Chapter 2: Admission to doctoral & MPhil candidature

2.8 Concurrent enrolment

It should be noted that only in the most exceptional circumstances will the Research Graduate School Committee permit candidates to enrol for any other degree or diploma during their period of doctoral or MPhil candidature. Special circumstances may be considered to apply, for example where a candidate who is making exceptional progress in the closing stages of the research program wishes to commence a specialist professional qualification such as a teaching diploma, or where a case can be made for the provision of complementary training in the prospective studies.

A detailed case supporting the request is made to the Monash Research Graduate School. The request must have the unequivocal support of the candidate’s supervisors and the head of department. Wherever possible, the case for concurrent enrolment should be made prior to enrolment as a research candidate.

The candidate would be expected to provide evidence of a level of academic achievement that indicates that the studies to be undertaken will not adversely impact on the progress of the research degree.

The hours to be devoted to study are to be included within the time allowance made for paid employment by candidates. In some instances, this may preclude the candidate undertaking paid employment while a concurrent enrolment arrangement is in place.

At the time of each annual report, the supervisor and head of department will be required to advise that the concurrent enrolment has not impacted adversely on the candidate’s progress in the research degree. If progress is not satisfactory, the approval for concurrent enrolment will be withdrawn.