Chapter 3: Conditions of candidature

3.4 Attendance and residency for part-time and full-time candidature

Attendance and residency requirements have a dual purpose in enabling both regular and sustained periods of time to be available for research and any coursework and/or skills training requirements, and continuous interaction between the candidate and the community of scholars at Monash University. 

The conditions set out below are the University's minimum requirements. Faculties, however, may impose more rigorous requirements as they deem appropriate.

3.4.1 Level of enrolment: part-time or full-time

The candidate’s academic unit and the Graduate Research Committee will need to be satisfied that any prospective candidate will have sufficient time available during the week to devote to study and research and to attend appropriate academic activities including coursework and training. See Section 9.1 of the Doctorate Regulations. 

The duration of the academic year for doctoral candidates is 48 weeks with 4 weeks’ annual leave (pro rata). Further information on special leave and intermission is available in Chapter 4 of this handbook. 

All doctoral candidates, with the exception of those stipulated below, may enrol on a full-time or a part-time basis. 

DPsych candidates must commence candidature on a full-time basis, but may transfer to part-time candidature after 24 months of full-time candidature. 

Normally international candidates on student visas must enrol on a full-time basis but exceptions may be approved on limited grounds. 

MPsych/PhD and EdD candidates who enrol externally may only enrol on a part-time basis.

3.4.1.1 Full-time candidature

In order to undertake full-time candidature, a candidate must be able to devote a minimum of four week days, Monday to Friday, to the pursuit of the research project. These days need to take into consideration attendance required at any coursework or training at different stages of candidature.

3.4.1.2 Part-time candidature

In order to undertake part-time candidature, a candidate must be able to devote a minimum of two days per week to the pursuit of the research project. At least one day must be a week day between Monday and Friday so that a candidate may attend the University to meet with the supervisors or attend seminars, workshops or other academic activities including coursework or training at different stages of candidature. Where the candidate’s research work involves systematic use of University facilities, such as for lab-based disciplines, the faculty may require that at least one-and-a-half days be week days between Monday and Friday. 

Part-time professional doctorate candidates must devote the equivalent of one-and-a-half days a week to thesis preparation. The half-day should normally be a week day. This time will allow the candidate to attend the University to meet with supervisors and to participate in academic activities.

3.4.2 Regular attendance

Throughout candidature, all candidates must regularly attend their academic unit and participate fully in the intellectual and research activities of the unit. All candidates are required to:

  • discuss progress of research and completion of any coursework and training activities with their supervisors. For full-time candidates this should occur every two weeks and for part-time candidates at least once every calendar month. This contact may occur using various forms of interactive communication, such as telephone, video conferencing, email or Skype;
  • hold a minimum of two 'in person' meetings with the supervisors each year; and
  • attend all courses, seminars, workshops and activities as agreed with the supervisors and/or program director and documented in the Graduate Research Individual Skills Training Plan.

See Section 15.1 of the Doctorate Regulations.

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