Confirmation of Candidature Progress Reports Felicity Roddick Associate Dean Research and Innovation

College of Science Engineering and Health The Timetable and Process Reports, Papers, Chapters Master or Doctor Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (max. time) Enrolment Confirmation of Candidature 12 mo Progress Report Submit thesis Progress Report Progress Report Progress Report Receive Examiners Comments Panel of Examiners Progress Report Progress Report RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Confirmation of Candidature Candidate must satisfy panel that progress justifies continuation Oral presentation Full written research proposal using Confirmation of Candidature form from College website RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Confirmation of Candidature Master Candidates Within 6 months of enrolment Panel comprises (as minimum): Senior supervisor School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Confirmation of Candidature PhD candidates Within 12 months of enrolment Panel comprises (as minimum) Senior supervisor 2 further academic staff members School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman Optional Member external to RMIT University….desirable RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Research Proposal for Confirmation of Candidature Form Candidate data Research Program Description of proposed research: scope, objectives, expected deliverables, research questions. Cite major references. Rationale for research: how build on current knowledge, contribute Research methods: research steps and activity, show how address the RQs Timelines Ethics approval Intellectual property: external party, part of larger project…Student Participation Agreement needed? Student induction sessions Needs analysis form and supervisor cvs (NB: use one page proforma for cvs!!) RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Confirmation of Candidature: Criteria Demonstration (at appropriate level) of: Planning of research program Full written proposal Critical review of relevant literature Fully referenced literature review Practical conduct of the research Research achievements to date Presentation and defence of program and its progress as an oral presentation Content and delivery of presentation and responses to resultant questions RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Confirmation of Candidature Panel must meet and make a recommendation to the school, to either: Confirm candidature or Deny confirmation of candidature If confirmation denied, then candidate has one month to re-present material to satisfy the panel If material not re-presented, or deemed unsatisfactory, candidate is placed “At risk”. RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

College of Science Engineering and Health Progress Reports Every 6 months Both student and supervisors see the comments Extremely important! Vital that both supervisor and student accurately reflect the situation! Tool for reflection and improvement RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Student Relationship With Supervisor Keep regular contact with supervisor (eg, weekly meetings) Maintain the progress of work in accordance with the stages as discussed and agreed with supervisor Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties encountered in research and in proposing and discussing solutions to these with supervisor Discuss any plans to take leave with supervisor and obtain approval in advance Manage up the Supervisor!! RMIT University© RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology College of Science Engineering and Health 10

College of Science Engineering and Health Completion Seminar For PhD candidates Approx. 3 months before submission of thesis Hurdle for PhD thesis submission Assist you in writing up your thesis Mechanism for reflection on work and contributions to knowledge Key points of thesis Bouncing it off peer audience…. RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Graduate Capabilities Able to learn from new situations Knowledge and capability to deal with new situations in working life Able to behave appropriately in different social and professional situations Enhanced communication skills: verbal and written Able to work with others Able to undertake independent research Have problem-solving ability Give critical evaluation, and be critically evaluated Have a global, environmentally aware perspective RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

Don’t sit back and expect the world to come to you ... Higher Degrees are about moving from undergraduate studies to ‘you’ leading and determining what and where you are going But with great power comes great responsibility............. That means that YOU are responsible for the direction, achievements, milestones Travel to conferences but think about the quality and which ones will give the most benefit Think about resources, plan ahead – YOU are the researcher and you have the best insight Use the opportunity as training for YOUR future RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health

...... But you make your own luck! Good luck  ...... But you make your own luck! RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health