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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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