Chapter 3: Conditions of candidature

3.10 Confirmation of candidature

All probationary candidates are required to present their work in progress to a review panel and submit a confirmation of candidature report at the end of their probationary period. (Please refer to the Candidature Management Progress - Confirmation and Non-Confirmation Procedures). 

The purpose of the confirmation process is to:

• provide objective confirmation that the research direction is sound, the methodologies are appropriate and the standard of writing is satisfactory;
• allow candidates a platform on which to receive useful insights and feedback on their progress and research direction from a panel of experienced academics;
• obtain independent advice in the refinement and development of the research question and methods;
• provide a supportive environment to enhance presentation skills; and
• identify and remedy any difficulties that may impede successful completion of the research project.

The candidate must demonstrate:

• diligent and effective application to the research project;
• initiative consistent with the requirements of the course;
• satisfactory progress in the research project; and
• satisfactory progress in the, practicum or performance components of the program, if applicable.
• satisfactory completion of all research coursework and/or research skills training components relevant to the milestone as identified in the Graduate Research Individual Skills Training Plan.

The confirmation report, which is forwarded to candidates approximately eight weeks prior to the confirmation of candidature being due, will require candidates to describe the progress of their work and to note any problems or obstacles encountered.

In exceptional circumstances a candidate may be confirmed when a pre-confirmation research skills training or research coursework requirement has not been met, with the approval of the Program Director and the Graduate Research Committee.

3.10.1 Generic confirmation requirements

A minimum 20-minute oral presentation at a departmental seminar and/or viva voce is required. Members of the review panel should be in attendance. The oral presentation should explore the research undertaken to date and the anticipated future directions of the research program.

A progress report and publication list (if applicable) and an updated version of the candidate’s Graduate Research Individual Skills Training Plan should be submitted by the candidate at least one week prior to the presentation. 

A suggested format for the report is as follows:

• Title of research report/thesis
• Statement of the research problem(s)
  1. Introduction
  2. research question or hypothesis
  3. subsidiary questions
  4. review of relevant research and theory
• The procedure
  1. theoretical and conceptual framework
  2. analytical techniques and research design
• Timetable for completing the research report/thesis and a detailed statement of progress to date
• Brief bibliography
• List of publications produced during probationary candidature (if applicable).

The progress report should be a minimum of 1000 words but candidates should note that many faculties have their own specific requirements for confirmation. These are outlined in Appendix J.

Procedures for confirmation of candidature, the role and composition of the review panel, together with appeal processes where non-confirmation is recommended, are documented in the Confirmation and Non-Confirmation Procedures. See also Section 2.11 in Chapter 2. 

The Confirmation Form is available here (Monash only).

3.10.2 Outcomes of the confirmation process

3.10.2.1 Confirmation

After reviewing the oral presentation and the written submission, and progress on the relevant aspects of the candidate’s individual training plan the review panel makes a recommendation in relation to the confirmation of candidature. There are four possible outcomes:

• confirmation of candidature;
• confirmation of candidature subject to minor amendments to the research proposal and/or satisfactory completion of any coursework and/or training requirements;
• confirmation of candidature to be reviewed within 10 weeks (i.e. extension to probationary period); or
• confirmation is not recommended.

Where the review panel recommends an extension to probationary candidature, a list of achievable targets, relevant to the particular candidate’s confirmation of candidature, must be set for the candidate. These targets must be met for candidature to be confirmed.

3.10.2.2 Non-confirmation of candidature

Where a probationary candidate does not meet the requirements for confirmation of candidature, the relevant faculty should make a recommendation for non-confirmation of candidature to the Graduate Research Committee. This recommendation should be accompanied by the review panel report, which identifies the tasks or targets that were set for the candidates for confirmation of candidature and the outcomes of the candidate's attempts to meet them. 

A decision to not confirm candidature will only be made where due process for confirmation of candidature has been followed within the academic unit and faculty and the candidate concerned has been given an opportunity to present his/her case in an appropriate forum (see Confirmation and Non-Confirmation Procedures).

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