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HDR Academic Progression

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When you enrol in a higher degree research program at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, you must meet key progression milestones that help ensure you stay on track to complete your thesis on time and be awarded your degree. These include:

  • Making sure you enrol in your thesis program each term, either full-time 35 – 40 hours per week, or part-time 15 – 20 hours per week.
  • Successfully complete compulsory coursework as required.
  • Maintain good progress throughout your enrolment and participate in yearly Research Progress Reviews.
  • Submitting your thesis within the maximum time allowed to complete your program (see the program links on this page for these timeframes for each course).
  • Successfully completing the examination process, which includes both written and oral components.

  • ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç recognises that a higher degree research project is a long-term endeavour that you will need to sustain over 3 – 4 years if you’re a PhD candidate, or 1.5 – 2 years if you’re a Masters candidate.

    To support your progression, all higher degree research candidates participate in a Research Progress Review every 12 months. These reviews are with your supervisory team and a panel of experts in your research area. They are designed to help you stay on track, identify any challenges early, and complete your degree on time while making the most of your candidature experience.

    If you enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy or Professional Doctorate program, your first Research Progress Review will be the Confirmation of Candidature. This milestone confirms that your research project is clear, achievable, and makes a valuable contribution to your field. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have the research skills needed to complete your degree. You must pass your Confirmation to continue in your program.

    The Graduate Research School offers a range of resources and support to help enrolled candidates prepare for Research Progress Reviews and Confirmation.

    Already enrolled in a HDR program at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?

    Visit the for further information about your annual Research Progress Review.

  • You must submit a thesis for examination that describes the research you completed during your enrolment and demonstrates your original contribution to knowledge in your field.

    Thesis submission can take place no earlier than three years if you are a PhD candidate, or 1.5 years if you are a Masters candidate.

    Your thesis will be examined by two independent experts in your field who are external to ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. You will also participate in an oral examination, where you will discuss your research and respond to questions from your examiners. The outcome of your examination and the level of any required thesis revisions will be determined as part of this process.

    You will be approved for the award of your degree once the Dean of Graduate Research is satisfied that you have completed any required thesis revisions and met all other requirements of the degree.

    Already enrolled in a HDR program at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?

    Visit the for resources and information to help you prepare for your examination.

    Important things to note:

    • If you do not meet the academic progression requirements, your enrolment may be discontinued.
    • Discontinuation does not prevent you from applying for re-admission to your program.

    Candidates who are discontinued may lodge an appeal based on procedural fairness. This process is outlined in the Complaints Management & Investigations Policy & Procedure