Getting started
This step-by-step guide outlines the tasks you will need to complete during your Masters by Research, PhD or Professional Doctorate degree.
1. Nominate your supervisor
Supervisors can be nominated on your application for admission form. It is also necessary to complete a nomination of supervisor form. This form is approved by Head of School and should be sent to the Student Services Centre for their student files and records.
2. Research proposal
Your supervisor will assist you on the scope of your research proposal. The proposal should involve:
- defining your research topic;
- undertaking a literature review;
- identifying the methodology;
- discussing any costs or risks involved, and
- setting up a project management plan.
3. Risk assessment and management plan
A Risk Assessment form is required when undertaking any research degree. In collaboration with your supervisor, you must identify the potential risks and then create a risk management plan to mitigate these risks.
4. Research proposal review process
A review of your research proposal ensures it is feasible and appropriate for the level of award. This review process is handled at the school level. Your supervisor, in consultation with you, will nominate two reviewers to review your research proposal. This usually includes a seminar and written feedback.
5.Ethics clearance
You must ensure you have ethics clearance before you commence your data collection. This is an essential part of undertaking a research degree.
To apply for ethics clearance, please log on to STREAM and complete an ethics application or ethics declaration.
6. Submit your research proposal for approval
To confirm your candidature, please submit the following documentation to the Faculty Student Information office for the Associate Dean (Research and Higher Degrees) to approve:
- checklist form;
- reviewer’s reports (2);
- outline of changes;
- Risk Assessment and Management Plan; and
- Revised Research Proposal (hard or soft copy acceptable)
When the research proposal has been approved at faculty level, the documentation is forwarded to the Student Services Centre where it will be executively approved by the Dean of the Graduate Research School on behalf of the Research Students and Scholarships Committee.
7. Conduct research and write thesis
Once you receive formal email of your confirmation of candidature (research proposal and ethics approval) from the Student Services Centre, you may commence research. We suggest you keep in close contact with your supervisor, update your risk management if necessary, begin writing your thesis, and make use of support networks.
8. Examination of thesis
Your supervisor, in consultation with you, will find and nominate appropriate examiners to mark your thesis. The number of examiners depends on the course you are completing. Once examiners have agreed to mark the thesis, your supervisor will submit a nomination of examiners form to the Faculty Student Information Office for approval at least four weeks before you expect to submit your thesis. Be aware that you are not permitted to have contact with the examiners. Supervisors should submit the student’s final thesis to the Student Services Centre, who will be responsible for coordinating the examination process.
9. Graduation
Once your record is changed to “Course Complete” following the Board of Examiners, you will be sent the graduation information. You will also be sent further information closer to your ceremony.