• Section 1 - Purpose
• Background
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy
• Graduate Research Continuation Requirements
• Principles for Reviews
• Appeals
• Section 3 - Procedures
• Section 4 - Guidelines
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy establishes the fundamental principles for continuation of candidature for graduate research students at Macquarie University.

(2) This Policy should be read in conjunction with the Graduate Research Continuation Procedure and Schedules.

Background

(3) Graduate research students are expected to achieve key milestones and maintain satisfactory progress at the level expected for the period of enrolment. This Policy and the Graduate Research Continuation Procedure specify the requirements for monitoring student progress and continuation of candidature for the following degrees:

1. Master of Research (MRes);
2. Master of Public Health (Research);
3. Master of Philosophy (MPhil);
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD);
5. Cotutelle and Joint PhD with an approved partner university;
6. Combined Master of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy;
7. Combined Master of Clinical Neuropsychology and Doctor of Philosophy; and
8. Combined Master of Organisational Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy.

Scope

(4) This Policy applies to all: 

1. graduate research students enrolled at Macquarie University;
2. Supervisors as defined in the Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy; and
3. other Macquarie University staff acting on behalf of these graduate research students.

Section 2 - Policy

Graduate Research Continuation Requirements

(5) Supervisors and students should discuss the plan for the student’s research and academic development and document the planned research and candidature milestones to achieve satisfactory progress appropriate for that year level.

(6) Students are expected to progress their candidature at a satisfactory level to continue in the degree.

(7) Progress can be measured as the quality, originality and amount of research completed, by evidence of appropriate levels of independent thinking and problem solving, as well as the ability of the student to communicate research findings at the level expected for the period of enrolment.

(8) The academic and research progress of each graduate research student is regularly reviewed at a minimum as outlined in Schedule 1 - Graduate Research Candidature Milestones, as well as progress reporting requirements stated by the Faculty/Department/School.

(9) Additional reviews may be requested by a supervisory team with the Department/School Director of Research Training and/or MRes Director/Advisor if a student needs support and is not making progress at a satisfactory level.

(10) All students will receive timely and constructive feedback from progress reviews. The University will provide appropriate communication and support following any decision on unsatisfactory progress.

(11) Unsatisfactory progress may result in a recommendation of a degree transfer (PhD students only) or Termination of Candidature.

(12) The University will report any international students who degree transfer, withdraw or are terminated under Section 19 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and will notify them of any potential impacts under the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. Students are responsible for following the advice and required actions in their notification.

Principles for Reviews

(13) The University will provide clear, equitable, consistent and timely:

1. procedures for identifying, notifying, monitoring and supporting students who are not meeting graduate research continuation requirements;
2. systems for monitoring the research progress of all students;
3. communication and counselling following any change or pending reviews of research progress; and
4. support services for students to complete their study successfully, in accordance with the Support for Students Policy.

Appeals

(14) Students may appeal decisions relating to the termination of their graduate research course (clause 3) in accordance with the Academic Appeals Policy. Appeals on this basis are limited to procedural grounds only. Students have twenty (20) working days to submit an appeal following notification of the decision.

Section 3 - Procedures

(15) Refer to the Graduate Research Continuation Procedure.

Section 4 - Guidelines

(16) Nil.

Section 5 - Definitions

(17) Nil.