• Coursework Programs and Awards – Governing Policy
• Research Masters Degrees – Governing Policy
• Research Graduate Attributes 
• Research Training Policy (currently under development)

Due date for next review: 8 December 2014

Part A: Preliminary

1. Purpose of policy

The following policy prescribes the structure, requirements and administration of Doctoral degree programs of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

2. Application of policy

This policy applies to all Doctoral degrees including the Doctor of Philosophy and other named Doctoral degrees. The scope addresses the presentation of publications to fulfil the requirements for a Doctoral degree.

It does not apply to honorary Doctorates.

3. Definitions

In this policy the following definitions apply:

Committee means the Research Degrees Committee of the Academic Board or sub-committee of the Research Degrees Committee authorised to act on the Committee’s behalf.

Creative arts product means an original product designed and created or constructed by a candidate during candidature using one or more creative arts or graphics or media techniques.

Exegesis means a scholarly, critical commentary of a work or collection of works, resulting from research and work undertaken during candidature and produced during candidature. The exegesis also includes an explanatory statement on how the work was developed.

Research means work undertaken to produce a thesis, dissertation or, in some cases, an original creative work, irrespective of whether such activity is labelled as a course with a course code for administrative or assessment purposes.

Significant research component means a substantial research project undertaken with appropriate research methodology

Thesis means an original substantial piece of scholarly writing resulting from research undertaken by a candidate and produced during candidature to meet the requirements of the degree.

Part B: Policy

4. Structure and Requirements of Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees offered by this University are research degrees which require the candidate to make a substantial original contribution to knowledge through research in a branch of learning.

Doctoral degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy and other named Doctoral degrees.

4.1 The Research Content of Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees may include advanced coursework. However all Doctoral degrees must include a major research component that comprises at least two thirds of the total candidature requirements.

Activities which may be included in calculating the research content:

• Literature review in the area of the major research thesis
• Formulation of research proposal; development of research plan
• Production of the thesis (in print or other media)
• Research seminars, involving the student presenting their research work as a seminar
• Production of an original creative work (performing and/or visual arts) (in accordance with the University's interpretation of 'research' in the performing and creative arts area), together with any exegesis of the creative work
• Research project(s) in addition to and separate from the major research project

Activities which may NOT be included in calculating the research content:

• Research methodology training courses
• Courses involving reading a selection of research literature in an area and producing a report
• Clinical practice; professional practice; internship
• Courses discussing the general research ethos or current research issues in a particular area
• A course involving the setting of a topic or problem which may be individual to a student and the student is required to locate relevant published material and produce a report on that topic.

4.2 The Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is the main Doctoral degree offered by this University. It is awarded solely on the basis of a thesis produced under supervision that makes an original, significant and extensive contribution to knowledge in the relevant field of study, as judged by independent experts applying accepted contemporary international standards.

A candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy may be required to undertake study, such as a research methodology course or other specified courses, seminars or reading activities, in addition to and as a support for their research. Where such activities are required, they shall be specified as a condition of candidature by the Committee and undertaken under the direction of the relevant Dean. The Dean is required to advise the Committee that the additional requirements have been satisfactorily completed.

4.3 Alternative Thesis Presentation

Doctoral candidates may be permitted to present a collection of thematically linked research articles in lieu of a thesis. This approach may only be pursued with the advance permission of the Committee at the time of confirmation.

The research articles must be based wholly on research undertaken by the candidate during their candidature for the Doctoral degree.

The number and type of research articles and the form in which they are to be presented for examination are specified in “Specifications for the Presentation of Theses for Research Higher Degrees” (see Appendix 1).

A candidate following the published research articles route is subject to the requirements of this policy, including probationary and confirmed candidature, supervision, duration and examination.

4.4 The Doctor of Creative Arts

The Doctor of Creative Arts is awarded for an original and significant contribution of merit achieved through a program of advanced research and study in a branch of learning in the creative arts, carried out under supervision. A candidate for the degree is required to produce one or more highly original creative arts products, together with an exegesis. The creative arts product(s) and exegesis are judged by independent experts applying accepted contemporary international standards.

A candidate for the Doctor of Creative Arts may be required to undertake activities, such as specified courses, seminars or reading activities, in addition to and as a support for the production of the creative arts product(s) and exegesis. Where such activities are required, they shall be specified as a condition of candidature by the Committee and undertaken under the direction of the relevant Dean. The Dean is required to advise the Committee that the additional requirements have been satisfactorily completed.

4.5 Other Doctoral Degrees

Other named Doctoral degrees may be approved by the Academic Board. In approving a named Doctoral degree, the Academic Board shall approve

(i) The statement of purpose for the degree
(ii) Any specific requirements for the thesis or other product that the candidate is required to produce
(iii) Any coursework or other activities required to be undertaken by all candidates
(iv) Requirements for admission which are in addition to, or more specific than the admission requirements in section 6.1
(v) Any other variations or additions to the requirements set out in this policy.

4.6 Requirement for Originality

The program of advanced research and production of work for a doctoral degree must not contain as its main content any work or material which is embodied in a thesis or dissertation previously submitted by the candidate or any other person for a University degree or other similar qualification at this or other higher education institution, unless the Committee approves otherwise.

5. Responsibilities and Authorities

In this policy, the responsibility and authority for administering Doctoral degrees and candidates undertaking Doctoral degrees are as follows:

University Level - The Research Degrees Committee of the Academic Board. Certain functions may be delegated to a sub-committee of the Research Degrees Committee authorised to carry out those functions. The Chair of the Research Degrees Committee also has specific responsibilities and authorities prescribed in this and other policies.

Faculty/School Level - The Dean of the relevant Faculty, who may be assisted by the Faculty Research Coordinator

Candidate Level - The Principal Supervisor

The roles and responsibilities of the above Committees and staff members in promoting effective research training are further specified in the Research Training Policy.

6. Admission to Candidature

6.1 Qualification for Admission

To be eligible for admission, an applicant shall hold:

(i) a Bachelors degree with Honours Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 from a recognised higher education institution; or

(ii) a Research Masters degree or Coursework Masters degree with a significant research component equivalent to Honours degree research component from a recognised higher education institution; or

(iii) a Bachelors degree from a recognised higher education institution, and shall have achieved by subsequent work and study a standard equivalent to at least Class 2 Division 1 Honours as may be approved by the Committee; or

(iv) a record of research or professional qualifications deemed by the Committee to be of a standard equivalent to at least Bachelors Honours degree Class 2 Division 1 (e.g. for “merit honours” graduates) and providing a suitable background for the doctoral research the candidate is proposing to undertake.

6.2 Requirements for Admission to the Doctor of Creative Arts

In addition to the general requirements in section 6.1, an applicant for admission to the Doctor of Creative Arts:

(i) shall have completed a course in research methodology at Bachelor Honours or Masters level from a recognised higher education institution; and

(ii) shall provide evidence of experience in one or more the creative arts within industry or higher education to the satisfaction of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or nominee; and

(iii) shall provide a portfolio of the applicant’s own original work which is assessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or nominee, as providing evidence of very high levels of creativity, knowledge and skill on one or more creative arts areas.

6.3 English Language Competency

All applicants must have a demonstrated sufficient command of English to complete satisfactorily the proposed research and study and to prepare a thesis in English. In particular, international applicants must meet the following prescribed minimum English Language proficiency:

• an overall IELTS (Academic) score of at least 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0; or
• a TOEFL (Paper based test) score of 575, including a score of no less than 4.0 on the written test; or
• an overall score of 85 on the internet-based TOEFL with a writing score of at least 21 and no sub-score less than 20.

Other English language standards equivalent to those above are provided at (insert internet link to English Language Requirements)

Test scores should be not more than two years old at the time of application.

6.4 Admission Procedure

An applicant for admission must complete and submit an approved application form and provide documentation required to support the application, including but not restricted to certified copies of academic transcripts and testamurs, a brief outline of the intended area of research, and, where relevant, a portfolio of peer-reviewed or refereed research publications or other research works, or a portfolio of original creative arts works.

6.5 Admission Decision

Applications for admission to candidature are considered by the Committee. The decision to offer candidature to an applicant shall be based on:

(i) the applicant meeting the requirements for admission as prescribed in 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3; and

(ii) the quality and feasibility of the applicant’s proposed program of research, study or creative arts production in terms of the Doctoral degree to which the applicant seeks admission; and

(iii) the extent to which the applicant has the background knowledge and skills to pursue the proposed program of research, study or creative arts production; and

(iv) the coherence of the proposed research program with the University’s designated areas of research as specified in the University’s Research and Research Training Plan; and

(v) the recommendation of the relevant Dean concerning the application; and

(vi) the availability of supervision, resources and facilities to support the proposed program of research, study or creative arts production.

The Committee may make an offer of admission to an applicant. The offer of admission shall specify the School or Faculty in which the candidature is to be undertaken, the supervision arrangements, whether the candidature is full-time or part-time, and any requirements for additional study or supporting activities. Where the candidature is to be undertaken wholly or partly at a location away from the University, the approved arrangements are specified in conjunction with the admission offer.

Applicants are normally admitted as probationary candidates. The conditions for admission as a confirmed candidate are set out in section 8.8.

An offer of candidature is normally valid for one year from the date of offer.

6.6 Recognition of Work Done Prior to Admission

Prior research work undertaken as a candidate in a research higher degree undertaken at this or another recognised institution may be recognised towards the Doctoral degree, provided that it has not been recognised for another award. Recognition of work done prior to admission normally results in a change in the maximum submission date. For students transferring between Australian institutions, the provisions of the Research Training Scheme (RTS) apply.

6.7 Prior Failure

An applicant previously enrolled in a research higher degree at this or another institution who has failed the examination for the degree will not normally be admitted as a candidate.

7. Supervision

The Committee will appoint supervisor(s) for each candidate, in consultation with the relevant Dean. Normally at least two supervisors shall be appointed, one of whom is designated Principal Supervisor, and where appropriate, another Joint Principal Supervisor. Others are designated Associate Supervisors.

The supervision arrangements will be reviewed and confirmed in conjunction with confirmation of candidature.

At least one Principal Supervisor is required to be an academic staff member of this University. Associate Supervisors may be from outside this University.

Where candidature is located wholly or partly at an external organisation, an Associate Supervisor who is a member of the external organisation is normally appointed.

The responsibilities of supervisors are set out in this policy and in the Research Training Policy.

7.1 Change of Supervisor; Absence of Supervisor

The Committee is required to approve any change of supervisor.

If a Principal Supervisor is to be absent from the University for a period of six months or more, the Committee shall designate a replacement Principal Supervisor for the period of absence.

8. Candidature

8.1 Enrolment

To undertake the Doctoral degree, an applicant receiving an offer of candidature must accept the offer and complete such enrolment procedures as may be required.

A candidate is required to maintain a current enrolment throughout their candidature, completing re-enrolment procedures as may be required, up to the time at which they lodge their thesis or creative arts product for examination, or terminate their candidature, take leave or otherwise have their candidature terminated or interrupted under this policy.

A candidate enrolled in a Doctoral degree may not undertake concurrent study in any program at this or other higher education institution without the permission of the Committee.

8.2 Full-time/Part-time Candidature

A candidate is enrolled as a full-time or part-time candidate in accordance with the initial offer of candidature.

On the recommendation of the Principal Supervisor, the Committee may approve a change in candidature from full-time to part-time candidature, or from part-time to full-time candidature.

Changes between full-time and part-time candidature must be approved and officially recorded as they affect the calculation of the duration of candidature (see 8.4).

When the student’s candidature is full-time, it is expected that only a limited amount of time will be available for undertaking paid employment. As a general guide, 18 hours of paid employment per week should be the limit. If the student holds a scholarship, the limitation on paid employment may be prescribed in the scholarship conditions.

8.3 Candidature away from the University

A candidate proposing to undertake all or part of their research, study or creative arts production at a location external to this University must seek the approval of the Committee. This is normally done as part of the application for admission, but may be done subsequent to admission.

Where the research, study or creative arts production requires the resources or facilities of an external organisation, the candidate’s access to such resources or facilities must be documented in written correspondence to the satisfaction of the Committee.

In approving candidature wholly or partly at an external location, the Committee may appoint an Associate Supervisor from the relevant organisation and may specify a minimum period during which the candidate must attend this University.

On the recommendation of the Principal Supervisor, the Dean may approve a candidate’s request to pursue part of their program of research, study or creative arts production away from the University for a period up to 6 months. Longer periods of research, study or creative arts production away from the University require the approval of the Committee.

8.4 Duration of Candidature

The minimum and maximum duration of candidature, calculated from the date of initial enrolment to the date of submission of thesis or creative arts product for examination, is:

Full-time candidature:
Minimum duration one and a half years (78 weeks)
Maximum duration four years (208 weeks)

Part-time Candidature:
Minimum duration three years (156 weeks)
Maximum duration eight years (416 weeks)

The minimum and maximum submission dates for the thesis or creative arts product are calculated according to these durations. If a candidate changes between full-time and part-time candidature, the minimum and maximum submission dates are adjusted pro rata. If a candidate is given credit for work undertaken prior to admission, the minimum and maximum submission dates are adjusted in accordance with the provisions of the Research Training Scheme (RTS).

In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may be given permission by the Committee to submit their thesis or creative arts product prior to the minimum submission date.

8.5 Probationary Candidature

A candidate's probationary candidature will commence from the date on which the candidate is first enrolled as a probationary candidate.

During the period of probationary candidature, in addition to any other work required by the Committee or other work agreed between the candidate and the candidate's Principal Supervisor, a candidate must prepare a detailed research proposal that includes:

(a) the proposed descriptive title for the thesis
(b) an explication of the candidate's research issues or problems or questions or hypotheses
(c) in the case of a candidate for the Doctor of Creative Arts, an outline of the proposed creative arts product(s)
(d) a comprehensive literature review
(e) details of the candidate's proposed research methodology or methodologies
(f) proposed timelines for completion of various stages of the research, creative arts products, and thesis including, where appropriate, any manuscripts to be submitted for publication.

8.6 Ethics and Other Approvals

During probationary candidature, the candidate is required to undertake the processes to obtain, where applicable, any ethics/biosafety/gene technology approvals and any permits, licences or other authorisations for the proposed research that are required by law. The candidate may not commence any research work until all such approvals are obtained.

Documentary evidence of all relevant approvals must be provided as part of the detailed research proposal presented for confirmation of candidature.

8.7 Confirmation of Candidature

All probationary candidates will be reviewed for confirmation of candidature following one year (52 weeks) of probationary candidature in the case of full-time candidates and two years (104 weeks) of candidature in the case of part-time candidates.

To apply for confirmation of candidature, the candidate must

(i) submit the research proposal as prescribed in section 8.5; and

(ii) present the research in an appropriate format at the discretion of the Dean (e.g. a research seminar or panel review).

The research proposal and the research presentation are assessed by the Principal Supervisor, Associate Supervisors, the Dean or Faculty Research Coordinator, and one or more independent assessors appointed by the Dean. The Dean and/or the Faculty Research Coordinator may provide feedback to the candidate on their research proposal as part of the confirmation process.

The Dean will forward the candidate’s application for confirmation of candidature to the Committee with a recommendation and supporting reasons. The Committee will assess the candidate's application for confirmation of candidature taking account of the recommendation of the Dean and will determine the outcome as one of the following options and advise the candidate accordingly:

(a) the candidature is confirmed, with the supervision arrangements confirmed and the thesis title approved; or
(b) the candidate is required to continue enrolment as a probationary candidate for a specified period of time up to a maximum of a further 26 weeks in the case of a full-time candidate or 52 weeks in the case of a part-time candidate; or
(c) where judged to be appropriate, the candidate may be offered the opportunity to be admitted as a candidate to one of the University’s research Masters degrees (see section 8.11); or
(d) the candidature is terminated.

Before making the decision to terminate, the Committee will give the candidate an opportunity to make representations orally or in writing and will take any representations into account before reaching its decision.

A candidate will not be permitted to continue enrolment as a probationary candidate beyond the maximum probationary candidature period which is:
Full-time candidature one and a half years (78 weeks)
Part-time candidature three years (156 weeks)

8.8 Direct admission to confirmed candidature

An applicant for entry may be admitted direct to, and enrolled in, confirmed candidature, if the Committee is satisfied that:

(a) at the time of, or immediately prior to, applying for entry, the applicant was enrolled as a candidate for a higher degree by research at this or another approved higher education institution; and
(b) the research to be undertaken towards the degree is substantially the same as that undertaken by the applicant towards the other higher degree by research; and
(c) the applicant has not submitted for examination a thesis or dissertation based on the research undertaken by the applicant towards the other higher degree by research; and
(d) the applicant has provided evidence of having made sufficient progress in the other higher degree by research to warrant entry to confirmed candidature.

8.9 Review of progress

The progress of all candidates will be monitored twice per year.

After each 26 weeks of enrolment, the candidate will submit a progress report to the Principal Supervisor for assessment. The Principal Supervisor forwards the report, with their assessment, to the Dean, who in turn forwards the candidate’s report with their assessment to the Committee.

For the purpose of assessing a candidate's progress, the Principal Supervisor or the Dean may submit reports on the candidate's progress to the Committee at any time.

8.9.1 Unsatisfactory Progress

If a candidate fails to lodge a progress report, without acceptable explanation, within 10 weeks of the due date for that report, or if the reports from the candidate and/or supervisor and any other associated evidence indicate unsatisfactory progress, the Committee may decide that the candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory and inform the candidate and the Principal Supervisor accordingly.

Where a candidate’s progress is unsatisfactory, the Committee shall either
(a) place conditions on continuation of the candidature, or
(b) ask the candidate to show cause why the candidature should not be terminated.

Where a candidate is assessed by the Committee as having made unsatisfactory progress over two consecutive reporting periods, or if a candidate has not complied with any condition for continuation of candidature imposed by the Committee during previous consideration of progress reports on the candidature, the candidate shall be asked to show cause why the candidature should not be terminated.

The Committee considers the representations of the candidate in response to the show cause request and either

(a) permits the candidate to continue under specified conditions; or
(b) terminates the candidature.

If the candidate fails to respond to the show cause request, the Committee will terminate the candidature, and advise the candidate accordingly.

A candidate whose candidature is terminated has the right of appeal under the Student Appeals Policy.

8.10 Change of Research Topic; Change of Thesis Title

If, following confirmation of candidature, a candidate wishes to change the topic of their research work to any significant extent, the candidate must make application to the Committee through the Principal Supervisor and Dean, who must support the application for a change of research topic. In making a recommendation to change the candidate’s research topic, the Dean must also recommend whether the candidate is to be returned to probationary status and to undergo a standard or modified process for confirmation of candidature and must recommend to the Committee any adjustment to the maximum thesis submission date. Where the change of research topic has been substantially addressed in conjunction with the initial confirmation process, the Dean may recommend that the change of research topic be approved without a change to the candidate’s confirmation status or maximum thesis submission date.

With the approval of the Principal Supervisor, a candidate may change the title of their thesis from the title approved when their candidature was confirmed. Providing that the change of thesis title is not indicative of a significant change in the research topic, a change of thesis title does not require the approval of the Committee.

8.11 Transfer Between Doctoral and Masters degrees

On the recommendation of the Dean or Faculty Research Coordinator, the Committee may approve an application to convert a confirmed Masters candidature to a doctoral candidature. The period completed as a Masters candidate will be deducted from the candidature duration for the purpose of determining the minimum and maximum length of the doctoral candidature.

On the recommendation of the Dean, the Committee may approve an application to convert a doctoral candidature to candidature in a research Masters program. The period completed as a doctoral candidate will be deducted from the candidature duration for the purpose of determining the minimum and maximum length of the Masters candidature.

8.12 Standard of Academic Conduct

Candidates are expected to undertake their program in accordance with the accepted standards of academic conduct, including the Code of Conduct for Research. Any form of conduct that is contrary to these standards is academic misconduct and may be penalised under the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy, and/or the Research Misconduct Statement.

8.13 Suspension of Candidature, Leave

Periods of approved leave are not counted for the purposes of determining the period of probationary enrolment and the minimum and maximum periods of candidature.

A candidate may not undertake research, study or creative arts production for the degree during any period of approved leave from candidature.

8.13.1 Leave of Absence

A candidate may apply to the Committee for leave of absence from candidature.

In considering an application for leave of absence, the Committee may take into consideration:
(a) the extent to which the candidate had made progress in candidature prior to submitting the application for leave, and
(b) the reasons given by the candidate for seeking the leave, and
(c) any recommendation from the candidate's Principal Supervisor or Dean.

Leave of absence is not normally granted for more than 12 months.

Leave of absence is not normally granted during the first six months of candidature.

Retrospective applications for leave of absence are not normally approved.

8.13.2 Sick Leave

A candidate who submits an acceptable medical certificate for a period of illness in excess of two weeks may apply to have the period recognised as a temporary cessation of candidature. Applications for sick leave must be made within two weeks of the return from sick leave.

8.13.3 Parental Leave

The Committee may approve an application for maternity, paternity or adoption leave, consistent with the University’s policy on such leave for staff.

8.14 Withdrawal from candidature

A candidate may withdraw from candidature by informing the Office of Research in writing and the withdrawal will take effect from the date of receipt of such notification. The Office of Research will inform the relevant Dean and Principal Supervisor of the candidate’s withdrawal.

8.15 Extension of Candidature

On application by the candidate and with the support of the Principal Supervisor, the Committee may approve an extension of candidature and maximum submission date for a period of up to 52 weeks.

Where an application for extension of candidature is not approved, the candidature will be terminated at the original maximum submission date. The Committee may advise the candidate of the conditions under which an application for readmission to candidature may be considered.

8.16 Termination of Candidature

The Committee may terminate candidature if the candidate has failed to make satisfactory progress, meet any candidature requirements or comply with any other condition imposed by the Committee.

Candidature may be terminated only after a reasonable attempt has been made by the Principal Supervisor and the Dean to ensure that the candidate has been:

• clearly warned of shortcomings in performing the research and/or in meeting candidature requirements; and
• advised of ways in which such shortcomings might be remedied.

The Committee will provide the candidate with an opportunity to show cause why their candidature may not be terminated.

After considering the candidate's response, the Committee may terminate candidature or determine that the candidature continues, in which a case the Committee may prescribe special conditions to be fulfilled. The candidate may be offered the opportunity to be admitted to one of the University’s research Masters degrees (see Section 8.11)

9.0 Thesis

9.1 Requirements for Thesis

The candidate must prepare their thesis in accordance with “Specifications for the Presentation of Theses for Research Higher Degrees” (see Appendix 1).

A candidate, with the support of their Principal Supervisor, may request approval for a variation in the specifications where good reason for such a variation exists.

9.2 Requirements for Exegesis

Where an exegesis is required, the candidate must prepare their exegesis in accordance with “Specifications for the Presentation of Theses for Research Higher Degrees” (see Appendix 1).

9.3 Intellectual Property

Candidates will have ownership of intellectual property directly related to their research project or creative arts product, unless other arrangements have been mutually agreed in advance by the candidate and the University. (Refer to the University’s Intellectual Property Policy)

10.0 Examination

10.1 Submission of Thesis for Examination

A candidate must give the Committee not less than eight weeks written notice of intention to submit a thesis or creative arts product for examination.

Where the candidate is submitting a printed thesis, the candidate is required to lodge three or four copies of the thesis for examination (ie. one for each of the number of examiners nominated plus one spare for the University). Where the candidate has been given permission to submit their thesis in a form other than a printed volume, the candidate must comply with the directions of the Committee regarding the material to be presented for examination.

A candidate must submit to the Office of Research three or four copies of the thesis, or other material as directed by the Committee, together with a form signed by the candidate certifying that:

• the thesis is the candidate’s own account of research undertaken by the candidate; and
• the thesis has been wholly completed during candidature, except where the Committee has approved a transfer of enrolment from another research higher degree; and
• where work has been done conjointly with other persons, the candidate’s contribution is clearly stated and the contribution of other persons is clearly acknowledged and recognised; and
• the thesis does not contain as its main content any work or material which is embodied in a thesis or dissertation previously submitted by the candidate or any other person for a University degree or other similar qualification at this or other higher education institution, except where approval has previously been granted by the Committee.

If the candidate wishes, any documents or work published by the candidate bearing on the subject of the thesis may accompany the submission of the thesis.

Where the candidate has been given approval to submit a thesis in the form of published research articles, the submission of the thesis for examination must be accompanied by the same candidate’s declaration as prescribed above.

In the case of a candidate for the Doctor of Creative Arts, where the creative arts product is print based, the candidate must submit to the Office of Research four copies of the creative arts product and exegesis. Where the creative arts product is not print based, the process of submission is specified in Procedures for the Examination of Creative Arts Products for the Doctor of Creative Arts or Master of Creative Arts (Appendix 2).

In the case of a candidate for the Doctor of Creative Arts the submission of the creative arts product and exegesis for examination must be accompanied by a form signed by the candidate certifying that

• the creative arts product and exegesis are the candidate’s own work; and
• the creative arts product and exegesis have been wholly completed during candidature, except where the Committee has approved a transfer of enrolment from another research higher degree; and
• where the creative arts product has involved work done conjointly with other persons, the candidate’s contribution is clearly stated and the contribution of other persons is clearly acknowledged and recognised; and
• the creative arts product and exegesis do not contain as their main content any work or material previously submitted by the candidate or any other person for a University degree or other similar qualification at this or other higher education institution, except where approval has previously been granted by the Committee.

10.2 Supervisor’s Declaration

At the time of the submission of a thesis or creative arts product and exegesis for examination, the candidate's Principal Supervisor and Dean of Faculty must provide the Committee with a signed statement that the thesis or creative arts product and exegesis are of sufficient merit to warrant examination, and that the candidate has completed the research embodied in the thesis, or the process of creating the creative arts product, during candidature and under the direction of the supervisor.

In the event that the supervisor does not provide the required statement within two weeks of the candidate's submission, or if the Principal Supervisor declines to support the examination of the thesis or creative arts product, the Committee will determine whether the thesis or creative arts product will be accepted for examination. In making the determination, the Committee may seek written or oral representations from the candidate, the Principal Supervisor, any Associate Supervisors, and the Dean, and may seek information from any other sources.

If the Committee determines that the thesis or creative arts product may not be submitted for examination, the Office of Research must advise the candidate in writing of the decision, the reasons for the decision and, where appropriate, any actions that the candidate needs to take in order that the thesis or creative arts product may be made ready for examination.

Candidature will end when the thesis or creative arts product is submitted.

10.3 Appointment of Examiners

Upon notification of intention to submit a thesis or creative arts product, and, after consultation with the Dean, the Committee will appoint two or three examiners, who will not be members of the staff of this University.

A staff member of this University with appropriate expertise in the research area will act as Chairperson of Examiners. The Chairperson of Examiners will not act as an examiner. The examiners and the Chairperson of Examiners constitute the examination panel.

Neither a candidate’s supervisor, nor any other person acknowledged in the thesis as making a contribution to the work, may be appointed as an examiner.

The identity of the examiners will be made known to the candidate when the examination of the thesis or creative arts product has been completed, unless an examiner has asked that their identity not be made known to the candidate.

10.4 The Examination Process (Thesis)

Each examiner makes a separate report and recommendation to the Committee on the merit of the thesis. Members of the examination panel may not normally consult with one another.

An examiner wishing to enter into dialogue with another examiner, a supervisor, a candidate or the Chairperson of Examiners, should direct any request to the Chair of the Research Degrees Committee. A supervisor or candidate may not initiate contact with an examiner or chairperson of examiners.

Each examiner will recommend:

a) The thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree; or
b) The thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to required non-substantial amendment of the thesis being made by the candidate to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or
c) The thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to the completion of substantial corrections or supplementation to the thesis, as specified, to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or
d) The thesis be revised, as specified, and resubmitted for examination; or
e) The candidate be required to re-enrol to undertake further research work and the thesis be revised and resubmitted for examination; or
f) The candidate be admitted to the award for an appropriate alternative degree at the Masters level; or
g) The thesis be rejected and the degree not be awarded.

The Chairperson of Examiners is responsible for considering the reports of examiners and for making a recommendation to the Committee on the outcome of the examination.

10.5 Examination Process (Creative Arts Product)

The processes for the examination of non-print based creative arts products are prescribed in Procedures for the Examination of Creative Arts Products for the Doctor of Creative Arts or Master of Creative Arts (Appendix 2)

Each examiner makes a separate report and recommendation to the Committee on the merit of the creative arts product and exegesis. Members of the examination panel may not normally consult with one another.

An examiner wishing to enter into dialogue with another examiner, a supervisor, a candidate or the Chairperson of Examiners, should direct any request to the Chair of the Research Degrees Committee. A supervisor or candidate may not initiate contact with an examiner or chairperson of examiners.

Each examiner will recommend:

a) The creative arts product and exegesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree; or
b) The creative arts product and exegesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to required non-substantial amendment of the exegesis being made by the candidate to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or
c) The creative arts product and exegesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to the completion of substantial corrections or supplementation to the creative arts product and exegesis, as specified, to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or
d) The creative arts product and exegesis be revised, as specified, and resubmitted for examination; or
e) The candidate be required to re-enrol to undertake further creative and or research work and the exegesis revised and resubmitted for examination; or
f) the candidate be admitted to the award for an appropriate alternative degree at the Masters level; or
g) The creative arts product and exegesis be rejected and the degree not be awarded.

The Chairperson of Examiners is responsible for considering the reports of examiners and for making a recommendation to the Committee on the outcome of the examination.

10.6 Reconciliation of Examiners’ Reports

Where there is substantial disagreement between the examiners about whether the degree should be awarded, the Chairperson of Examiners and / or the Committee may approve that:

• an additional examiner be appointed to examine the thesis, or creative arts product and exegesis or
• an adjudication examiner be appointed to consider the thesis, or creative arts product and exegesis and the reports of the other examiners, and to make a report.

10.7 Outcome of the Examination

The Committee determines the outcome of the examination as one of the following:

(a) recommend to the Academic Board that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate be admitted to the degree; or

(b) recommend that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to required non-substantial amendment of the thesis being made by the candidate to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or

(c) recommend that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory and the candidate awarded the degree subject to the completion of substantial corrections or supplementation to the thesis, as specified, to the satisfaction of the Chairperson of Examiners; or

(d) recommend that the thesis be revised, as specified, and resubmitted for examination; or

(e) recommend that the candidate be required to re-enrol to undertake further research work and the thesis be revised and resubmitted for examination; or

(f) recommend that the candidate be admitted to the award for an appropriate alternative degree at the Masters level; or

(g) determine that the candidate not be admitted to the degree, and that the candidature be terminated.

10.8 Revision of Thesis or Creative Arts Product and Exegesis

A candidate who is required to make minor amendments to the thesis or exegesis must submit the revised thesis or exegesis to the Office of Research no later than 13 weeks from the date on which the candidate was advised of the result of the examination.

A candidate who is required to undertake further work and/or revise and resubmit a thesis or creative arts product and exegesis for re-examination must re-enrol as a candidate for the purpose of the revision and resubmission.

A thesis or creative arts product and exegesis that is revised following its initial examination must be submitted to the Office of Research by the candidate for examination by a date to be determined by the Committee and by no later than 52 weeks from the date on which the candidate was advised of the result of the initial examination.

A candidate will be permitted to amend and resubmit a thesis or creative arts product and exegesis for examination for award of the degree once only.

10.9 Lodgement and Availability of Final Thesis, Creative Arts Product and Exegesis

A candidate who is awarded the Doctoral degree must lodge an electronic copy of the final thesis with the University Library in a manner and form to be prescribed by the Executive Director, Information Services, and must provide the Principal Supervisor with a copy of the final thesis.

In the case of a thesis that includes published works or works that are subject to copyright or patent or similar intellectual property restrictions, the candidate must lodge with the thesis a copy of any contract or formal agreement or legal instrument that binds the candidate or the University with respect to those works.

The copy of the thesis lodged with the University Library will be available to any person for consultation or copying unless, on the application of the candidate concerned, the Committee determines that it will not be made available without the written consent of the author for a period which must not exceed 52 weeks or unless prohibited by any restrictions required by any legally enforceable instrument lodged by the candidate.

The requirements for lodgment, retention and accessibility of a creative arts product and exegesis are prescribed in Procedures for the Examination of Creative Arts Products for the Doctor of Creative Arts or Master of Creative Arts (Appendix 2).

11. Appeals and Grievances

A candidate who has a grievance concerning any action or decision of a supervisor, Dean, Faculty Research Coordinator or the Committee may have their grievance dealt with under the Student Grievance and Appeals Policy.

Appendix 1

Specifications for the presentation of theses for research higher degrees

1. Purpose of Specifications

These specifications apply to theses prepared for Masters and Doctoral degrees.

These specifications for the preparation and presentation of theses represent the University’s usual practice. There may be legitimate variation from these specifications because of accepted practice in various disciplines. In the case that the student and supervisor are uncertain of specific protocols, advice can be sought from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor through the Chair, Research Degrees Committee.

Regardless of the discipline area, it is required that the thesis be presented in scholarly English, and be substantially free from typographical and grammatical errors.

2. Word Length

Doctor of Philosophy - The length of a conventional thesis should normally be no more than 80,000 words, excluding appendices and footnotes. A thesis based on published research articles would normally be expected to be shorter than a conventional thesis: approximately 60,000 words.

Research Masters – a Masters by research thesis should normally be approximately 40,000 words in length, excluding appendices and footnotes.

Creative Arts Exegesis - At Doctoral level, the exegesis should normally be between 30,000 and 40,000 words. At Masters level the exegesis should normally be between 15,000 and 20,000 words. There is no recommended word length for the creative component.

In the event that there is a legitimate case for a thesis or exegesis to exceed these limits, special representation should be made to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor through the Chair, Research Degrees Committee, for prior written approval to submit such a thesis or exegesis.

3. Structure

All theses should incorporate, in the following order:

Title Page
A title page, giving the name of the thesis in full, the full name and academic qualifications of the candidate, the full details of the degree for which the work is submitted, the name of the Faculty associated with the work, the name and address of the University associated with the work, and the date of submission.

Abstract
A one to two page abstract of the work. This abstract or summary may be used for citation purposes, and should clearly outline the essence of the submitted work.

Declaration of Originality
A declaration of originality, attesting that the work does not contain material which has been previously published or written by any person other than the candidate except where due and proper reference has been given in the text. The declaration should be signed and dated by the candidate.

In the case of work that is based upon joint research or publications, the statement should include a statement disclosing the relative contributions of the respective authors, and, where practical, be counter-signed by all contributors.

Acknowledgements
An acknowledgements page, in which due scholarly acknowledgements are made by the candidate to persons or organisations that have materially assisted with the work. Due care must be exercised here to preserve the anonymity of persons or organisations who have been protected by research ethics conditions.

Table of Contents
A table of contents, listing page references to the major sections and subsections of the text. Usually, pages that precede the main text are numbered using small Roman numerals, and the main text is numbered using Arabic numerals.

Lists of Tables, Illustrations and Figures
A list of tables, a list of illustrations, and a list of figures.

List of original publications (for candidates submitting a PhD thesis by published research papers ) To facilitate referencing to the published research papers and to items within published papers, accurate page numbers should be provided for all aspects of the thesis.

Preface (Optional)
A general preface to the work is optional. The words of the Preface will count towards the word total. The Preface can be used to make a researcher’s statement and/or contextualise the work in a condensed way.

Body of the thesis
The format of the main text will differ depending on the type of thesis a candidate is submitting.

For candidates submitting a conventional Thesis
A possible example of a traditional thesis format could include chapters such as:
Introduction
Literature Review
Theoretical Framework
Methodology and Methods
Research Data Analysis and Findings
Discussion and Conclusion

For candidates submitting a Thesis by published research articles
The body of a thesis by published works will consist of at least three research articles bound into the one volume, accompanied, as appropriate, by an introduction and a conclusion chapter. The thesis may be organised as the candidate deems most logical, and will normally consist of chapters or sections such as:
Introduction/context
Research articles (incorporating Literature Review, Methodology and Methods, etc)
Findings and Conclusions

Further guidelines for theses by published research articles are included at the end of this document.

For candidates submitting a Creative Arts Product and Exegesis
The examinable material for the Doctor or Master of Creative Arts is constituted by the creative arts product and an exegesis. Where the creative work consists of printed materials, it must be bound into the same volume as the exegesis. The creative work may precede or follow the exegesis as the candidate deems most logical.

Where the creative work consists of non-print materials, the requirements are specified in Procedures for the Examination of Creative Arts Products for the Doctor of Creative Arts or Master of Creative Arts (Appendix 2)

The exegesis will normally consist of chapters or sections such as:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology and Methods
Findings and Conclusions

It is understood that in some cases the work will require discipline modifications of these accepted structures. Whereas modifications will be regarded as legitimate, the variants should still present the reader with a logical development of ideas from context to conclusion. Should the student and supervisor be uncertain about the proposed structure of the main text, advice can be sought from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor through the Chair, Research Degrees Committee.

References
A reference list, containing full details of all works referred to in the text, using a standard referencing system. There are many accepted referencing systems, but it is usual that a discipline will have a preferred system. The supervisor and student should ensure that the referencing system is followed precisely and accurately. In the case of cross-disciplinary studies that might imply different referencing systems, the supervisor and student should decide upon one of these systems, and not mix referencing conventions.

Bibliography
In some theses, a bibliography will be expected, that lists all works that have contributed to the development of the scholarly ideas behind the thesis. In certain specialist areas, it will also be usual to distinguish between primary sources and secondary sources, and it is recommended that a student seek out recent examples of theses published in the area and use these as a model.

Appendices
Any appendices referred to in the text.

4. Format

Typically, the following type of approach should be adopted for the format of the thesis or exegesis:

• International Standard Paper Size A4 (297 x 210mm) should be used;
• The typing should be 1.5 spaced, presented in a clear and legible font and would normally be expected to be double-sided;
• Left and right margins should be no less than 30mm and page numbers should appear inside the margins;
• Pages should be numbered consecutively and clearly;
• Folding diagrams or charts should be arranged so as to open to the top and right;
• Before producing final copies of a thesis for submission, the candidate should ensure that all the spelling, grammar, punctuation and choice of language are of a higher degree standard and the bibliography is complete and exact. It is recommended that candidates have their theses proof-read before producing final copies.

5. Further specifications for candidates submitting a Doctoral thesis by published research articles

A Doctoral thesis by published research articles for examination will normally include:

• At least three thematically linked research articles authored by the candidate during candidature, each of which has been accepted for publication in a refereed research journal or other preferred research publication during candidature; and
• Accompanying text providing background and context, exposition of the overall theme and summarising conclusions, as relevant to the research articles.

Where one or more of the submitted papers are co-authored, each should be preceded by a clear statement of the intellectual contribution of the candidate which is signed by each of the co-authors.

The candidate is normally expected to be the first-named author on their submitted papers. Where a candidate includes a paper on which they are not first-named author they should also include a statement explaining why they are not, and describing their contribution to the paper.

Quality refereed journals are the most appropriate research outlets for publication of papers for this type of thesis. Research books may also be accepted.

Where these requirements are not met, special representation must be made to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, through the Chair, Research Degrees Committee, for approval to submit such a thesis.

Appendix 2

Procedures for the Examination of Creative Arts Products for the Doctor of Creative Arts or Master of Creative Arts

This document should contain prescriptions in respect of creative arts products, especially non-print based products, and their accompanying exegesis, relating to:

• the submission of the product for examination
• the support of the Principal Supervisor and Dean for the examination of the product
• protocols for the examination of the product and exegesis, including protocols for exhibiting creative arts products
• retention of products pending the outcome of the examination process
• storage, retention, accessibility of products following the award of the degree

END

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