1. SET approach to HDR Irena Cosic Dean R&I SET

2. Slide 2 SET PORTFOLIO Higher Degree by Research Environment *Graduates will have: Commitment and the capacity to learn from new situations they encounter Knowledge capability in relation to their fields of study that enables them to deal effectively with new situations encountered in a working life The capability to make context-sensitive judgements when dealing with people and circumstances, especially in relation to communication, working with others and taking a global, environmentally aware perspective. This capability involves the judgement to choose appropriate behaviour in varying professional and social contexts.

3. Slide 3 A Code of Research Practice for the SET Portfolio will: Provide a high quality research environment Establish procedures for good research practice Facilitate the open presentation and discussion of results Foster awareness of and adherence to ethical principles of justice, respect for privacy and avoidance of harm

4. Slide 4 The following variables are acknowledged and allowed for: Gender (Male/Female) Status (International / Local) Location (Internal / Off-campus / Offshore) Mode (Part-time / Full-time) Sources of financial support (Scholarship / RMIT staff member / Full- time work / Part-time work / family support) Age Groupings (29 or under / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50 or over) Research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Masters / Professional Doctorate) Research done by thesis or project School requirements Induction program requirements Skill development requirements (such as communication skills, thesis writing, or project management training) Training required in research methods

5. Slide 5 Research Environment Research ambience in discipline/school to stimulate research Integration of the student into the discipline’s/school’s community Interaction with other postgraduate candidates A supportive working environment. Avoid feeling of isolation within this discipline/school Opportunities for students to participate in post-graduate seminars

6. Slide 6 Information Provision of information on procedures within the school, portfolio and RMIT. Training in research methods. Information on the requirements of thesis/project examination easily available.

7. Slide 7 Supervision Supervisor(s) helpful feedback on student progress. Both first and second supervisors actively involved with student. Supervision available when needed. Supervisor’s responsibilities clearly identified, communicated and applied. Research team, discipline, institute staff available to support student.

8. Slide 8 Resources Appropriate financial support for research activities Adequate computing facilities and services Access to a suitable working space Access to technical support Access to necessary equipment

9. Slide 9 Administration Simple and well understood by students, supervisors and administrators. GRO role – unified approach for the whole university Changes to SET administration – a number of activities instead of endorsed by Schools and then approved by SET will now be directly approved by Schools Changes in Research proposal and Confirmation of candidature

10. Slide 10 Research proposal and Confirmation of candidature Need to separate the early research proposal from confirmation of candidature as the current program approval process taking considerably longer than regulation time. Research proposal: a brief proposal indicating the direction the research to be presented by the candidate, approved by the supervisor and endorsed by the HDR Co-ordinator latter than 2 months after commentsment. Confirmation of candidature: At confirmation of candidature level, a full and substantial proposal of the research will be presented by the candidate to a panel and then endorsed by the School (within 12 months).

11. Slide 11 Strong research environment Students should be enrolled within the strong research teams to enable: Critical mass of staff and other research students in the same area for research interaction, culture and environment. Experienced supervision and co-supervision. Strong research funding enables student to have all resources, equipment and consumables available, as well as funding for scholarships, consumables and conference attendance.