Graduate Research Study Plan
Stages of Candidature
There are 3 formal stages of candidature, comprised of assessment and outcomes designed to develop the student’s knowledge and skills. Students are required to submit a written component and an oral presentation for each stage. Upon successful completion of a candidature stage assessment, the student progresses to the next stage.
Candidature Stage 1 – Confirmation of Candidature
The purpose of Candidature Stage 1 is to confirm the student’s position. This should be done within 12 months of enrolment (24 months if part-time). The criteria for for stage 1 assessment is available in the GRS Guidelines.
This is the CIC form that must be completed and submitted to the Senior Manager.
Candidature Stage 2 – Confirmation of Advanced Progress
The purpose of Candidature Stage 2 is to confirm the student’s advanced progress. This should be done within 24 months of enrolment (48 months if part-time). The criteria for for stage 2 assessment is available in the GRS Guidelines.
This is the CIC form that must be completed and submitted to the Senior Manager.
Candidature Stage 3 – Confirmation of readiness to submit for examination
The purpose of Candidature Stage 3 is to confirm the student’s readiness to submit their thesis. This should be done within 36 months of enrolment (72 months if part-time). The criteria for for stage 3 assessment is available in the GRS Guidelines.
This is the CIC form that must be completed and submitted to the Senior Manager.
Each stage must be completed with a designated timeline, depending on your degree type and whether you’re studying full-time.
Find out more about Candidature progression.
ROPs and DSP
At the end of each year, the student’s progress is monitored through a Review of Progress (ROP) , which is a formal process that reviews the student’s progress against their proposed goals and timeframe. The possible stage assessment results are:
- Satisfactory
- Conceded Satisfactory
- Unsatisfactory
If you receive an unsatisfactory result you may have your candidature discontinued.
If you do not agree with your results, you can lodge and appeal with the Faculty RAO.
You will need to develop a Doctoral Study Plan (DSP) that will be reviewed regularly with your supervisors. This should be set up within two weeks of enrolment and then revisited at each stage of candidature.
Your review and study plan will be assessed by your supervisors and the results will be submitted to the Graduate Research School. More information is available in the GRS Guidelines.
The CIC forms for ROP and your DSP.
Maximum Time to Complete (EFTSL)
The Department of Education sets a maximum time to complete for all graduate research degrees and is determined by a measurement called EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Student Load). That means you must complete your degree within the following timeframes:
- Doctoral degrees: 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
- Master’s by research: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.
For more information on the maximum time to complete, please refer to the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines.