(1) These Rules govern admission, enrolment, progression, and qualification for a HDR degree offered by the University of Wollongong (the University). (2) These Rules should be read in conjunction with other relevant rules, codes of practice, and policies that apply to HDR candidature. (3) These Rules apply to all students enrolled in and proceeding toward a HDR award of the University and all HDR applicants. (4) HDR candidates enrolled in coursework subjects are also bound by the Coursework Rules and other rules and policies that apply to coursework students. (5) The University admits applicants based on merit. To evaluate merit the University: (6) The University’s admission processes and requirements are transparent, applied fairly, and are communicated clearly to prospective applicants. (7) To be eligible for admission, an applicant must satisfy the minimum academic requirements, as specified in Course Finder, the minimum English language proficiency requirements, and exceed 18 years of age. (8) The University can apply discretion to determine whether a qualification submitted for admission is equivalent to the qualification specified in the entry requirements. (9) The minimum requirements to be admitted shall be the same in international applicants and domestic applicants. (10) The Academic Quality and Standards Division endorses, and Academic Senate approves, HDR admission requirements at least every five years. (11) Any variations to admission standards between review cycles must be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life), and reported annually to Academic Senate. (12) To be admitted into a course, an applicant must: (13) To be admitted into some courses, applicants may need to fulfill other requirements, such as inherent requirements and prerequisite study, or may need to participate in other activities to assess suitability, such as attend an interview or submit a portfolio. (14) If HDR candidates withdraw or their enrolment is discontinued, they may be eligible to be awarded a coursework degree as an exit qualification, provided they fulfill the course requirements and learning outcomes. (15) After HDR candidates withdraw or their enrolment is discontinued, they may apply for admission into a coursework program. Past study in a HDR degree may be granted as credit, in accordance with the Credit for Prior Learning Policy. (16) After students enrolled in a coursework degree withdraw or their enrolment is discontinued, they may apply for admission into a HDR course. Previous study may be granted as credit, in accordance with the Credit for Prior Learning Policy. Credit cannot be granted toward the thesis portion of a HDR degree. (17) If HDR applicants want to arrange credit for prior learning, they must supply evidence of this learning and have achieved all other admission requirements. (18) The HDR Admissions Procedures outline the application process to be admitted into a HDR course. (19) An applicant for the degree of Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, or Doctor of Science shall: (20) Only the Dean of Graduate Research or delegate can offer admission to HDR candidates. (21) HDR applicants will receive a formal notification of outcome that is either: (22) The letter of offer will detail any conditions that the University attaches to an offer of admission. (23) To accept an offer of admission, applicants must comply with the process specified in the letter of offer, otherwise, the offer of admission may be withdrawn. (24) The University reserves the right to set expiry dates on offers. (25) If the course is discontinued before the applicant plans to commence, the applicant will be offered admission to a comparable course, if available. (26) The University may withdraw an offer of admission if: (27) The University may refuse admission to an applicant who otherwise meets the course admission requirements on the following grounds: (28) University staff who contribute to admission decisions and offers of admission are to disclose personal relationships with an applicant, in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Policy. (29) Applicants may appeal an admission decision only if one or more HDR Rules around admission or offers have been breached. (30) HDR candidates who have both accepted an offer and enrolled in one or more subjects will be deemed to be registered in a course and will then be subject to the relevant rules, policies, and other requirements. (31) Some courses may only be available on a full-time or part-time basis, as specified in the Course Handbook. (32) Continuation of enrolment is contingent upon compliance with approved conditions imposed at initial registration or thereafter. (33) During prescribed periods in each year, a student will enrol in a program in accordance with the requirements of these Rules and pay any required charges. (34) A standard full-time study load is 1 EFTSL or 48 credit points per year. (35) For a Master of Research or a Master of Philosophy Degree, the minimum and maximum duration of the course—excluding leaves of absence—are 1.0 and 2.0 EFTSL respectively. The MRes thesis is a fixed duration of 1.0 EFTSL. (36) For a PhD, the minimum and maximum duration of the course—excluding leaves of absence—are 2.0 and 4.0 EFTSL respectively. (37) A coursework component of a particular duration, such as two sessions, will extend these minimum and maximum times by this duration. (38) The Dean of Graduate Research may waive these minimum and maximum enrolment periods, but only in exceptional circumstances. (39) HDR candidates may not be enrolled concurrently in more than one course of study unless the Delegated Authority approves. (40) The Principal Supervisor should endorse, and the HPS should approve, the requests of candidates to study part-time unless: (41) To enable full-time candidates to dedicate at least four days a week to their studies, without jeopardising their wellbeing, these individuals should not undertake more than 15 hours a week of paid work and must comply with the conditions of their stipend. (42) To enable part-time candidates to dedicate at least two days a week to their studies, without jeopardising their wellbeing, these individuals should not undertake more than 30 hours a week of paid work. (43) International HDR candidates on student visas must complete their course within the duration registered for that course on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for International Students (CRICOS). (44) The registered duration is deemed to be the minimum time to complete the course under a standard full-time study load. (45) International HDR candidates on student visas may exceed this duration only if: (46) For some international HDR candidates, the duration of course completion may be shortened because of credit transfer granted rom previous study. (47) If international HDR candidates on a student visa realise they are under-enrolled, either because they have not enrolled in enough subjects or because they have withdrawn from a subject, these candidates shall promptly seek academic advice. (48) If the University becomes aware than an international HDR candidate on a student visa is under-enrolled, the candidate must seek approval to be under-enrolled from the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research. (49) The Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research may approve under-enrolment only if: (50) If the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research approves under-enrolment, the University will assist the candidate in seeking an extension to their electronic Confirmation of Enrolment and student visa. (51) If their under-enrolment is not approved, candidates must demonstrate to the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research how they intend to undertake additional study to complete their course within the expected duration. If they fail to submit this plan within a reasonable time, the University will inform these candidates they are not permitted to complete the course and will initiate action to cancel the Confirmation of Enrolment. (52) HDR candidates cannot be transferred from one Faculty to another Faculty until: (53) If requested in writing, endorsed by the principal Supervisor, HDR candidates can receive a leave of absence lasting one session: (54) If approved the leave of absence will last an entire session and, therefore, must be sought before census date. (55) Unless the circumstances are exceptional and could not have been prevented or foreseen, HDR candidates may not be granted a leave of absence during their first session of enrolment. (56) The Dean of Graduate Research may impose a leave of absence if candidates: (57) During an approved leave of absence, candidates may continue to study, although their Supervisors may not always be available during this period. (58) Overseas students cannot be granted a leave of absence unless: (59) When overseas students are granted a leave of absence that extends the duration of their course, the University must supply a new Confirmation of Enrolment to reflect the extended period. (60) Candidates may be suspended, excluded, or expelled from the University if: (61) Periods of suspension will comprise one or more sessions and the remainder of the session in which the suspension is applied. At the end of the period of suspension, the candidate may be re-admitted to the course. (62) Periods of exclusion will comprise one or more years, and the remainder of the session in which the exclusion is applied. Candidates who are excluded must re-apply to be re-admitted to the University at the end of the exclusion period and must declare this period of exclusion at the time of applying. (63) HDR candidates may choose to complete their studies outside the campus, called the distance learning mode, only if: (64) If candidates do need to access facilities, such as a laboratory, outside the University, the principal Supervisor and HPS must confirm: (65) If international HDR candidates choose to study by distance: (66) If international HDR candidates study outside Australia without a student visa: (67) HDR candidates who have been granted a student visa may be permitted to conduct specific research activities, such as fieldwork or laboratory studies, interstate or overseas for up to one third of their course if: (68) Eligible HDR candidates can transfer to a distance learning mode at any time if: (69) The existing RTP rules, tuition fees, fee offsets, and fee waivers apply, as stipulated in the HDR RTP and Scholarship Procedures, regardless of whether HDR candidates are studying on campus or by distance. (70) Procedures that stipulate the minimum resources available to HDR candidates do not apply to candidates studying by distance, except provisions around an email account, relevant software, library services, online research training, as well as support, counselling, remedial, and professional development opportunities. (71) HDR candidates who study by distance and their Supervisors shall utilise electronic media, such as videoconferencing, to maintain regular contact. Candidates are not mandated, but welcome, to visit the campus, especially during important events, such as the research proposal review or training workshops. (72) Rules, codes, policies, procedures, and guidelines around research integrity, ethics, and quality apply whether HDR candidates study on campus or by distance. (73) (74) To facilitate their progress, all HDR candidates shall be supervised by two registered Supervisors, consistent with the HDR Supervision and Resources Procedures. (74) Early in their candidature, all HDR candidates, unless enrolled in the Master of Research, shall complete a written research proposal and oral presentation, called a research proposal review, that outlines the research they plan to complete. (75) All candidates, unless enrolled in the Master of Research, shall submit an annual report to the relevant Head of Postgraduate Studies, primarily designed to evaluate their progress, to identify impediments, and to address these impediments. (76) If candidates do not complete their sections of the annual progress report on time, despite a written warning from the Graduate Research School, their candidature may be discontinued. (77) PhD Candidates shall also complete a mid-candidature review. (78) The HDR Progression Procedures stipulate (79) when these milestones—such as the research proposal review and annual progress review—are due, the contents of these milestones, and how these milestones are evaluated. (80) After the research proposal review, candidates who wish to change their thesis title or topic substantially, such as substitute the central outcome measure, topic, theme, or concept with an alternative will first seek permission from their principal Supervisor and then notify the HPS and Graduate Research School. Depending on the circumstances, these candidates may then be instructed to: (81) Continuation of candidature and visa requirements for overseas students are conditional on satisfactory progress and fulfillment of other HDR requirements. (82) If Supervisors believe that candidates are not fulfilling these requirements, they should deliver this feedback to these candidates, sensitively but candidly, seeking to resolve these issues. The concerns of Supervisors may relate to: (83) If these concerns remain unresolved, Supervisors should contact the HPS rather than delay this action to the annual progress report. (84) If candidates do not achieve their milestones within three months of the due date or do not comply with HDR policies, HDR procedures, or the responsibilities they agreed with their Supervisors to fulfill, only the Dean of Graduate Research, upon advice from the AD HDR, may impose a period of intensive supervision, called probation in many universities. (85) If HDR candidates do not fulfill the minimum level of performance in coursework, as specified in the relevant Course Handbook, their enrolment may be discontinued. (86) HDR candidates may transfer between degrees but only before the census date for that session. (87) To transfer from a Master of Philosophy or a Professional Doctorate to a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field of study, candidates shall: (88) At this seminar, the audience shall include their Supervisors, the Head of Postgraduate Studies or delegate, and an independent academic in this discipline who can evaluate their capacity to undertake independent research at the doctoral level. (89) After this seminar, in consultation with the Supervisors and independent academic, the HPS can prepare, sign, and submit an evaluation report to the Graduate Research School for action. (90) To transfer a candidate from a Doctoral degree to a Master of Philosophy degree, the relevant AD HDR should approve the transfer and send written advice to the Graduate Research School to adjust the enrolment of this candidate. These candidates do not need to complete the coursework component of the Master of Philosophy. (91) To transfer from a Doctoral or a Master of Philosophy degree to a Master of Research degree, the AD HDR should approve the transfer and send written advice to the Graduate Research School to adjust the enrolment of this candidate. This transfer must be arranged before the EFTSL on the thesis component exceeds 1.0. (92) If Master of Research or PhD (Integrated) candidates withdraw: (93) HDR candidates, if submitting assessments as part of their coursework, shall comply with the requirements stipulated in the relevant Subject Outline; otherwise marks will be deducted, potentially incurring a fail. (94) Candidates must prepare and submit their thesis and the thesis must then be examined— in accordance with the HDR Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Procedure, and Examination Procedures. (95) The thesis or THES subjects can be graded as CO, NC, or F, representing complete, not complete, or fail respectively. The NC grade is assigned when: (96) A Fail is assigned when a thesis had been examined, but the Thesis Examination Committee determined that a degree shall not be awarded. (97) For subjects in which candidates received a numerical grade, the approved grades of performance for Higher Degree Research, Research Training and Thesis, or RESH, subjects comprise: (98) If one of these subjects must be undertaken over more than one session, the IPR or In Progress Research grade shall be declared at the end of each session until the candidate completes the subject, withdraws, or is discontinued. (99) To be eligible to receive a HDR award with an "Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis": (100) HDR awards may be conferred upon candidates who have complied with relevant parts of these Rules, is not indebted to the University, and has fulfilled the requirements for the HDR award as specified in the Course Handbook. (101) To be conferred an award, HDR candidates must lodge the appropriate application form to graduate, either in person or in absentia, by the due date for each session. (102) If a candidate has died or is permanently incapacitated before the award is conferred, this individual may be awarded a posthumous or aegrotat conferral in accordance with the Conferrals and Issuance Policy. (103) The academic record of a HDR candidate may be amended after the results for a Thesis subject have been released if: (104) HDR candidates may also apply to seek an amendment to their academic record if, because of an enrolment error: (105) To seek these amendments, candidates must complete the relevant application form, include the necessary details to support the application, and submit this form to the Graduate Research School within four weeks after the results are released. (106) To qualify for the award of a Master of Philosophy, candidates shall accrue the required number of credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects specified in the postgraduate handbook as well as prescribed examinations and other work. (107) A Master of Philosophy course program shall comprise subjects that, in aggregate, earn 96 credit points at 900 level including: (108) To qualify for the award of a Master of Research Degree, candidates shall accrue the required number of credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects specified in the undergraduate and postgraduate handbook as well as prescribed examinations and other work. (109) The requirements for a Master of Research degree can be fulfilled by satisfying one of two configurations: (110) To qualify for award of a Doctoral degree, candidates shall accrue the required number of credit points by satisfactory completion of subjects specified in the postgraduate handbook as well as prescribed examinations and other work. (111) A PhD course program shall comprise a research thesis subject of 192 credit points in aggregate at 900 level. (112) A PhD (Integrated) course program, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Public Health Professional Doctorate course shall comprise subjects of 192 credit points in aggregate at 800 or 900 level including: (113) The PhD (Clinical Psychology) course program shall comprise subjects of 192 credit points in aggregate at 800 and 900 level including: (114) The Doctor of Creative Arts professional doctorate shall comprise a research thesis subject that includes creative work and a written exegesis of 192 credit points in aggregate at 900 level. (115) Joint PhD courses shall comprise a research thesis subject of 192 credit points in aggregate at 900 level. Note that a minimum of 48 credit points of study shall be undertaken at UOW and a minimum of 48 credit points of study shall be undertaken at the partner University. (116) In exceptional circumstances, the HPS may endorse and the Dean of Graduate Research may approve courses variations in which candidates would like to: (117) To qualify for the award of a Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, or Doctor of Science, an applicant shall submit a research thesis that has been examined and satisfactorily completed. The thesis submitted for examination shall consist of three components: (118) Doctor of Laws is awarded to individuals who have completed outstanding work in law. Doctor of Letters is awarded to individuals who have completed outstanding work in humanities, arts, or social sciences. Doctor of Science is awarded to individuals who have completed outstanding work in sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics. (119) To qualify for the award of a Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, or Doctor of Science, the applicant must: (120) To qualify for the award of a Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, or Doctor of Science, the work must be innovative and pioneering. (121) If HDR rules, codes, polices, procedures or guidelines impede the cultural responsibilities or personal needs of HDR First Nations candidates, these candidates, together with their Supervisors, should be granted the right to arrange meetings with the relevant authorities to discuss measures or changes that may resolve this concern. (122) Roles and Responsibilities are as set out in these Rules.HDR Award Rules
Section 1 - Purpose
Section 2 - Application and Scope
Section 3 - Admission
Top of PageSection 4 - Offers
Section 5 - Enrolment
Section 6 - Study Load and Duration
Section 7 - Study Load – International Candidates
Section 8 - Variations to Enrolment
Transfer
Leave of Absence
Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion
Section 9 - Study by Distance
Section 10 - Progress During Candidature
Section 11 - Research Degree Transfers
Top of PageSection 12 - HDR Degree Assessment and Examination
Top of PageSection 13 - Conferral of HDR Degrees and Amendments to Records
Conferral
Amendment to Academic Records
Section 14 - HDR Degrees of the University
Section 15 - Roles and Responsibilities
Section 16 - Definitions
Top of Page
Word/Term
Definition
800 and 900 level subjects
Subjects at postgraduate level.
Academic transcript
An official record of all subjects attempted at this University and the corresponding grades, credit awarded and prizes awarded.
Academic unit
School, Faculty or research centre.
AD-HDR
Associate Dean - Higher Degree Research
Approved or approval
Approval by Council or under authority delegated by Council as stated in the Delegations of Authority Policy.
Assessment
Work which a student is required to complete to provide a basis for an official record of achievement or certification of competence in a subject. This may include summative and/or formative forms of assessment. Examples of assessments include, but are not limited to: examination, test, take-home examination, quiz, assignment, essay, laboratory report, thesis, demonstration, performance, tutorial presentation, class participation, practicum, clinical placement, and work experience.
Candidature
Period of enrolment in a higher degree research award.
Council
The Council of the University of Wollongong.
Course
A program of study consisting of a combination of subjects and other requirements, whether leading to a specific higher education award or not.
Course Handbook
Documents containing information relating to all UOW courses.
Course requirements
Outcomes required before a student can be deemed to have completed a course.
Course structure
Refers to the specific program of subjects which a student undertakes to meet the requirements of a course as specified in the Course Handbook for the year the course was commenced.
Coursework
A method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge that does not include a major research component. (AQF definition 2011).
Credit point (cp)
The value attached to a subject that indicates study load.
Credit transfer
The process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications.
Deferment
The result of a request by an applicant who has met the conditions for entry to the University to postpone the commencement of study to a later session.
Delegated authority
A person given authority to perform a function or task under the Delegations of Authority Policy.
Domestic applicant or student
An Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or holder of an Australian humanitarian visa. For students studying at offshore locations, a domestic student is a person who is a citizen or Permanent Resident of the country in which they are studying.
EFTSL
Equivalent Full Time Study Load.
Examination
A form of assessment which a student is required to complete to measure their knowledge, skills and/or application of knowledge and skills in a subject area. An examination may be administered orally, on paper, on a computer, or in a specified location that requires the student to physically perform a set of skills. Examples of examinations include but are not limited to standard written tests, multiple-choice tests, practical examinations, laboratory tests, quizzes, reviews, on-line examinations, oral examinations and take-home examinations. For the purpose of these Rules, an examination means both a University examination and a faculty examination. For the purposes of these Rules, the definition of examination does not apply to thesis examination.
Exclusion
A course status where a student’s academic progress has been deemed unsatisfactory, or a determination has been made to terminate a student’s registration for a defined period, resulting in the student being required to formally re-apply for admission to the University after the defined period of exclusion.
Exemption
The waiving of the requirement that a subject prescribed for a course be completed satisfactorily.
Expulsion
A determination whereby a student’s registration is terminated permanently. An expelled student shall not be re-admitted except by permission of the University Council.
Full-time student
A student enrolled in at least 75% of the standard load for a session.
Graduate Research
Graduate Research School.
Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS)
Heads of Postgraduate Studies (HPS) oversee management of the HDR candidature of Higher Degree Research (HDR) students within UOW academic units.
Higher Degree Research (HDR)
A Research Doctorate or Research Masters program, for which at least two-thirds of the student load for the program is required as research work.
Host institution
an institution which is not the student’s primary institution, but one where the student is completing studies that will contribute to a qualification awarded by the student’s primary institution.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency. It measures how well a person reads, listens, speaks and writes in English.
In writing
Communication via letter or email.
International applicant or student
A person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent resident status, who is required to hold a visa to be eligible to study in Australia and is liable for international student fees.
For students studying at offshore locations, an international student is a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the country in which they are studying.
Intervention strategy
A systematic plan of action, adapted to assist students on a course status of referral or probation in meeting course progress requirements.
Lapsed
A course status where a student’s enrolment in a course has been discontinued due to the student failing to re-enrol and not obtaining an approved leave of absence.
Leave of absence
A period of approved leave from the University.
Joint PhD degree
A PhD degree awarded by UOW and another higher educational institution, as part of a formal agreement between the two institutions.
Part-time student
A student who is enrolled in less than 75% of the standard load for a session.
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Permanent Incapacity
Postgraduate course
A course leading to the award of a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or doctorate. A postgraduate award usually requires previous completion of a relevant undergraduate (bachelor's) degree or diploma.
Pre-requisite subject
A subject which must be completed satisfactorily before a specified other subject or subjects may be attempted.
Program
The combination of subjects in which a student is enrolled.
Session
A period in which subjects may be offered. Standard sessions are defined as Autumn and Spring.
Standard load
The number of credit points deemed to constitute one standard year of study, specified as 48 credit points (or pro rata as 24 Credit points per standard session). A standard load of 48 credit points is equivalent to an EFTSL of 1.
Student
A person enrolled to study or registered for a course.
Subject
A self-contained unit of study identified by a unique code.
Subject Outline
Refers to a document that highlights all the important information of a subject provided to students at the commencement of the session.
Principal, Co- and Associate Supervisor
The various Supervisor roles and classifications, as defined in the HDR Supervision and Resources Procedures.
Supplementary assessment
An assessment taken by an eligible student as approved by the delegated authority, who has failed a subject and has been granted an opportunity to take an additional assessment to pass the subject in accordance with the Supplementary Assessment Procedure. Supplementary assessment includes in-session or end-of-session examinations and non-examination assessments, and may be administered by the faculty or centrally.
Suspension
A penalty whereby a student is prevented from enrolling for a defined period. The student may apply to be re-admitted at the conclusion of the period of suspension.
TEC
Thesis Examination Committee.
Section 17 - Appendix
View Current
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A student will meet the grounds of permanent incapacity if they have a permanent medical condition (physical or mental) that is supported with documentary evidence from at least 2 medical practitioners, and is to the effect that the medical condition:
- will or is likely to prevent them from ever completing the requirements of the course in which they are enrolled, and;
- will or is likely to prevent them from securing employment in any position for which completion of their course would reasonably make them qualified.
Masters by Research Degrees
Degree Abbreviation
Master of Philosophy
MPhil
Master of Research
MRes
Doctoral Degrees
Degree Abbreviation
Doctor of Philosophy
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
PhD(Int)
Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Degree Abbreviation
Doctor of Creative Arts
DCA
Doctor of Education
DEd
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
PhD(ClinPsyc)
Doctor of Public Health
DPubHlth
Higher Doctoral Degree
Degree Abbreviation
Doctor of Laws
LLD
Doctor of Letters
DLitt
Doctor of Science
DSc