Higher Degree Research Rules10.1 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 Degrees10.2 A candidate shall submit the title of the thesis through the Dean or Delegated Authority for approval, no later than one session after registration. 10.3 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. 10.4 The candidate may submit for consideration as a part of their thesis any relevant work that they have written and has been published. 10.5 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. 10.6 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. 10.7 Upgrading from Masters by Research to Doctor of Philosophy. 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. 10.8 Transferring from a Professional Research Doctorate to a Doctor of Philosophy. 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. 10.9 Transferring from a Doctor of Philosophy to a Professional Research Doctorate. 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. 10.10 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. 10.11 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. 10.12 Downgrading from Doctor of Philosophy to Masters by Research. 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. 10.13 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. 10.14 Downgrading from a Higher Degree Research to a Coursework degree. 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. Supervision of Higher Research Degrees10.15 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. 10.16 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. 10.17 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. 10.18 After consultation with the Head of Postgraduate Studies, and on written application from a candidate, a change of supervisor may be approved. 10.19 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. 10.20 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. 10.21 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. 10.22 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. 10.23 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. 10.24 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. 10.25 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. 10.26 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. 10.27 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. 10.28 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) subjects10.29 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
10.30 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. 10.31 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. 10.32 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. 10.33 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. 10.34 Probation is a process of assessing the performance of the candidate over a set period subject to a special supervisory regime. 10.35 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. 10.36 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. 10.37 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. 10.38 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. 10.39 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. 10.40 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. 10.41 On completion of a higher degree research thesis subject, a candidate shall submit a thesis embodying the results of the work undertaken. 10.42 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. 10.43 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. 10.44 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. 10.45 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. 10.46 A candidate required to submit a thesis for a Masters by Research degree or a Doctoral degree shall submit to the Manager, Research Student Centre, three temporarily bound copies of the thesis and supporting work for submission to examiners. 10.47 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. 10.48 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. 10.49 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):
a. the text of the thesis, normally in English (unless otherwise approved), shall be in double spaced or one and a half spaced typescript.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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;
e. 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.
f. the thesis shall be presented in a permanent and legible form as original typescript, offset printing, or copy by other approved technique; and
g. there shall be a title sheet set out in accordance with the approved style sheet. 10.50 The copies of the thesis provided for examination:
a. can be either temporarily bound, spiral bound or bound in boards, covered with buckram and
b. may be printed single or double sided on the paper. Examination of Theses10.51 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. 10.52 A supervisor of a candidate may not be an examiner of a thesis submitted by that candidate. 10.53 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. 10.54 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. 10.55 Formal invitations to examine the thesis will be issued by the Manager, Research Student Centre. 10.56 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. 10.57 Examiners should be made familiar with the requirements of the University and the essential parts of the Rules governing the particular degree. 10.58 Students must not contact any examiner until the examination is complete and the report returned to and acted on by the Thesis Examination Committee. 10.59 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. 10.60 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. 10.61 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. 10.62 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. 10.63 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. 10.64 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. 10.65 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. 10.66 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. 10.67 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 University Rules for Conduct, Discipline and Appeal. 10.68 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. 10.69 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. 10.70 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. 10.71 Appeals should be dealt with in accordance with the HDR Student Academic Grievance Procedures. 10.72 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. 10.73 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). 10.74 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. 10.75 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. Procedures for Examination of Work Submitted for Doctoral of Philosophy by Publication 10.76 To submit works for examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidates must first meet criteria outlined in Rules 12.30-12.35 inclusive. 10.77 Council or its delegate shall appoint at least three examiners of the award, all of whom shall be external to the University. 10.78 A co-author of the works referred to in Rule 12.31(b) may not be an examiner of the submitted work. 10.79 Each examiner shall make an independent report on the submitted work. An examiner for a Doctoral degree by publication 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. 10.80 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. 10.81 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 Degrees10.82 To submit works for examination Higher Doctoral degree candidates must first meet criteria outlined in Rules 12.38-12.42 inclusive. 10.83 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. 10.84 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. 10.85 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.
The following should be taken into consideration as possible indicators of the significance and importance of the work:
i. international recognition and significance
ii. publications cited
iii. contributions both solely and to join
iv. collaborative work
v. successful grants
vi. Doctor of Philosophy completions and
vii. Doctor of Philosophy theses examined
10.86 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. 10.87 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. 10.88 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 10.88 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. 10.89 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. 10.90 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. 10.91 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. 10.92 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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