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(1) An application for admission to candidature is accepted subject to the availability of facilities and supervision. (2) An application may be submitted at any time, will be made on the prescribed form and lodged with the Graduate School for consideration by the Dean, Graduate Studies. (3) An applicant will seek admission to a Professional Doctorate course as: (4) To qualify for admission to a Professional Doctorate, applicants must: (5) All Applicants whose first language is not English are required to achieve an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in Writing and no other band less than 6.5. (6) IELTS equivalent test scores are set out in IELTS Equivalence Schedule. IELTS equivalencies relating to higher degree by research awards are determined by the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality) following consultation with the Dean, Graduate Studies. (7) Where an English language test score is used to demonstrate English language proficiency, that score must have been attained within 12 months of the applicant’s commencement of study. (8) In exceptional circumstances, the Dean, Graduate Studies may determine that an applicant meets the University’s minimum English language proficiency requirements even though the applicant is not able to satisfy the requirements set out in clause (5). Such a decision must be reported to Academic Board. (9) The Dean, Graduate Studies will approve or, if necessary, vary any periods of candidature during which the candidate will be required to pursue study and research at the University, as recommended by the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training. (10) A commencing candidate is enrolled on completion of all of the following: (11) A candidate may convert from full-time to part-time candidature, and vice-versa, with the approval of the Manager, Graduate School, upon the recommendation of the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training. (12) If a candidate wishes to enrol in another degree at the University, approval must be first obtained from the Dean, Graduate Studies, upon the recommendation of the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training. (13) To be eligible for the award of a Professional Doctorate, a candidate will: (14) Coursework units undertaken as part of a Professional Doctorate will be subject to the Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 2 - Coursework Awards - General Provisions and Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 3 - Coursework Awards - Student Assessment and Examinations. (15) A candidate will be permitted to proceed to the Professional Doctorate Thesis Unit once they have: (16) A candidate will normally be eligible for the award of a Professional Doctorate when: (17) Academic Board may approve a candidate who is specially qualified in the relevant discipline to complete the degree in less than the time set out in clause (16). (18) The Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervision Policy specifies the responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved in Higher Degree Research supervision, including: (19) The Dean, Graduate Studies will normally appoint two supervisors — one who will act as Principal Supervisor and one who will act as Co-supervisor. The Principal Supervisor will be a member of the academic staff of the University. The Co-supervisor will be a member of the academic staff of the University or an adjunct appointment of the University. (20) All candidates will be required to participate in such colloquia, research seminars and other work of the University as may be considered appropriate by their Principal Supervisor. (21) Candidates will, as their Principal Supervisor may from time to time require, submit drafts of the major sections of the written thesis for review and will submit to their Principal Supervisor a final draft of the written thesis for advice and comment before submission for examination. (22) The Dean, Graduate Studies may approve a local additional Co-supervisor from outside the University to be added to the supervisory team for candidates who have been approved to undertake a major portion of their research at sites external to the University. (23) If a person appointed as supervisor is unable to perform the duties of the appointment, the Dean, Graduate Studies will take reasonable steps to identify and appoint a replacement supervisor from within the University, on the recommendation of the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research. This may include, but is not limited to: (24) If the Dean, Graduate Studies has taken reasonable steps under clause (23) and exhausted all reasonable avenues to identify a replacement Principal Supervisor, they may terminate a student's candidature. (25) Candidates will, through their Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training, submit progress reports to the Manager, Graduate School in the prescribed form and at the prescribed times. (26) The Principal Supervisor and the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training will at the same time provide comments to the Manager, Graduate School on the progress of the candidate being supervised. (27) The Manager, Graduate School may then: (28) The Dean, Graduate Studies will consider any recommendation made under clause (27) and may terminate candidature at their discretion. (29) All Professional Doctorate candidates will serve a confirmation period, no longer than six months full-time or twelve months part-time once enrolled in the Professional Doctorate Thesis Unit. (30) The process of assessment of the confirmation period will be developed within a general framework approved by the Higher Degrees Research Committee, to be used in the respective Faculty or College. (31) Candidates must submit their Confirmation of Candidature proposal: (32) The Dean, Graduate Studies will make one of the following determinations, based on the candidate's Confirmation of Candidature proposal and the agreed assessment framework: (33) On completion of studies during candidature, a candidate will submit a thesis that complies with the following requirements: (34) The thesis will consist of the candidate's own account of the work, except that, in special cases, work done conjointly with other persons may be accepted provided the Dean, Graduate Studies is satisfied in respect of the candidate's part in the joint work. Candidates must adhere to the principles for authorship and research best practise as outlined in the University's Research Quality Standards and Integrity Policy and Research Publications, Dissemination and Authorship Procedures. (35) On submitting a thesis a candidate will present sufficient evidence of its authenticity and originality, and to this end will submit a written statement at the front of the thesis: (36) A candidate will submit with, but separately from, the thesis a short abstract of the thesis comprising not more than 400 words and written in a form suitable for publication. (37) A candidate may not submit as the main content of the thesis any work or material which has previously been accepted for a degree or other similar award but will not be precluded from incorporating such work or material in the thesis, provided that the candidate indicates, generally in the preface and specifically in the notes, the work or material which has been so incorporated. (38) The candidate may submit as supporting documents any work published by the candidate, but only if it bears on the subject of the thesis. (39) Candidates must submit the final draft of their thesis for text-matching analysis in accordance with the Text Matching Software Higher Degree by Research Procedures. (40) A candidate will present a thesis for examination a minimum of two months prior to their maximum duration of candidature. The Manager, Graduate School may approve an extension of time in special circumstances. (41) A candidate will, through the Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training, give the Graduate School two months' written notice of intention to submit a thesis and such notice will be accompanied by the appropriate fee, if any. (42) The Candidate will prepare their thesis in the format prescribed by the Graduate School and submit it to the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training. This may include: (43) The thesis will be submitted to the Graduate School by the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training with a certificate signed by the Principal Supervisor certifying that the candidate's work, including the thesis, is in a form suitable for examination. (44) If the Principal Supervisor does not recommend the thesis as being suitable for examination, the Candidate may seek a review of this decision (see clauses (75) to (76)). (45) The Dean, Graduate Studies will appoint two examiners both of whom will be external to the University. A supervisor of a candidate will not also be an examiner. Each examiner will make a separate report and recommendation on the merit of the thesis and any other work submitted for examination. (46) The examiners' reports on a thesis will be forwarded to the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training for comment, who in turn will forward them to the Principal Supervisor and the candidate for comment. The examiners' reports, together with any written comments received from the Principal Supervisor and the candidate, will then be considered by the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training, who will make a recommendation to the Dean, Graduate Studies. (47) The recommendation of the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training, together with the reports of the examiners and any written comments received from the Principal Supervisor and candidate, will be considered by the Dean, Graduate Studies, who will have broad discretion to seek additional input as appropriate, and who will recommend to Academic Board that: (48) Before making a recommendation to the Academic Board, the Dean, Graduate Studies may require: (49) Candidates required to undertake changes to their thesis in response to examiners' reports must undertake these changes within three months after the date of notification of these for full-time students, or within six months for part-time students. The Director, Higher Degree Research and Principal Supervisor are required to review these and submit a report on changes made for final ratification by the Dean, Graduate Studies no later than six months after the original notification of these to the student (unless a longer period is approved by the Dean, Graduate Studies). (50) A candidate whose thesis fails re-examination, as conducted under conditions prescribed by the Dean, Graduate Studies, will have their candidature terminated by the Academic Board and will not be eligible for re-enrolment in a Professional Doctorate in the same topic area. (51) A candidate will be required to submit a digital copy of their final thesis to the Graduate School. (52) The digital copy of the thesis will be submitted to the Graduate School using the prescribed form. This digital copy will be: (53) The copies of the thesis deposited with the University Library will be available for consultation, loan, or copying at the discretion of the University Librarian, unless the University on the application of the candidate determines that it will not be available until after the expiry of a period, which will not normally exceed two years. The University Librarian will require each user and recipient of a copy of a thesis to undertake in writing to respect the author's rights under the law relating to copyright. (54) A candidate may, when lodging a thesis, make application on the prescribed form to the Dean, Graduate Studies, to restrict access to a thesis, either in whole or in part, and in all formats. The Dean, Graduate Studies, will decide such application in accordance with the terms detailed on the prescribed form. Normally, access may be restricted for a period up to two years. In special cases, application may be made to restrict access for a longer period. Where the thesis contains material which the candidate considers should have restricted distribution, the Principal Supervisor, the Dean, Graduate Studies, and the examiners will be informed which parts are classified. (55) Where a candidate states that a thesis contains confidential information which the candidate does not desire to be disclosed freely, or which the candidate is not at liberty to disclose freely, the candidate may, to the extent that it is possible, place that information in an appendix to the thesis. The copy of the thesis deposited in the University Library will have a notation, authorised by the Manager, Graduate School, indicating which parts of the thesis are not included because they contain confidential information, and informing the reader to contact the candidate for further information. (56) The Dean, Graduate Studies may terminate candidature at his discretion at any time where they determine that a candidate has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress under clause (13)c. (57) The Dean, Graduate Studies may terminate a student's candidature on any other reasonable grounds. (58) The maximum duration of candidature is three years full-time, or six years part-time, inclusive of the coursework units. This does not include approved extensions or periods of approved leave of absence/interruption. (59) The Manager, Graduate School, on the recommendation of the Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training, may approve an extension or leave of absence/interruption for a period or periods totaling no more than one year. (60) Candidates are entitled to 20 days of Recreation Leave per equivalent full-time year. Recreation Leave will be available in the first year of candidature on a pro rata basis. (61) A maximum of 20 days of Recreation Leave may be accrued. That is, unused leave in one year does not ordinarily carryover and must be taken during the year it is accrued. (62) Proposed dates for Recreation Leave should be discussed with the Principal Supervisor in the first instance. Recreation Leave requires the approval of the Principal Supervisor and the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training who must advise the Graduate School. (63) The Dean, Graduate Studies may approve a leave of absence/interruption beyond one year, at their discretion and on the recommendation of the Manager, Graduate School. (64) Unless the Manager, Graduate School, or the Dean, Graduate Studies otherwise determines, a candidate will maintain continuous enrolment until all requirements for award of the degree have been met. (65) International candidates are responsible for managing and maintaining their visa conditions and are required to consider how requesting a leave of absence may affect their student visa. (66) When international candidates apply for a leave of absence, the Graduate School will provide general advice about the possible implications on their current visa and strongly encourage candidates to contact the Department of Home Affairs for further information. (67) A candidate may cancel enrolment at any time by giving written notice to the Graduate School. (68) A candidate who exceeds the maximum duration of candidature without an approved extension, will be deemed to be, and recorded as having 'lapsed candidature'. A lapsed candidate may apply to the Graduate School for re-admission to candidature for the purpose of submitting a thesis. If the re-admission is approved, the thesis must be submitted within one calendar month and sent for examination. (69) An application for re-admission must be made within the following time periods: (70) Any lapsed candidate who does not apply for re-admission to submit a thesis for examination by the end of their maximum period of lapsed candidature, or whose readmission application is rejected, or who does not submit within the one calendar month following re-admission, will be considered to have failed and will have their candidature terminated. (71) Within eight weeks of a student becoming a lapsed candidate, the Principal Supervisor will provide the Manager, Graduate School with a written report on the reasons for the candidature's failure to submit a thesis within the maximum period of candidature. The Manager, Graduate School may seek further information from the Principal Supervisor, student or other members of the supervisory team concerning the unsuccessful candidature. (72) A candidate whose candidature is terminated will not be eligible to be re-admitted until one year after the date of termination, unless approved by the Manager, Graduate School. (73) The Dean, Graduate Studies will determine the maximum period of time in which a re-admitted candidate will be permitted to complete the degree. (74) Appeals relating to coursework units should be lodged according to the relevant sections of the Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 3 - Coursework Awards - Student Assessment and Examinations. (75) A candidate who is not satisfied with the review of progress reports under clause (28) or assessment of Completion of Confirmation Period under clause (32) may query the review with the relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training. (76) A candidate who is not satisfied with the result of discussions arising from clause (75) may query the outcome in writing with the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor within 10 working days of the date that the original outcome notification was sent to the candidate. The Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor may uphold the original decision or, where deemed appropriate, vary the decision. (77) A candidate who is not satisfied with a decision not to submit a thesis for examination will follow the process below: (78) The Dean, Graduate Studies is not obliged to accede to the request, but if the Dean does agree, the examiners will be advised that the thesis did not have the support of the Principal Supervisor after they have provided their reports. (79) A candidate who is not satisfied with the determination of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor in relation to the Review of Progress Reports or the Assessment of Completion of Confirmation Period under clause (74) may appeal on the prescribed form to the Academic Board Appeals Committee on one or more of the following grounds: (80) An appeal made under clause (79) must be lodged with the Secretary, Academic Board Appeals Committee, within 10 working days of the date of sending of formal notification of the determination of the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor. (81) A candidate who is not satisfied with the determination of the Dean, Graduate Studies under clause (78) may appeal on the prescribed form to the Academic Board Appeals Committee on one or more of the following grounds: (82) An appeal made under clause (78) must be lodged with the Secretary, Academic Board Appeals Committee, within 10 working days of the date of sending of formal notification of the decision of the Dean, Graduate Studies. (83) If the appeal is upheld and the thesis forwarded for examination, then the certificate will be signed by the Chair, Academic Board Appeals Committee, and neither the Principal Supervisor nor the Director, Higher Degree Research Training nor the Dean, Graduate Studies will be required to sign it. (84) A candidate who is not satisfied with the determination of the Dean, Graduate Studies under clauses (47), (48), or (50) may appeal on the prescribed form to the Academic Board Appeals Committee on one or more of the following grounds: (85) An appeal made under clause (81) will be lodged with the Secretary, Academic Board Appeals Committee, within 10 working days of the date of sending of formal notification of the decision of the Dean, Graduate Studies. (86) A candidate whose enrolment is terminated under clause (56) may appeal that decision to the Academic Board Appeals Committee on the following grounds: (87) A candidate whose enrolment is terminated under clause (70) may appeal that decision to the Academic Board Appeals Committee on the following grounds: (88) An applicant refused re-admission after termination of enrolment under clause (72) may appeal against that decision to the Academic Board Appeals Committee provided the timing of the appeal is within 12 months of the candidate transitioning to lapsed candidature. (89) A candidate whose enrolment is terminated under clause (24) may appeal on the ground that the Dean, Graduate Studies did not take reasonable steps to identify a replacement supervisor under clause (23). (90) A candidate whose enrolment is terminated under clause (54) may appeal on the ground that the grounds upon which the candidature was terminated were not reasonable. (91) An appeal under clauses (86), (87), (89) or (90) must be lodged with the Secretary, Academic Board Appeals Committee on the prescribed form within 10 working days of the date of the notice of termination. (92) A candidate whose appeal against termination of enrolment is unsuccessful will have their termination of enrolment confirmed in writing. (93) A late appeal under these Rules may be received at the discretion of the Chair, Academic Board Appeals Committee where the candidate is able to satisfy the Chair that the appeal was lodged late through no fault of the candidate.Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 8 - Professional Doctorate Awards
Section 1 - Professional Doctorate
Part A - Admission to Candidature
Part B - Enrolment
Part C - Concurrent Studies
Part D - Requirements for the Award
Coursework Units
Thesis Unit
Part E - Work Environment and Supervision
Part F - Progress Reports
Part G - Confirmation of Candidature
Part H - Thesis
Part I - Thesis Submission
Part J - Thesis Examination
Part K - Termination of Candidature
Part L - Duration of Candidature, Recreation Leave, Leave of Absence/Interruption, Cancellation
Duration of Candidature
Recreation Leave
Leave of Absence/Interruption
International Candidates
Cancellation and Lapsed Candidature
Part M - Re-admission
Section 2 - Query and Appeal
Coursework Appeals
Thesis Unit Appeals
Query of Review of Progress Reports or Assessment of Completion of Confirmation Period
Query of Decision Not to Submit Thesis
Appeal Against Review of Progress Reports or Assessment of Completion of Confirmation Period
Appeal Against Decision not to Submit Thesis
Appeal Against Additional Examination Requirements and Failure of Admission to the Degree
Appeal Against Termination of Enrolment
Termination due to Unsatisfactory Progress
Termination due to Exceeding Maximum Tenure or Refusal of Re-admission
Termination due to inability to identify replacement supervisor
Termination on any other reasonable grounds
Late Appeals