Higher Degree by Research Program Structures
Our Higher Degree by Research programs require you to successfully complete the below program milestones throughout your candidature and submit a thesis. Depending on the program you undertake, additional milestones may be included, such as undertaking coursework.
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Year 1 |
Induction |
Upon commencement of program |
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Research Ethics and Integrity Training |
Prior to commencement of Confirmation of Candidature process |
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Initial Plan / Progress Review |
2 months from commencement of program |
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Confirmation of Candidature Process |
Complete 12 months from commencement of program |
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Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews |
Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students |
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Year 2 |
Probationary Expiry |
18 months from commencement of program |
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Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews |
Every 6 months for International Students and every 12 months for domestic students |
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Year 3 |
Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews |
Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students |
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Thesis Submission |
3 years from commencement of program |
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Year 4 |
Undertake thesis revisions (if required) |
3 months allowed for minor revisions/ 6 months allowed for major revisions |
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Candidature Expiry |
4 years from commencement of program |
|
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 candidature |
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|
Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews |
Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students |
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|
Probationary Expiry |
9 months from commencement of candidature |
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Year 2 |
Subsequent Plan and Progress Reviews |
Every 6 months for international students and every 12 months for domestic students |
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Thesis submission |
1.5 years from commencement of program |
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Undertake thesis revisions (if required) |
3 months allowed for minor revisions/6 months allowed for major revisions |
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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
Thesis Submission and Examination
As part of this milestone, you will present your work at a seminar and submit your thesis document for examination. For detailed information on the requirements of the thesis and the examination process, please review the Higher Degree by Research Thesis Submission and Examination - Procedures.