by thesis and are to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Doctoral Degree titles and the Abbreviations

Doctor of Philosophy	PhD
Doctor of Business Administration	DBA
Doctor of Creative Arts	DCA
Doctor of Education	EdD
Doctor of Psychology	DPsyc
Doctor of Public Health	DPubHlth

Admission Requirements for a Doctoral Degree by Thesis

21. An applicant shall comply with the provisions of Rule 4. Admission.
22. An applicant for registration as a candidate for a Doctoral Degree shall have qualified for a Bachelor degree with Honours Class II, Division 2 or higher of the University of Wollongong or possess an approved equivalent qualification from another institution.
23. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Rules, the Head shall recommend whether the applicant is fit to undertake study leading to the award of a Doctoral Degree and certify that the unit has the necessary resources to provide supervision in the discipline in which the applicant proposes to study.
24. A candidate shall register as a full-time candidate for a Doctoral Degree except that:

a. a member of the full-time staff of the University or
b. a person who is not a member of the full-time staff of the University, but who, in the opinion of Council, is engaged in an occupation which provides opportunity to pursue study in the relevant academic unit, may be accepted as a part time candidate for the degree, in which cases a minimum period for the duration of study shall be prescribed.

Course Requirements for Doctoral Degree

25. A candidate for a Doctoral Degree by thesis shall enrol in a research subject comprising a thesis and undertake an approved study which may include specified course and/or practical work and/or performance as recommended by the Dean or his/her nominee.

Outside Work

26. A full-time candidate may be permitted to undertake teaching in the University or other work which, in the judgement of Council, will not interfere with pursuit of the course.

Unsatisfactory Progress

27. The candidature of a student making unsatisfactory progress may be made subject to probation and/or shall not proceed past the coursework component of the degree. Outcomes may include transfer to a different degree program or termination of candidature, in accordance with the Code of Practice - Supervision, Rule 9.

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Doctoral Degree by Published Works

28. These Rules apply to a candidate for a Doctoral Degree by Published Works and are to be read in conjunction with the relevant provisions of the General Rules.

Doctoral Degree by Published Works and the Abbreviation

29. Doctor of Philosophy PhD

Admission requirements for Doctor of Philosophy by Published Works

30. A person may apply for admission as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Works provided that person:

i. is a graduate of this University or of the University of New South Wales at the Wollongong University College and
ii. has standing of not less than eight years after admission to the first degree for which the candidate has qualified or

b. is not a graduate of this University but is a member of the full-time academic staff for a minimum period of five years, with standing of not less than eight years after admission to a first degree of another University, or
c. is deemed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (or nominee) to have a significant and sustained research connection with the University.

31. An application shall be made in writing to the Thesis Examination Committee (TEC)and shall include:

a. supporting documentation from the appropriate Faculty Research Committee Chair, including the identification of a sponsoring unit for the candidature and
b. a list of published works on which the claim for admission to the degree is based, these works to be have been published in peer reviewed academic publications and offering original contributions to the area of investigation, noting that works submitted for the degree have been originally published, and normally, a significant proportion of these works have been published no earlier than ten years prior to this application.

32. The work submitted for examination (hereafter referred to as the submitted work) shall consist of:

a. five copies of the works listed in 12.31(b), all works, apart from quotations, to be presented in, or translated into, English, unless otherwise approved
b. a scholarly and critical overview of the collected publications, normally not less than 5,000 words, providing a cohesive context for the works and describing how they make an original and significant contribution to knowledge and
c. a further statement setting out:

i. details of sources from which the works were derived
ii. details of the extent to which work of others has been used
iii. details of the extent to which the applicant was responsible for the initiation, conduct and direction of any joint works submitted as part of the application
iv. a statement from at least one co-author per publication, confirming the extent of the applicants contribution to the work, where appropriate
v. evidence that the publications have standing as significant contributions to knowledge and
vi. a declaration identifying any of the works referred to in Rule 12.31(b) which have been submitted for any qualification of any tertiary institution.

Course Requirements for Doctoral Degree by Published Works

33. A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Works shall enrol in a research subject comprising a thesis in accordance with the provisions of Rules 10.1 - 10.6 inclusive.

Examination Requirements for Doctoral Degree by Published Works

34. The TEC may determine whether the aggregated work is examinable or may appoint a discipline-specific committee to make this determination.
35. Should the TEC be satisfied that the submitted work is of sufficiently high quality to be prima facie worthy of examination for the degree, Council shall appoint examiners as prescribed in Rules 10.76 - 10.81 inclusive.
36. The examination of the work submitted shall be conducted as prescribed in Rules 10.76-10.81 inclusive.
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Higher Doctoral Degree Rules

37. These rules apply to a candidate for a prestigious Higher Doctoral Degree and are to be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the General Course Rules.

Higher Doctoral Degrees and the Abbreviations

Doctor of Laws

LLD

Doctor of Letters

DLitt

Doctor of Science

DSc

Admission requirements for Higher Doctoral Degrees

39. A person may apply for admission as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters or Doctor of Science provided that person:

a. is a graduate of this University or of the University of New South Wales at the Wollongong University College and
b. has standing of not less than eight years after admission to the first degree for which the candidate has qualified or
c. is not a graduate of this University but is a member of the full-time academic staff with standing of not less than eight years after admission to a first degree of another University.

40. An application shall be made in writing to the Vice-Principal (Administration) and shall include:

a. identification of the academic unit with which the contribution to scholarship is considered to be most closely associated
b. five copies of a list of published and/or unpublished works on which the claim for admission to the degree is based
c. five copies of the works listed in Rule 12.39(b), all works, apart from quotations, to be presented in, or translated into, English, unless otherwise approved and
d. a statement, which shall be an overview of normally not less than 5,000 words, setting out ways in which the collective works provide an original and significant contribution to knowledge and incorporating:

i. details of sources from which the works were derived
ii. details of the extent to which work of others has been availed upon
iii. details of the extent to which the applicant was responsible for the initiation, conduct and direction of any joint works submitted as part of the application
iv. evidence that the publications have standing as significant and sustained contributions to knowledge and
v. a declaration identifying any of the works referred to in Rule 12.39(b) which have been submitted for any qualification of any tertiary institution.

Examination for Higher Doctoral Degrees

41. Should Council be satisfied that the submitted work is of sufficiently high quality to be prima facie worthy of examination for the degree, it shall appoint examiners as prescribed in Rules 10.82 - 10.91 inclusive.
42. The applicant may be required to respond orally or in writing to questions concerning the work and the general relevant field of knowledge to which it pertains.
43. The examination of the work submitted shall be rigorous and conducted as prescribed in Rules 10.82 - 10.91 inclusive.
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13 Version Control and Change History

Version Control	Date Effective	Approved By	Amendment
1	1 January 1991	University Council	First Version – known as the Course Regulations in 1991 and renamed the Course Rules in 1992.
2	13 December 1991	University Council	Changes to grades of performance to introduce “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory”. Changes to abbreviation of “Science” to “Sc”.
3	9 October 1992	University Council	New enrolment requirements
4	6 August 1993	University Council	Amendments to process for determining honours in 4 year prescribed courses. New provisions for awarding of Graduate Certificates. New provisions relating to requirements to attend classes.
5	9 August 1996	University Council	Minor amendments to Rules.
6	4 October 1996	University Council	Minor amendments to reword provisions relating to surrender of testamurs.
7	10 October 1997	University Council	Changes to honours awards.
18	12 December 1997	University Council	Amendments to provisions relating to leave of absence.
9	11 December 1998	University Council	Elimination of the Pass Terminating Grade and introduce the Pass Restricted Grade for 100 and 200 level subjects from Autumn Session 1999.
10	1 January 2000	University Council	Deletion of rule 014(1)(a)
11
12	18 August 2000	University Council	Changes to double fail rule and minimum rate of progress rule.
13	18 October 2000	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Insertion of an unsatisfactory progress provision in the Doctoral Degree Course Rules. Amend Rule 005(5).
14	7 March 2001	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Amendments to Part 5 to create a new Masters by Research Course Structure Model. Insertion of a new provision dealing with amendments to theses recommended by examiners.
15	21 April 2001	University Council	Introduction of Masters Degree By Research Rules to replace Honours Masters Rules.
16	9 September 2001	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Amendments relating to the use of foreign language dictionaries in exams. Amendments to the terms “specialisation” and “major”.
17	7 November 2001	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Changes to the Bachelor Course Rules relating to the Bachelor of Psychology. Changes to Postgraduate Research Degree completion time limits.
18	24 July 2002	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Revised Withdrawal from a Subject and Deletion of Fail Grades Course Rules
19	4 September 2002	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Changes to the General Course Rules section 10.3 (7) ‘Procedures Governing the Preparation and Submission of Theses’
20	23 April 2003	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Changes regarding digitisation of theses, Changes regarding PhD by Publication.
21	3 September 2003	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Double degrees with Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies. Changes to Minimum Rate of Progress (commencing in 2004)
22	28 July 2004	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Changes to the HDR Course Rules.
23	27 July 2005	Academic Senate (under delegation from Council)	Deletion of 10.11.3(ii) from HDR Course Rules.
24	23 June 2006	University Council	Amendments consequent on the establishment of the Graduate School of Medicine.
25	18 August 2006	University Council	Changes to Section 10: Higher Degree Research.
26	26 November 2006	University Council	General revision of the General Course Rules.
27	Autumn Session 2007	University Council	Changes to 8.4.3 Withheld Results and 8.5.5 Failure to attain minimum performance levels.
28	6 July 2007	University Council	Grades of Performance revisions and revisions necessary to comply with the ESOS National Code 2007.
29	12 October 2007	University Council	Changes to course progress requirements necessary to comply with the ESOS National Code 2007
30	8 August 2008	University Council	Amendments to various typographical errors to numbering.
31	28 November 2008	University Council	Amendments to provisions for Doctoral Degree by Publication, new provisions for examiner’s commendation and changes to Rule 8.50 relating to amendment of academic record due to enrolment error.
32	17 April 2009	University Council	Migrated to UOW Policy Template as per Policy Directory Refresh. ILIP Provisions (Section 7) updated References to Special Consideration Policy changed to refer to Student Academic Consideration Policy. Reference in Rule 12.31(b) to Appendix 2 removed.

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Appendix 1: List of Courses for each Honours Method

The following methods (as specified in General Course Rule 8.37) for determining Honours grades apply to each Honours degree, as approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International).
Method 1 has been approved for Honours degrees for:

Bachelor of Arts Honours

Bachelor of Commerce Honours

Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies Honours

Bachelor of Computer Science Honours

Bachelor of Creative Arts Honours

Bachelor of Education - The Early Years

Bachelor of Information Systems Honours

Bachelor of Information Technology Honours

Bachelor of Internet Science and Technology Honours

Bachelor of Marine Science Honours

Bachelor of Mathematics Honours

Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced Honours

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours

Bachelor of Nursing Honours

Bachelor of Primary Education

Bachelor of Psychology

Bachelor of Science Honours

Bachelor of Science Advanced

International Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies

International Bachelor of Science

Method 2 has been approved for Honours degrees for:

Bachelor or Engineering

Bachelor of Marine Science Advanced

Bachelor of Mathematics and Economics

Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education

Method 3 has been adopted for Honours degrees for:

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science Advanced

Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry

Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry Advanced

Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics Advanced

Bachelor of Nanotechnology

Bachelor of Nanotechnology Advanced

Method 4 has been adopted for Honours degrees for:

Bachelor of Laws

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Appendix 2: Submission of Digital Theses for UOW Research Students

Background

The University is a member of the Australian Digital Thesis (ADT) program, originally funded through a Research Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities grant. The scope of the ADT Program is to create a research database containing all Australian doctorate by research and Masters by Research theses. There are 26 Australian universities involved at various levels in the ADT program; two have implemented mandatory submission. 750 theses are currently available online (see http://adt.caul.edu.au/). The University of Wollongong Library has trialled the use of ADT over past years and currently has seven theses available. At a national level, issues regarding conversion, security, copyright and submission have been dealt with and procedures established.

Aim

a. To promote and provide full-text access to the University’s research output from Masters by Research and doctorate by research students
b. To work with national and international initiatives - Australian Digital Theses program and Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) respectively to make University of Wollongong research visible and available.

Rationale

c. Most theses are currently written in an electronic format using word processing software. Conversion to PDF is the next step
d. Theses are currently completed, catalogued onto the Library catalogue and the national bibliographic database and then stored in a secure room in the Library. They are largely a hidden resource. Abstracts have not been provided to UMIs Dissertation Abstracts since 1998 so international exposure is lacking. A minority are ever commercially published
e. Little promotion of the valuable contents of the research. Departments could link to digital theses from their web pages
f. Digital theses are accessible to all on read and print basis (no copying allowed) and could be used for teaching purposes. Can be located via internet search engines or the catalogues mentioned above
g. The permanent URL for the thesis can be used by students in their CVs or in applications for grants.

Process

h. Guidelines to be provided to students as part of their research training on how to set out their thesis ensuring the digitisation process is as simple as possible
i. Students will be given the option to provide their thesis in PDF format or to supply the thesis in an alternative digital form
j. Full procedures and guidelines will be provided to students on converting their thesis to PDF
k. Support in converting the thesis to PDF provided by the Library where required.
l. Deposit to the ADT database completed by Library staff. Thesis files currently supported on ITS server with metadata harvested daily to national ADT database.
m. No cost to students
n. Provision within ADT database for an embargo period up to two years. During this time the thesis is loaded on the database but not visible. Similar to restrictions on viewing for bound theses.
o. Recognition that some theses contain material not suitable for inclusion such as software programs, maps, artworks etc. Aim to make as much textual material as possible available with reference to the bound thesis where required.
p. Students retain copyright under current copyright laws

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Last reviewed: 30 October, 2009

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