Handbook & Policies

Faculty HDR Handbook

The Faculty HDR Student Handbook provides an overview of what to expect during your candidature.  Information within the booklet should be read in conjunction with the general University of Wollongong policies and procedures pertaining to postgraduate studies and research, including the Codes of Practice for Research, Supervision and Students, which are available on the Research Student Centre website

2012: Commerce HDR Handbook (Version 1a)   

Note: You will need to have Acrobat Reader installed to view and download the PDF document.

Changing your thesis title

As your research progresses, you may wish to change the title of your thesis. You can make the change on the Annual Progress Report cover sheet, or seek approval from your supervisor and notify the Research Student Centre in writing.

Course transfer

You may upgrade or downgrade your degree or transfer your course. 

Please refer to the HDR Handbook (website or pdf)

Leave of absence

Leave of absence (LOA) may be granted for medical, compassionate or other acceptable reasons. Please discuss intended leave with your supervisor and the Head of Postgraduate Studies. Applications must be supported by appropriate documentation and be approved by your supervisor and Head of Postgraduate Studies.

As a postgraduate candidate, you become eligible to apply for leave of absence at the beginning of the second session of registration.

International students must abide by visa regulations.

Scholarship holders are advised to check with the Scholarships Officer.

Masters by Research students may be granted leave of absence for one or two sessions provided written application is made before the end of the fourth week of the first session for which leave is sought.

PhD students may be granted leave of absence for up to four sessions provided written application is made before the end of the fourth week of the first session for which leave is sought.

Further information

Please refer to the UOW Research Site for a complete list of the Research Forms, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines