Chapter 3: Conditions of candidature

3.3 Attendance and residency

Attendance and residency requirements have a dual purpose in enabling both regular and sustained periods of time to be available for research, 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.

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

The candidate’s academic unit and the GRC 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. See section 8.1 of the Master Degree by Research Regulations. 

The duration of the academic year for research master’s 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 research master’s candidates, with the exception of those stipulated below, may enrol on a full-time or a part-time basis.

Normally, international candidates on student visas must enrol on a full-time basis; however exceptions may be approved on limited grounds.
Master of Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy candidates who enrol externally may only enrol on a part-time basis.

3.3.1.1 Full-time candidature

In order to undertake full-time candidature, a candidate must be able to devote a minimum of four week-days between Monday and Friday to the pursuit of the research project.

3.3.1.2 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 supervisor or attend seminars, workshops or other academic activities. 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 1.5 days be week days between Monday and Friday.

3.3.2 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 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 deemed necessary by the graduate coordinator or the head of the academic unit.

See section 16.1 of the Master Degree by Research Regulations.

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