• Section 1 - Preliminary
• Name of Rules
• Authority and Commencement
• Purpose
• Scope
• Definitions
• Section 2 - Rules
• Eligibility
• Application
• Examination
• Consideration and Approval
• Section 3 - Schedules and Associated Information

Section 1 - Preliminary

Name of Rules

(1) These Rules may be cited as the Higher Doctoral Degree Rules.

Authority and Commencement

(2) The Council of Macquarie University makes the following rules under section 29 of the Macquarie University Act 1989 and Part 10 of the Macquarie University By-law 2005.

(3) These Rules take effect on the day on which they are published on the Internet by means of the website of the University or in another official University publication under section 29(2)(c) of the Macquarie University Act 1989 and section 35(4) of the Macquarie University By-law 2005.

Purpose

(4) These Rules are enacted to outline the eligibility, application, examination and approval process for Higher Doctoral degrees at Macquarie University (the University).

Scope

(5) These Rules apply to the Doctor of Laws (LLD), Doctor of Letters (DLitt), Doctor of Science (DSc), and Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSc). These prestigious qualifications, superior to a PhD, recognise independent and original work that makes a substantial and distinguished contribution to a specific field. Higher Doctorates formally acknowledge scholars with significant and internationally acknowledged achievements. Higher Doctoral Degree Candidates, who are usually at the peak of their careers, are assessed on completed work and enrol to synthesise their previously published scholarly or creative works.

Definitions

(6) Nil.

Section 2 - Rules

Eligibility

(7) A Higher Doctoral Degree Candidate (Candidate) is to have held a first degree for at least eight years before making an application and must:

1. hold a degree of Macquarie University; or
2. have been a member of the academic staff of the University for a period of at least 12 months.

(8) A Candidate for the degree of Doctor of Medical Science must hold the degree of Bachelor of Medicine, or its equivalent.

Application

(9) A written application for enrolment as a Higher Doctoral Degree Candidate (Candidate) must be submitted to the Executive Dean of the relevant Faculty. This ensures that the Candidate intending to apply for the degree can make a prima facie case for the award. This must include:

1. the Candidate’s curriculum vitae, which includes a full list of publications or creative works;
2. copies of the Candidate’s academic record and relevant documents;
3. a clear and concise statement explaining how the material to be submitted for examination covers a coherent theme and contributes to advancing knowledge in a relevant field; and
4. an overview of the material to be submitted, presented in sufficient detail to indicate its scope, substance and significance.

(10) The material to be submitted for examination must:

1. have been published at least one year before submission;
2. be a record of original research, critical inquiry or creative work undertaken by the Candidate, state the sources from which the information was derived and the extent to which the Candidate has used the work of others; and
3. record any work carried out conjointly, whether published in the Candidate’s sole name or under conjoint authorship. In such cases, the Candidate is to state the extent to which they were responsible for the initiation, conduct and direction of such conjoint research, enquiry or creative work.

(11) Where the principal work, as distinct from supporting material, incorporates work previously submitted for a degree in this or any other university, the Candidate is to clearly indicate which portion of the work was so submitted.

(12) Candidates may submit additional material in support of the application.

(13) At the request of the relevant Executive Dean, the Faculty Research Committee will consider the eligibility of the Candidate and whether the scholarly or creative work, on the face of it, is worthy of examination for the degree and if so, recommend admission (or not).

Examination

(14) The policies and procedures pertaining to the degree of PhD apply for the submission, appointment of examiners and the examination (refer to the Graduate Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Policy and the Graduate Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Procedure), unless otherwise detailed in these Rules.

(15) During the submission and examination process, the Executive Dean will assume responsibility for the administrative duties typically undertaken by a supervisor.

(16) Each examiner is to recommend, on the basis of the published work, whether the Candidate’s work:

1. provides authoritative standing and is acknowledged by leading scholars;
2. commands international recognition in the branch of learning, sparking debate or changing research direction or practice; and
3. constitutes a distinguished contribution, significantly advancing the field and demonstrating extensive original and innovative contributions to knowledge or creative achievement.

(17) As the nature of the submission does not permit revision and re-examination, an examiner will further recommend:

1. the Candidate be admitted to the degree;
2. that an oral or written defence be provided by the Candidate; or
3. the degree should not be awarded to the Candidate.

Consideration and Approval

(18) The Research Degree Subcommittee is to consider the reports of the examiners and formulate a recommendation to the Academic Senate, which will be progressed through the Research and Research Training Committee.

(19) The Academic Senate will consider the recommendation and, if supported, refer it to the University Council for approval and conferral.

Section 3 - Schedules and Associated Information

(20) Nil.