Chapter 2: Admission to research master’s candidature

2.8 Admission and commencement

2.8.1 Initial enrolment

Offers of research master’s candidature are made by the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR) Office on behalf of the Graduate Research Committee (GRC).

Please note that as studio-based research degrees in the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture are administered by the Faculty, offer letters for local candidates for these degrees may be issued by the Faculty. Offers for all international candidates are made by the MIGR Office.

Prospective candidates are expected to enrol at the time specified in their letter of offer. Intending internal candidates (those who will pursue their research at their approved campus location), with the exception of studio-based degrees in the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, should report to the MIGR Office at the Clayton campus to complete the enrolment procedures.  Research master’s candidates in studio-based degrees in the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture should enrol at the Faculty at the Caulfield campus.

Intending internal candidates who are not able to report to the Clayton campus to enrol should contact the MIGR Office to make alternative arrangements. (see Chapter 11 for contact details).  Enrolment information will be forwarded to intending external applicants (i.e. those who will pursue their research at institutions or locations outside their approved campus of enrolment) who will be enrolled off-campus.

Following enrolment, candidates will be issued with a student identity card, which will include their student number and brief details of enrolment. The student card is required for use in the Library and for other University services, including 24-hour access to the Graduate Research Centre.

2.8.2 Deferring commencement

Any application for a deferment of the offer of candidature (for all research master’s degrees except studio-based degrees in the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture) must be submitted in writing to the MIGR Office. Deferment applications for studio-based degrees at the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture must be submitted in writing to the Faculty.
Deferment, if approved, will be for a maximum of one year.
Offers of candidature lapse six months after the date of the initial offer of candidature if the prospective candidate does not enrol and/or has not sought and been granted a deferment.

2.8.3 Commencement date of candidature

The starting date for candidature will be as follows:

  • for international candidates applying from overseas: the date of enrolment; or
  • for Australian citizens and permanent residents: the date recommended by head of  academic unit , subject to faculty and GRC approval (in special circumstances, this may be up to one month earlier than the date on which the Committee reviewed and approved the application); or
  • for applicants transferring candidature from another institution: a new commencement date of research at Monash University, but the total period of candidature available will be negotiated.

print version