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Doctoral and MPhil Handbook

Policy changes

Appendix D: Confirmation of doctoral candidature and upgrade from masters to doctoral candidature

Revised policy approved by Research Graduate School Committee at Meeting 6/2006 (7 July 2006).

Former policy

3.1 Mandatory probationary candidature

All doctoral candidates now undertake a period of 12 months (full-time equivalent) probationary candidature, with the exception of DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology) and DPsych (Clinical) candidates who have an 18 month (full-time equivalent) probationary candidature.

MPhil candidates have a period of six months (full-time equivalent) of probationary candidature. In the case of MPhil, confirmation should normally occur at the six-month mark, or where there is a coursework component, at nine months. However, confirmation for MPhil can be deferred if an upgrade to PhD is imminent at 12 months.

3.2 Notification of confirmation process

Notification of commencement of the confirmation process will be as follows:

  • all doctoral candidates admitted to probationary candidature, with the exception of DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology) and DPsych (Clinical) candidates, will be notified in writing of the confirmation process after 10 months of full-time equivalent candidature
  • DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology) and DPsych (Clinical) candidates will be notified after 16 months of full-time candidature
  • Master of Philosophy candidates undertaking 100% research will be notified after four months of full-time equivalent candidature. Master of Philosophy candidates undertaking a coursework component will be notified after seven months of full-time equivalent candidature
  • all students will be given 10 weeks to complete the requirements for confirmation of candidature.

 

Revised policy

3.1 Mandatory probationary candidature

All doctoral candidates now undertake a period of 12 months (full-time equivalent) probationary candidature, with the exception of DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology), DPsych (Clinical) and SJD candidates who have an 18 month (full-time equivalent) probationary candidature.

MPhil candidates have a period of six months (full-time equivalent) of probationary candidature. In the case of MPhil, confirmation should normally occur at the six-month mark, or where there is a coursework component, at nine months. However, confirmation for MPhil can be deferred if an upgrade to PhD is imminent at 12 months.

 

3.2 Notification of confirmation process

Notification of commencement of the confirmation process will be as follows:

  • all doctoral candidates admitted to probationary candidature, with the exception of DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology), DPsych (Clinical) and SJD candidates will be notified in writing of the confirmation process after 10 months of full-time equivalent candidature
  • DPsych (Clinical and Neuropsychology), DPsych (Clinical) and SJD candidates will be notified after 16 months of full-time candidature
  • Master of Philosophy candidates undertaking 100% research will be notified after four months of full-time equivalent candidature. Master of Philosophy candidates undertaking a coursework component will be notified after seven months of full-time equivalent candidature
  • all students will be given 10 weeks to complete the requirements for confirmation of candidature.