Appendix J:

Faculty-specific requirements for milestones

Confirmation:

Mid-Candidature Review (MCR):

Pre-Submission Seminar (PSS):

Confirmation

Monash Injury Research Institute

A budget is required for the research project.

Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture

In addition to the university-wide requirements the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture has specific requirements in relation to confirmation. Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to confirmation. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information

Course Minimum period prior to confirmation Oral Written submission
PhD (Visual Arts) As with uni-wide requirements (Section 3.8.1) A 20-minute oral presentation on the research project is given informally at the main PhD seminar, followed two weeks later by a formal presentation to panel. Members of the review panel are required to attend the later presentation.  
The oral presentation explores the visual research undertaken to date and anticipated future research program directions.		 The presentation should be supported by a minimum 3000-word draft chapter and 1000-word summary report (including timelines etc)
Transfers Minimum candidature 9 months EFT. An intention to transfer application must be made to the Faculty Committee of Graduate Studies with supporting statement from supervisor prior to proceeding to transfer. As with PhD In addition to generic progress report requirements a minimum 3000-word draft exegesis chapter is required.

Faculty of Arts

PhD programs in Arts have specific requirements in relation to the written submission (the timing of confirmation and the oral requirements are the same as the university-wide requirements see Section 3.8.1).Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to confirmation. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Course Written submission
PhD 7000 to 10,000 word report
Upgrades 7000 to 10,000 word report plus a chapter of their thesis
PhD (Music Performance) A detailed written research proposal of 3000-4000 words and at least 30 minutes of live presentation which will constitute the Year 1 recital.
PhD (Music Composition) A detailed written research proposal of 3000-4000 words and at least one completed composition that is to be included in the final portfolio for examination.
PhD (Creative Writing)

A detailed written document comprising material that focuses on the two parts of the thesis (the creative component and the exegetical).
 
The candidate should submit:

  • a segment of the creative component and/or work in progress that focuses on the overall creative project;
  • material that focuses on the exegesis. This section should engage with the creative and theoretical context of the overall project and the relationship between the creative component and the exegesis; and
  • a research plan and timeline for each component.

The total length of the documents submitted should be approximately 10,000 words. The material presented must be focused on the creative component and the exegesis in an approximately 50-50% split, with some flexibility of 60/40 (Creative component and exegesis) respectively in the required words.

Both components should engage with:

- Title of research project

- Statement of the research question
(i) introduction
(ii) research question or hypothesis
(iii) subsidiary questions
(iv) review of relevant research in theory and practice
The Method of Inquiry
(i) framework of creative component
(ii) theoretical and conceptual framework
(iii) analytical techniques
(iv) creative and research approach/design
(v) the relationship between the practical and critical components within the overall project.
The submission must include
- Time-table for completing the overall research project
- Brief Bibliography
- List of publications/productions produced during probationary candidature if applicable)
PhD (Translation Studies)

An oral presentation and a written submission of approximately 10,000 words.

The written submission must include

  • a segment of the translation component and/or work in progress that focuses on the overall translation project of between 4-6,000 words;
  • material that focuses on the exegesis (this section should engage with the translation and theoretical context of the overall project and the relationship between the translation component and the exegesis) of between 4-6,000 words; and 
  • a research plan and timeline for each component. 

Note: The material presented must be focused on the translation component and the exegesis in an approximately 50/50% split, with some flexibility of 60/40 (Translation component and exegesis) respectively in the required words.

Both components should engage with:

- Title of research project

- Statement of the research question

(i) introduction
(ii) outline of translation component
(iii) research question or hypothesis of exegesis
(iv) subsidiary questions
(v) review of relevant exegetical research in theory and practice

 - The Method of Inquiry

(i) framework of translation component
(ii) theoretical and conceptual framework
(iii) translation strategy and approaches
(iv) the relationship between the practical and critical components within the overall project

The submission must also include:

- Time-table for completing the overall research project
- Brief bibliography
- List of publications/productions produced during probationary candidature (if applicable)

Faculty of Business and Economics

The Faculty of Business and Economics has no specific requirements in relation to the oral and written submissions for confirmation (see university-wide requirements in Section 3.8.1) but has coursework completion requirements prior to confirmation. Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to confirmation. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Course Pre-confirmation requirement
PhD Compulsory coursework units to be completed, with a mark of not less than 70%, prior to confirmation of candidature
Transfers Candidates transferring to the PhD must satisfy the coursework requirements for the PhD for their discipline, prior to transfer.

Faculty of Education

In addition to the university-wide requirements (see Section 3.8.1) the Faculty of Education has the following requirements in relation to the written submission for confirmation:

Course Written submission
PhD 5000 – 7500 word progress report and research proposal.
Transfers Candidates upgrading from Master of Education to doctoral candidature must produce a more substantial report and research proposal of approximately 10,000 words with extended literature, theory and methodology sections.

Faculty of Engineering

In addition to the university-wide requirements the Faculty of Engineering has specific oral and written requirements in relation to confirmation, including a pre-confirmation requirement.

Course Minimum period Oral Written submission
PhD
Pre-confirmation requirement		 6 months of full-time candidature (or equivalent) review with departmental Director of Research Training Verbal discussion between candidate and the departmental Director of Research Training to establish that the candidature is on track and to identify and address any issues early in the candidature No written requirement
PhD and upgrading students 10-12 months of full-time candidature (or equivalent) A 20-minute oral presentation (open to academia and the public) covering:
  • Literature Review
  • Research completed to date
  • Research issues to be addressed during the PhD
  • Proposed research plan
  • Timetable
  • Statement of possible research implications
Between 5000 to 7500 words comprising a timeline and:
  • Title of research report/thesis
  • Table of Contents
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Literature Review
  • Research Aims
  • Preliminary Research
  • Proposed Research
  • Contributions of the proposed research
  • Communication of results
  • Timetable
  • References

Faculty of Information Technology

The Faculty of Information Technology has no additional requirements for confirmation over and above the university-wide requirements detailed in :Section 3.8.1. Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to confirmation. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law has specific requirements in relation to the written submission for the confirmation process.

Course Written submission
PhD 1000-word progress report plus an example of the candidate’s written work of up to 7000 words, to be negotiated with the supervisor. A chapter from the thesis is preferable.
Transfers Transferring from LLM (Research) or MPhil to PhD requires completion of two (draft) chapters at the time of confirmation in addition to a progress report.
Doctor of Juridical Science
(SJD)		 A research proposal/thesis outline (minimum 1000 words) plus an example of written work, negotiated with the supervisor, of up to 7000 words (this can include research assignments completed in the coursework component).

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences requires all its Higher Degree by Research Students to submit a progress report of a minimum of 3000 words.

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has no faculty specific requirements - however all students are required to meet with the Associate Dean Research Training once confirmation is complete.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science requires all Higher Degree by Research students to submit a brief literature review and research project plan in the first 3-6 months of candidature. Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to confirmation. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Mid-Candidature Review (MCR)

Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their Mid-Candidature Review. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

The PhD in Visual Arts has the following specific requirements for Mid-Candidature Review (MCR):

Oral Written submission
The oral presentation should focus on the progress of the research, with a strong emphasis on the visual work (in studio practice stream). The presentation may be scheduled in the annual December HDR colloquium closest to the MCR. The presentation should be supported by a draft chapter and summary report (including timelines etc) provided to the panel at least one week prior.

Faculty of Arts

PhD

For the Mid-Candidature Review for the PhD in the Faculty of Arts the written paper must be comprised of 25,000 – 35,000 words of fully drafted thesis material. It must demonstrate the contribution to knowledge at this stage of the project through preliminary findings and an evolved argument; it must not be an extended version of the confirmation paper, and as such would not normally consist of an extended introduction or methods sections. It may consist of fully drafted sections of the thesis that show the preliminary contribution to the field.

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their Mid-Candidature Review. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Specialist (tagged) PhDs

PhD (Music Performance)

Candidates for the PhD (Music Performance) are required to present the following to a Review Panel for their Mid-Candidature Review:

  • a 20 minute oral presentation
  • a 45-60 minute performance recital
  • a written submission consisting of -
    • a research paper consisting of 7,000 to 9,000 words of drafted critical commentary; and
    • a 1000 word progress report.

PhD (Music Composition)

Candidates for the PhD (Music Composition) are required to present the following to a Review Panel for their Mid-Candidature Review:

  • a 20 minute oral presentation
  • a written submission consisting of -
    • one (1) fully-drafted composition (in addition to the composition submitted for confirmation of candidature);
    • research paper consisting of 7,000 to 9,000 words of drafted critical commentary; and
    • a 1000 word progress report.

PhD (Creative Writing)

Candidates for the PhD (Creative Writing) are required to present the following to a Review Panel for their Mid-Candidature Review:

  • a 20 minute oral presentation
  • a written submission consisting of 25,000 – 30,000 words including -
    • a fully-drafted segment of the creative component  of approx 12,000 – 17,000 words;
    • fully-drafted exegesis material of approx 12,000 – 17,000 words; and
    • a 1000 word progress report.

Note: The material presented must be focused on the creative component and the exegesis in an approximately 50-50% split, with some flexibility of 60/40 (creative component and exegesis) respectively in the required words. (eg, 12,000 - 17,000 words of fully drafted material from the exegesis and 12,000 - 17,000 words of the creative component).

PhD (Theatre Performance)

Candidates for the PhD (Theatre Performance) are required to present the following to a Review Panel for their Mid-Candidature Review:

  • a 20 minute oral presentation
  • a submission consisting of -
    • a research paper consisting of 12,000 to 17,000 words of fully-drafted critical commentary;
    • evidence of progress in the performance project since confirmation of candidature (equivalent to 12,000 – 17,000 words); and
    • a 1000 word progress report.

PhD (Translation Studies)

Candidates for the PhD (Translation Studies) are required to present the following to a Review Panel for their Mid-Candidature Review:

  • a 20 minute oral presentation
  • a written submission consisting of 25,000 – 30,000 words including –
    • a fully-drafted segment of the translation component of approx 12,000 – 15,000 words; 
    • fully-drafted exegesis material of approx 12,000 – 15,000 words; and 
    • a 1,000 word progress report.

Note: The material presented must be focused on the translation component and the exegesis in an approximately 50-50% split, with some flexibility of 60/40 (translation component and exegesis) respectively in the required words. 

Faculty of Business and Economics

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their Mid-Candidature Review. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information

Faculty of Information Technology

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their Mid-Candidature Review. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Faculty of Law

The PhD and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) have specific requirements for both the oral and written submission.

Oral Written submission
Law PhD candidates are required to present a seminar to an audience within the Faculty as part of the Faculty HDR Reporting Seminar. 1000-word progress report plus a chapter from the thesis which is different from the one submitted at the confirmation milestone.

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

All students (regardless of start date) are required to meet with the Associate Dean Research Training once the milestone is complete.

Faculty of Science

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their Mid-Candidature Review. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Pre-Submission Seminar (PSS)

Candidates must complete all research skills training and research coursework components prior to the Pre-Submission Seminar (PSS).

Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their PSS. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

PhD (Visual Arts)

The third coursework unit (ADD6093 Documentation Studies) is undertaken by PhD students in Visual Arts in the last full semester prior to their completion date. 

As the assessment for this unit students are required to undertake their pre-submission seminar, which emulates the form of the confirmation. A finalised chapter of the research exegesis and a formal seminar presentation of the visual work, with emphasis on the relationship between the visual and written research, is required. Completion of this unit provides support for the final stages of supervision and feedback from a broader discussion group on any issues that might impact upon the final thesis (exegesis plus exhibition).

Faculty of Arts

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their PSS. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Faculty of Business and Economics

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their PSS. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Faculty of Information Technology

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their PSS. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

Faculty of Law

The PhD and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) have specific requirements for both the oral and written submission.

Candidates are required to present a seminar to an audience within the Faculty as part of the Faculty HDR Reporting Seminar and provide a 3000-word thesis summary or the conclusion chapter.

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Candidates are advised to check with their individual School or Department for local requirements.

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

All students (regardless of start date) are required to meet with the Associate Dean Research Training once the milestone is complete.

Faculty of Science

Please note that candidates may be required to complete some research skills training and research coursework requirements prior to their PSS. See Graduate Research Program Plans for more information.

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