Content
HDR candidature
Conditions of candidature
Research commencement
Higher Degrees by Research can commence at any time throughout the year. There are no semester-based deadlines.
Mode of study
Higher Degrees by Research can be undertaken both internally (within Australia) and externally (overseas).
The requirement for external candidates to attend campus is negotiated in the application process, and is specified in the Research Supervision Agreement—an agreement outlining the expectations of both supervisors and students during the course of candidature.
Time requirements
Candidates are required to begin their studies at a negotiated commencement date and continue them expeditiously.
|
Doctoral Degrees |
Master by Research Degrees |
|
Full-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
Part-time |
| Confirmation |
1 year |
2 years |
9 months |
1.5 years |
| Expected completion |
3 years |
6 years |
1.5 years |
3 years |
| Maximum completion |
4 years |
8 years |
2 years |
4 years |
The expected and maximum duration of candidature is calculated from your initial date of enrolment to the date you submit your thesis or creative arts product for examination.
Periods of approved leave (suspension) or extension of candidature can vary these timings.
Fees
All students pay fees as per the fee schedule. Refer to the schedule of fees for more information.
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Stages of candidature
Probationary candidature
All HDR candidates start their research degrees as probationary candidates.
The period of probationary candidature is usually 9 months full-time for research masters candidates (18 months part-time) and 12 months full-time for doctoral level candidates (2 years part-time).
During probationary candidature, in addition to any other prescribed coursework agreed on as a condition of enrolment, candidates must prepare a research proposal for Confirmation of Candidature.
Your supervisor will guide you on how to prepare the research proposal.
Confirmation of candidature
Confirmation of Candidature is the means by which the faculty and the Office of Research assess your progress to date and determine whether the research project, as set out in your research proposal, is clearly defined, coherent and feasible.
Candidates are also required to give a seminar presentation on their research as part of the application for Confirmation of Candidature.
Progress reports
Candidates submit a progress report each semester (twice per year).
Progress reports are completed in consultation with your supervisor, and are an opportunity to request specific research training and to plan the next six months of your research project with guidance from your supervisor.
Examinations and award of your degree
The examination process for Higher Degrees by Research involves submitting a thesis / dissertation to be examined by an examination panel.
Doctor of Creative Arts (DCA) examiners might also be invited to attend an exhibition of non-print works if appropriate, or sent a video recording of such an event accompanying the dissertation.
Supervisors can never be appointed as examiners for the work of a candidate they have supervised and examiners are required to be external to USC.
The period of examination can take several months, allowing time for examiners to thoroughly read, review and provide recommendations in an examiners report.
Outcomes can include the requirement for amendments to the thesis / dissertation before it can be passed.
Candidates are allowed up to three months to make required changes once the Research Degrees Committee has made such a recommendation.
Once the thesis / dissertation has been reviewed by the Research Degrees Committee and accepted to be passed, candidates are required to submit their final thesis to the Coast Research Database (CRD).
The CRD provides an open access showcase of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s scholarly research output.
The CRD’s aim is to showcase and make accessible the research output of the University to local, national and international communities.
This will maximise impact for individual USC researchers and highlight the overall research profile of the University.
Once the thesis / dissertation is deposited on the CRD, the Research Degrees Committee makes a recommendation to Academic Board that the candidate be awarded their degree.
Academic Board awards the degree, and recommends it to Council for conferral.
Once Council have conferred a doctoral degree, the recipient may then use the title "Doctor".
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