Research Services

Higher Degrees by Research - information for students

Re-enrolment

Your re-enrolment each year, up to your maximum candidature date, is usually automatic. The exceptions are some doctoral degrees that include coursework or if you have a debt with the university – any debt, for example a library fine.

Withdrawal and termination of candidature

You may terminate your candidature - withdraw from your research degree - at any time by completing a Total Withdrawal/Termination from Higher Degree Research Candidature form. Withdrawal will stop your access to the computer network, library and buildings. It will also stop any scholarship paid by (or through) the University and you may need to note that the University is obliged to inform the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs when an International Student withdraws.

A candidate who does not attend Research Progress Panel (RPP) meetings and doesn’t reply to invitations to arrange another meeting or fails to maintain contact with their supervisors over six months may be asked to ‘show cause’ as to why their candidature should not be terminated (Academic Progress Statute 2009, s11(1)). If the HDC(R) considers that a candidature should be terminated for any reason a letter advising that the student should ‘show cause’ as to why their candidature should not be terminated will be sent to him or her.

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Readmission

If you work on your thesis after your candidature is finished you can apply for re-admission for examinations purposes only. The support of your Head of School is essential. Re-admission is for six months. You have to complete a Notice of Intention to Submit three month before you expect to have your thesis ready for examination. A supervisor will help you with your final draft if you are readmitted.

Difficulties

Tell your supervisor as soon as possible if you have problems that may disrupt your progress. It’s in your supervisors' interest to help you complete your research and pass your degree. You may contact the counselling service at any time and without informing your supervisor. Similarly you may obtain support and help from the Students Union. If you have a financial problem the financial assistance office may help.

If you have problems with your supervisor, and talking to your supervisor has not improved matters, you should talk to another member of your Research Progress Panel (RPP), Postgraduate Coordinator or Head of School. You may write a report to the Postgraduate Co-ordinator or Program Co-ordinator, or relevant Head of School, regarding supervision that you consider to be unsatisfactory and it will be investigated (Supervision Of Research Students Procedures (131006D)). In some cases the Associate Dean (Research) of your faculty or Chair of the Higher Degrees Committee (Research) may be involved.

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Academic Misconduct

You must be careful not to engage in academic misconduct – plagiarism, any other cheating or breaking University rules and regulations. The HDC(R) is required to report misconduct to an Academic Misconduct (Research) Officer for investigation (Academic Misconduct Statute 2009, s20).