Higher Degree by Research Program Structures | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Higher Degree by Research Program Structures

Doctoral Program Milestones

Year 1 

Induction 

Upon commencement of program 

  

Research Ethics and Integrity Training 

Prior to commencement of Confirmation of Candidature process 

  

Initial Plan / Progress Review 

2 months from commencement of program 

  

Confirmation of Candidature Process 

Begin 12 months from commencement of program 

  

Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews 

Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students 

Year 2 

Probationary Expiry 

18 months from commencement of program 

  

Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews

Every 6 months for International Students and every 12 months for domestic students 

Year 3 

Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews

Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students 

  

Thesis Submission 

3 years from commencement of program 

Year 4 

Undertake thesis revisions (if required) 

3 months allowed for minor revisions/ 6 months allowed for major revisions 

  

Candidature Expiry 

4 years from commencement of program 

 

Masters by Research Program Milestones

Year 1 

Induction 

Upon commencement of program 

  

Research Ethics and Integrity Training 

Prior to commencement of Confirmation of Candidature process 

  

Initial Plan / Progress Review 

2 months from commencement of program 

  

Confirmation of Candidature Process 

Begin 6 months from commencement of program

  

Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews

Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students 

  

Probationary Expiry 

9 months from commencement of program

Year 2 

Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews

Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students 

  

Thesis submission 

1.5 years from commencement of program 

  

Undertake thesis revisions (if required) 

3 months allowed for minor revisions/6 months allowed for major revisions 

  

Candidature Expiry 

2 years from commencement of program 

 

Induction

We'll help you settle into your program and UniSC. The induction process involves completing online modules and attending an online session where you can meet other graduate research candidates, your HDR Coordinator, Student Experience Mentors and staff from the Graduate Research School. It is also a chance to ask any questions you may have.

After the initial induction session, we have other sessions you can participate in to help you better understand how to complete your milestones and tips for getting a great start in your degree and research project.

Research Ethics and Integrity Training

As an HDR Candidate you are required to comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018). This training module and quiz will ensure you have the information you need to begin your project according to these principles.

Initial Plan / Progress Reviews

The Initial Plan will guide you and your supervision team through important discussions that will set you up for success.

Progress Reviews are the mechanism you and your supervisors will use to reflect on how the project and candidature are progressing and to plan for the future.

Confirmation of Candidature

The Confirmation of Candidature milestone signals an HDR candidate’s transition from “probationary” to “confirmed” candidature. Confirmed candidature means that the research proposal has been approved and is considered to be of a good quality.

This milestone determines that the research project can be conducted within the timeframe provided for the applicable HDR program. This milestone requires that you submit a Research Proposal and present your work at a confirmation seminar.

For detailed information on each of the program milestones, please review the Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression - Guidelines