Chapter 3: Conditions of candidature

3.4 External/off-campus candidature

See section 10 of the Master Degree by Research Regulations.

3.4.1 Admission

Where degree regulations permit enrolment by external mode, applicants must show that they do not reside within daily commuting distance of the campus at which their proposed main supervisor is based.

Approval for external candidature is not automatic. The relevant academic unit and faculty must be convinced that the prospective applicant has the personal maturity and research experience to pursue independent, sustained and structured research off-campus. Applicants may be able to demonstrate these abilities through previous study/research completed in a timely manner, publications or relevant work experience. Final approval of any case for external candidature will be made by the Graduate Research Committee (GRC).

Candidates enrolled in the following degrees cannot enrol by external mode:

• Master of Arts (Art Design & Architecture);
• Master of Design (by Research);
• Master of Arts (Creative Writing);
• Master of Arts (Music Composition);
• Master of Arts (Music Performance);and
• Master of Arts (Theatre Performance).

Candidates enrolled in the Master of Arts at Monash University’s Sunway campus (Malaysia) may also enrol for external candidature.
Candidates undertaking a research degree including a coursework component may only transfer to external mode once they have completed the coursework components.

3.4.2 Primary location of research

Where the research is principally being undertaken at another research site (e.g. archives repository, field site, laboratory, commercial or governmental research station, another university, etc.), the GRC must be assured by the relevant academic unit / faculty that the site provides a research environment which offers appropriate resources, facilities and research expertise for the duration of the candidature.

3.4.3 Attendance of five days per year

External candidates should satisfy the standard conditions of full-time and part-time candidature (see Section 3.3.1 of this Handbook). In addition, there is a requirement to satisfy an annual five-day on-campus attendance requirement each year or equivalent, over the period of candidature. A portion of this attendance may be off-campus, provided that the candidate is able to interact with the main or associate supervisor during this time (e.g. where the candidate and supervisor[s] both attend the same conference).

When a candidate transfers from internal to external candidature during the latter stages of candidature, the academic unit/faculty may make a case for the five-day residency requirement to be waived.

These are minimum requirements only; some faculties may set additional attendance guidelines.

3.4.4 Effective means of communication

It is expected that there are appropriate means by which the candidate may communicate with members of the supervisory team on a daily basis, e.g. via Skype, email, fax or telephone.

Regular interactive communication between the candidate and supervisor should take place at least every two weeks (full-time candidates) and every month (part-time candidates).

3.4.5 Supervision

The primary responsibility for supervision of the candidate must always rest with the main Monash University-based supervisor. There should be at least one other member of the supervisory team. Other members of the supervisory team can be appointed as appropriate. Supervision of external candidates should be conducted according to the Guidelines for Remote Supervision

Candidates should make arrangements for an external supervisor at the research location, where this is appropriate. In the case of external enrolment in a laboratory-based discipline, an on-site supervisor, in addition to the Monash University-based and accredited main and associate supervisor(s) is mandatory. The external supervisor must confirm that adequate resources and facilities are available on-site to support the research project.

An external supervisor should be experienced in guiding research projects and need to be familiar with Monash University’s codes of practice and other requirements pertaining to candidature. The Graduate Research Committee must approve their appointment. External supervisors can only be appointed as associate supervisors.

3.4.6 Articulation between standard and external candidature

Candidates may be permitted to transfer between standard and external candidature, as assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For candidates who have already completed two full-time equivalent years of on-campus attendance, further periods of residency will normally not be required.

3.4.7 Assessment of progress

All external candidates must complete confirmation of candidature as set out in Section 3.8 of this Handbook.

3.4.8 Additional requirements where the external candidate is pursuing research at another institution/research site

3.4.8.1 Joint agreement on the research project

A joint agreement on the research program needs to be negotiated between Monash University and the external site.

3.4.8.2 Occupational health and safety procedures

Occupational health and safety training relevant to the research location must be undertaken by the candidate.

3.4.8.3 Ownership of intellectual property

Intellectual property matters are governed by Statute 11.2 and regulations pertaining to that statute. An agreement should be reached before the candidature begins.

3.4.8.4 Ethics approval from both the University and the host institution

Every effort should be made to rationalise the ethics approval process when there is potential for duplication.

3.4.9 Scholarships

An Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) may be awarded to an applicant proposing to undertake studies as an external candidate; however, the support of the relevant academic unit and faculty will be required. If successful, the awardee must reside in Australia in order to receive the award.

External candidates will not be eligible for centrally allocated awards of the Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) or the Monash International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS).

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