Central Queensland University Handbook

Research Higher Degree Rules

RULES FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

1 SCOPE

These regulations apply to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy offered by Central Queensland University.

2 INTERPRETATION

2.1 In these Rules, unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, the term "the Committee", shall mean the Research Committee of the Academic Board of Central Queensland University.

2.2 A Dean of Faculty is given considerable duties and responsibilities in managing research higher degrees by the Rules. In discharging these duties, the Dean may elect to delegate such responsibility to the Associate Dean (Research) and/or consult with and refer for advice to the supervisors, the candidate, and such other members of the Faculty as appropriate. In addition, the Faculty Research Committee has responsibility to monitor the enrolment and progress of research higher degree candidates and provide advice as appropriate to the Committee.

3 QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION AS A CANDIDATE

3.1 A person may be admitted to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy if the person:

3.1.1 has been awarded a Masters degree either by research or with a substantial element of research work within it, from the University or any other approved institution; or

3.1.2 has qualified for the award of a Bachelors degree in an appropriate discipline with first class or second class honours Division A conferred by the University or any other approved institution; or

3.1.3 has been enrolled for a Masters degree by research at the University for not less than one year as a full-time candidate or 2 years as a part-time candidate, and the Dean of Faculty certifies that the applicant's work as a Masters degree candidate is of such a standard as to justify candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; or

3.1.4 holds, from an institution of tertiary education, qualifications which are deemed by the Committee to be equivalent to those prescribed in 3.1.1, or 3.1.2, above.

4 APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION

4.1 An application for admission to candidature can be made at any time of the year and shall be made in the prescribed manner and shall include details of the proposed field of research to be pursued for the purpose of obtaining the degree, and documentary evidence of relevant qualifications.

4.2 In the program of preparing an application for admission, an applicant is encouraged to consult with the appropriate Faculty to determine eligibility for admission, the proposed area of research, and the availability of supervision.

5 ADMISSION TO CANDIDATURE

5.1 An applicant may be admitted following recommendation through the relevant Dean of Faculty and as approved by the Committee. Admission to candidature shall normally be approved provided that the Committee is satisfied that:

5.1.1 the applicant's qualifications meet the provisions of Section 3;

5.1.2 appropriate supervision, as defined in Section 10, is available;

5.1.3 the applicant's proposed field of research can be supported, with respect to facilities and resources, by the Faculty to which admission is sought; and

5.1.4 a quota place is available.

5.2 The Dean of Faculty may recommend to the Committee that an applicant be granted advanced standing for work done at another institution at the same level of program, or for relevant research expertise. Candidates granted advanced standing must complete a minimum of one year's full-time study or equivalent part-time study as a candidate of the University.

5.3 In approving admission to candidature, and having considered the recommendations of the Faculty concerned, the Committee shall, in a formal Description of Candidature to be provided to the applicant in an offer of admission:

5.3.1 determine the date which shall be deemed the date of commencement of candidacy;

5.3.2 determine the Faculty or Department in which the program will be undertaken;

5.3.3 appoint the supervisor(s);

5.3.4 approve any program of coursework which must be satisfactorily completed prior to submission of the research thesis;

5.3.5 approve any period of advanced standing;

5.3.6 approve the proposed field of research;

5.3.7 determine any special conditions that the candidate may be required to fulfil.

5.4 Candidature shall be deemed to have commenced as at the date prescribed by the Committee and as confirmed by the candidate when accepting the offer of admission.

6 ENROLMENT

6.1 A commencing candidate shall enrol within 28 days of commencement of candidature.

6.2 A continuing candidate shall be required to re-enrol at the commencement of each year.

6.3 In the event that an examined thesis must be resubmitted as in paragraph 13.7.4, the candidate shall be required to re-enrol for a prescribed period which shall not exceed twelve months.

7 STATUS OF CANDIDATURE

7.1 A candidate may be accepted as a full-time candidate or as a part-time candidate. The proposed program of study may be undertaken in either the Internal or off-campus modes. Permission to enrol as an off-campus candidate shall only be granted where:

7.1.1 a clear project definition, including a timescale and schedule for regular progress reports, can be determined;

7.1.2 appropriate supervision can be arranged;

7.1.3 access can be guaranteed to laboratories, equipment, research literature and resource materials as necessary for the successful completion of the research; and

7.14 the candidate agrees to attend the University for such periods and purposes connected with the candidacy as specified in Section 9.

7.2 A candidate may transfer from one classification to another on such terms as the Committee may approve.

7.3 Admission to candidature shall normally be for a provisional period which ordinarily shall not exceed twelve months. In the case of a candidate who is admitted on the basis of previous studies and/or work experience and who has provided the Committee with a detailed program of research and study, the Committee may waive the requirement of provisional candidature.

7.4 Within the first 12 months of full-time candidature (24 months for part-time), the candidate shall develop, in consultation with the supervisors, a detailed program of research and study which defines aims and objectives, methodology, facilities and resources required, and a time schedule for completion. The program shall report on work undertaken to date and elaborate upon the broad outline of the research proposal submitted prior to significant departure from the original proposal. In addition, the program shall contain a provisional title for the thesis and, as necessary, certification of ethical clearance for any research involving human and/or animal subjects. (Such clearance shall be obtained from a panel constituted in accord with recognised codes and guidelines). The recommendation to the Committee, for confirmation of candidature, should be completed within 18 months from the date of commencement of full-time candidature (36 months for part-time).

7.5 The Dean of Faculty shall review the candidate's progress and the detailed program and provide the Committee, by the conclusion of the period of provisional candidature, with a recommendation for confirmation of candidature consisting of:

7.5.1 an appraisal of the candidate's progress and ability to proceed with the proposed research program;

7.5.2 the detailed program of research and study; and

7.5.3 statements of whether the program continues to be within the aims, objectives and resources of the Faculty or Research Centre.

7.6 Where the program of research and study has an attendant statement of agreement with respect to the disbursement of intellectual property rights, the Dean shall provide such additional comment as deemed appropriate and refer the matter to the Committee for its consideration.

7.7 The Committee, having given consideration to the Dean's recommendation and the candidate's progress, may require changes to the program of research and study, confirm the candidature, terminate the candidature, or take such other action as is deemed appropriate.

7.8 Where it is determined that a provisional candidature shall be terminated, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken.

8 PROGRAM OF STUDY

8.1 On admission to candidature, the candidate shall, in not less than 2 years, nor more than 4 years (or the equivalent for a part-time candidate), pursue a supervised program of advanced research and study, as approved by the Committee, leading to the submission of a thesis.

8.2 In special cases, and as requested by the candidate, the Committee, on the advice of the principal supervisor, may grant leave of absence from the program of research and study for a period of not less than one month and not exceeding twelve months. The period of such leave shall not be counted as part of the prescribed period of candidature. A candidate resuming after such leave of absence, shall be enrolled for not less than one half year before being permitted to submit a thesis.

Where a request from the candidate for leave of absence is not granted, the candidate may continue with candidature, withdraw from the candidature, or appeal the decision through the Appeals Committee of Academic Board

8.3 In the program of the approved program of research and study, a candidate shall be required to:

8.3.1 attend the University for consultation and other purposes as deemed necessary (refer to Section 9);

8.3.2 participate in lectures and seminars and perform such practical work as prescribed by the Committee; and

8.3.3 present at an appropriate scholarly or professional venue, a seminar in the approved area of research; such presentation being an unassessed component of the candidature.

8.4 Where, at any stage during the program of study, the candidate wishes to change the focus of the research such that it represents a significant departure from the approved program of research and study, the candidate shall be required to submit a revised program as prescribed in paragraph 7.4 The requisite program shall be submitted through the principal supervisor to the Dean of Faculty, who shall make such comments as deemed appropriate, and refer the matter to the Committee for consideration.

8.5 The thesis shall normally be submitted within the prescribed period of candidature. A candidate may apply to the Committee, through the principal supervisor, for an extension of the period of candidature. Such extension shall normally be granted only where the Committee is satisfied that the program of research has been prolonged owing to circumstances beyond the candidate' s control. An extension beyond a twelve (12) month period (2 years for part-time) shall not normally be granted.

9 ATTENDANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY

9.1 The University encourages students to attend its campuses and to be part of the University community. However, it recognises that what might be appropriate attendance for the study program or research activities for one candidate, might be inappropriate for another.

9.2 In the program of the development of the program of research and study, supervisors and candidates should consult on the candidate's proposed attendance on campus during the doctoral program. The proposed attendance should form part of the research proposal mutually agreed by the candidate and supervisor, supported by the Dean and approved by the Committee.

9.3 The University reserves the right to vary the agreed arrangements to require the student to attend on-campus for such period as the Committee determines if such attendance is felt to be necessary for the successful pursuit of the study program. Such variations will be discussed initially with the candidate's supervisor; and the Dean.

10 SUPERVISION

10.1 A candidate undertaking a higher degree by research shall have a principal supervisor and at least one other supervisor. The principal supervisor shall be a member of the staff of the University. An associate supervisor or a co-supervisor may be a member of the staff of the University or may be a discipline expert from outside the University.

10.2 The Dean of the relevant Faculty shall recommend supervisors for appointment by the Committee.

10.3 The principal supervisor of a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall normally be required to:

10.3.1 hold, as a minimum academic requirement, a Doctor of Philosophy degree or have other equivalent research experience;

10.3.2 have experience in the supervision of research at higher degree level;

10.3.3 have relevant knowledge and experience in the topic area nominated by the doctoral candidate;

10.3.4 have sufficient time and access to adequate resources, taking account of total workload including the supervision of other higher degree candidates.

10.4 An associate supervisor of a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall normally be required to:

10.4.1 have relevant knowledge and experience in the topic area nominated by the doctoral candidate;

10.4.2 liaise with the principal supervisor to provide additional supervisory support.

10.5 A co-supervisor of a candidate shall normally be required to:

10.5.1 fulfill all of the requirements of a principal supervisor listed in 10.3;

10.5.2 share supervisory tasks jointly with the principal supervisor.

10.6 A candidate shall consult the supervisors regularly during the program of developing and undertaking the prescribed program of research and during preparation of the thesis, and shall, as the supervisors may require, submit drafts of the thesis for advice and comment prior to its submission for examination.

10.7 The Committee shall, from time to time, provide advice for the guidance of supervisors.

10.8 It is acknowledged that the occasion may arise where it is necessary to make a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.1 The Dean of Faculty may, at any time, on the request of the supervisor(s) or of the candidate, recommend to the Committee a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.2 Where, after consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, a candidate remains dissatisfied with the supervision, the candidate may apply to the Committee for a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.3 After candidature has commenced, the University shall not terminate a candidature because of inability to provide a supervisor.

10.8.4 If a principal supervisor is absent for an extended period of time, a co-supervisor or an associate supervisor who is a member of the staff of the University may be appointed as a pro-term supervisor.

11 PROGRESS REPORTS

11.1 On receipt of a documented request from the Committee, the candidate shall submit to the principal supervisor, half-yearly progress reports no later than 30 April and 30 September each year. The principal supervisor shall endorse the candidate's report and make any additional comments for the attention of the Dean of Faculty who shall make recommendations to the Committee with respect to continuation of candidature.

11.2 Where, following consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has failed to:

11.2.1 make satisfactory academic progress in the work; or

11.2.2 furnish any report as required by these Rules; or

11.2.3 failed to meet those conditions of candidature imposed by the Committee; then the candidature may be terminated.

11.3 As a matter of normal practice, a candidature shall not be terminated on the basis of unsatisfactory progress unless the Committee is satisfied that a reasonable attempt has been made to ensure that the candidate has been:

11.3.1 clearly warned of shortcomings in research performance;

11.3.2 advised of means of overcoming these shortcomings and of obtaining a satisfactory standard of performance in the research; and

11.3.3 provided the opportunity to take action as directed.

12 SUBMISSION OF THESIS

12.1 The candidate shall give notice, through the principal supervisor, of the intention to submit a thesis no less than twelve (12) weeks prior to the proposed date of submission. Such notice shall include the full title of the thesis.

12.1.1 The principal supervisor shall certify on the notice of intention to submit a thesis, that the candidate has completed all studies prescribed for the degree and will be able to submit the thesis in a form suitable for examination by the indicated date. Such certification is not intended to pre-empt the decision of the examiners and does not hold the supervisor responsible for any deficiencies in the thesis as perceived by the examiners.

12.1.2 The Dean of Faculty shall endorse the notice as evidence of receipt of information of the candidate's intention to submit.

12.1.3 Where, following consultation with the other supervisor(s), the principal supervisor has any doubt as to whether the candidate is ready to submit the thesis, the supervisor is not required to endorse the notice. The principal supervisor is required, however, to advise the candidate and the Committee of the reasons why support has not been forthcoming.

12.1.4 Where the principal supervisor refuses to endorse the notice for reasons other than failure to complete prescribed studies, the candidate may appeal to the Committee, through the Dean of Faculty, to submit the thesis for examination.

12.2 The candidate shall ensure that the University's "Requirements for the Presentation of Research Theses" as promulgated by the Committee, have been met.

12.2.1 The principal supervisor shall read the thesis and certify that the standard of presentation satisfies the requirements of the University and that the thesis is in a form acceptable for examination.

12.2.2 Where the principal supervisor is unable or unwilling to provide such endorsement, it is expected that the candidate will be advised of the necessary corrective action.

12.2.3 In cases where the principal supervisor is unable or unwilling to sign the certificate, the Dean of Faculty will make further enquiries and report to the Committee. The Committee may decide to accept the thesis for examination or refer it back to the candidate for action as directed.

12.3 The candidate is required to submit the thesis and requisite copies to the Research Services Office by the indicated date.

12.4 The thesis shall be a coherent exposition of the research study and follow an ordered sequence in which the research objectives, methodology and strategies employed, and the results obtained, are identified. The main text shall include a critique of the conclusions or results arrived at.

12.5 The thesis shall not include, in the main text, work submitted for another degree at the University or another tertiary institution. The thesis shall be prefaced by a declaration by the candidate that this condition is satisfied and that the main text of the thesis is an original work by the candidate.

12.6 In the event that an examined thesis is required to be amended or substantially revised, such amendment and/or revision will be conducted within a prescribed time which shall not exceed twelve months.

12.7 The University requires that examined theses are deposited in the University Library and that theses shall be generally available for the purposes of research and private study. It is acknowledged, however, that certain research projects may involve the use or production of information which is confidential in nature.

12.8 Where an entire thesis or parts thereof contain(s) confidential information which cannot be made freely available, the candidate may apply, at the time of submission for examination, to the Committee for approval to restrict access to the Library copy of the thesis.

12.9 Notwithstanding Section 14 below, restricted access shall normally be granted for a period of twelve months in the first instance. An extension beyond this period shall be at the discretion of the Committee.

13 EXAMINATION

13.1 Upon notification that the candidate is about to submit a thesis, the Committee shall appoint, after consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, at least three examiners of the thesis. At least two of the examiners shall be external to the University. The candidate's supervisor(s) shall not be appointed as an examiner.

13.2 Candidates may nominate to the Dean of Faculty, the names of any person who they consider should not be appointed as an examiner. Candidates must provide reasons for the objections in writing.

13.3 The examiners and a Chair of Examiners shall constitute the Examination Panel. The Chair of Examiners is a full-time member of the University's academic or research staff and is appointed with regard to their general knowledge of standards in respect of doctoral research and the University's policies and procedures for the examination of theses.

13.4 Each examiner, although at liberty to consult with other examiners, shall submit an independent report and recommendation on the approved form. An examiner may request the Committee Chair to question the candidate on any aspect of the work, in which case a copy of the question and the answer shall be sent to the other examiner(s) by the Research Higher Degrees Officer. Examiners' reports shall remain confidential until a recommendation is made by the Committee. After such time, candidates shall receive complete copies of the examiners reports. Examiners may request that their identities remain confidential.

13.5 Examiners may require the candidate to undertake such oral, written or practical examinations as deemed appropriate.

13.6 A thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is expected to demonstrate the candidate's:

13.6.1 knowledge of the research topic and the discipline(s) it embraces;

13.6.2 capacity for clear, methodical thinking;

13.6.3 mastery of analytical techniques appropriate to the research;

13.6.4 ability to present the results of the research in a succinct and cogent form, with suitable illustration; and

13.6.5 significant original contribution to knowledge of a subject area usually shown by the discovery of new facts, and/or by the exercise of independent critical thinking.

13.7 An examiner's report shall conclude with one of the following recommendations:

13.7.1 that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.2 that, provided the listed textual errors are corrected to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.3 that, provided the nominated passages are revised to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.4 that, although the thesis does not meet the standard expected for the degree, the candidate be required to carry out additional work as directed and resubmit the thesis for re-examination;

13.7.5 that the thesis be rejected and that the degree not be awarded.

13.8 Where, following consideration of the reports of the Examination Panel, it is determined that the thesis does not meet the standard expected for the degree, but the Committee is satisfied that the research is of suitable merit, the Committee may recommend that the appropriate Masters' degree be awarded. The award of the Masters' degree is subject to the acceptance of that degree by the candidate and such conditions as specified by the Committee.

13.9 A candidate who has revised a thesis in terms of paragraph 13.7.4 and who fails the re-examination, shall not be eligible for any further examination.

13.10 The Chair of Examiners shall consider the recommendations of the examiners and shall submit a report to the Committee on the results of the examination. Such reports will include the text of the examiners' reports on the thesis, and any additional assessment the candidate has been required to undergo, any comments from the supervisor(s), and the recommendation of the Chair of Examiners.

13.11 The Committee may accept the recommendation contained in the report of the Chair of Examiners or refer the report back to the Examination Panel for further consideration.

14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

14.1 Where research projects are conducted in cooperation with, or under the sponsorship of industry, or where the intellectual property may have commercial significance, the University requires that negotiations with respect to the ownership of any intellectual property arising from or associated with the research project, be formalised prior to the confirmation of candidature.

14.2 In the event that details of any intellectual property or process improvement is contained within a thesis, and where the candidate does not seek to restrict public access to that thesis as pursuant to Clause 12.8, the principal supervisor may seek to protect the interests of the University and/or sponsor and apply through the Committee for such restriction to be approved.

14.3 In the event that a doctoral thesis contains sensitive or potentially patentable research results, the University shall ensure that examiners sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement prior to examining the thesis. The University shall take whatever other action is necessary to protect patentable material contained in theses in a way which will not introduce undue delay in the awarding of the degree.

14.4 In all other cases, and consistent with University Guidelines on Intellectual Property (especially relating to patents, royalties and proprietary information which are still being formulated), the candidate shall normally hold copyright of any intellectual property associated with or arising from their research project.

15 EMPLOYMENT

15.1 A full-time candidate who is not a scholarship holder may undertake paid employment if the Dean of Faculty concerned, after consulting the candidate's supervisor(s), is satisfied that the candidate's progress will not be impeded by the amount of work undertaken.

15.2 The maximum amount of employment that could be undertaken by the holder of a scholarship or like award, will be as prescribed by the granting agency in its conditions of award.

16 AWARD OF THE DEGREE

16.1 The Committee shall determine whether or not the candidate has satisfied the requirements for the degree and recommend its award to the Academic Board

16.2 The award shall be conferred by the Council of Central Queensland University.

17 APPEAL PROCEDURE

17.1 A candidate who has reasonable grounds for dissatisfaction with any formal decision made with respect to the candidature and/or the examination and assessment of the thesis, may appeal, in writing, to the Appeals Committee of the Academic Board. An appeal shall be received by the Vice-President (Administration) normally within one month of formal notification of the decision.

RULES FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION

1 SCOPE

These regulations apply to the Degree of Doctor of Education offered by Central Queensland University.

2 INTERPRETATION

2.1 Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, the term "the Committee" shall mean the University Research Committee which is a sub-Committee of Academic Board of Central Queensland University.

2.2 Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, the term "the Dean" shall mean the Dean of the Faculty of Education & Creative Arts and "the Faculty" shall mean the Faculty of Education & Creative Arts.

2.3 The Dean of the Faculty has considerable duties and responsibilities as specified in these rules in managing the Doctor of Education program. In discharging these duties, the Dean may elect to delegate such duties and responsibilities to the Associate Dean (Research.) The Dean and/or Associate Dean (Research) may consult with and refer for advice to such persons as they deem fit including the supervisor(s), the candidate, and such other members of Faculty as appropriate. In addition, the Faculty Research & Postgraduate Committee has responsibility to monitor the enrolment and progress of research higher degree candidates and provide advice as appropriate to the Dean.

2.4 The responsibility for governance of the candidature shall be shared between the Faculty and the Committee. Notwithstanding the Committee's responsibilities in respect of admission, candidacy and the examination of theses, the Faculty shall manage the advanced research tasks and research proposal components of the degree and advise the Committee on progress of each candidate. The Faculty shall be responsible for the award of grades (refer to Section 8.4) for advanced research tasks and the provision of timely advice in respect of the candidate's progression to the thesis component of the degree.

3 ADMISSION

An applicant may be permitted to enrol for the degree if the applicant:

3.1 has not less than five years of professional experience in education;

3.2 has fulfilled such other requirements as the Committee may determine from time to time; and

3.3 has qualified for the degree of Master of Education, Master of Education Studies, Master of School Management, Master of Education (Professional) or Bachelor of Education with a minimum of Honours IIA at Central Queensland University; or

3.4 has such other qualifications and experience as are considered by the Committee to be equivalent to or an adequate substitute for any of the qualifications listed as in 3.3 above.

4 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

4.2 In the course of preparing an application for admission, an applicant is encouraged to consult with appropriate Faculty staff to determine eligibility for admission, the proposed area of research, and the availability of supervision.

5 ADMISSION TO CANDIDATURE

5.1 The Committee may approve an application for admission provided the Dean has certified that:

5.1.1 the applicant has satisfied the provisions contained in Rule 3;

5.1.2 appropriate supervision as defined in Rule 11 is available;

5.1.3 the applicant's proposed topic of research can be supported, with respect to facilities and resources, by the Faculty and, where appropriate, a co-operating institution; and

5.1.4 a quota place is available.

5.2 In approving admission to candidature, and having considered the recommendations of the Dean, the Committee shall:

5.2.1 determine the date which shall be deemed the date of commencement

5.2.2 determine the status of the candidature as defined in rule 7.

6 ENROLMENT

6.1 A commencing candidate shall enrol within 28 days of receipt of letter of offer.

6.2 A continuing candidate shall be required to re-enrol at the commencement of each year.

6.3 In the event that an examined thesis must be resubmitted as in 14.7.4, the candidate shall be required to re-enrol for a prescribed period which shall not exceed twelve (12) months

7 STATUS OF CANDIDATURE

7.1 An applicant may be accepted as a full-time candidate or as a part-time candidate. The proposed program of research may be undertaken in either the internal or off-campus (external) modes. Permission to enrol as an off-campus (external) candidate shall only be granted by the Committee where:

7.1.1 a clear project definition, including a timeline and schedule for the program of advanced research tasks and preparation of the research proposal can be determined;

7.1.2 appropriate supervision can be arranged;

7.1.3 access can be guaranteed to equipment, research literature and resource materials as necessary for the successful completion of the research; and

7.1.4 the candidate agrees to attend the University for such periods and purposes connected with the candidature as prescribed in Rule 10.

7.2 A candidate may transfer from one mode to another on such terms as the Committee may approve.

7.3 A candidate must pass each of the advanced research tasks and the research proposal before progressing onto the thesis component of the degree.

7.4 Candidature shall be terminated on the date of submission of the thesis for examination.

8 COURSE OF STUDY

8.1 On admission to candidature, the candidate shall, in not less than two years, or more than four years (or the equivalent for a part-time candidate), pursue a supervised program of study and research, as approved by the Committee, leading to the submission of a portfolio of written work, incorporating the advanced research tasks and the research proposal and a thesis.

8.2 The course of study shall consist of:

8.2.1 Four (4) advanced research tasks prescribed by the Faculty and as approved by the Committee; and

8.2.2 A written research proposal which shall be defended at an oral examination (colloquium); and, on confirmation of candidature;

8.2.3 A thesis component approved by the Committee.

8.3 In accordance with Central Queensland University policy, students are to apply to the Human Ethics Research Review Panel through Research Services Office before conducting any research involving human subjects. Approval in writing must be granted by the Human Ethics Research Review Panel prior to commencing any research involving human subjects.

8.4 Advanced Research Tasks

8.4.1 A candidate shall, unless otherwise exempted by the Committee, complete and pass four advanced research tasks, and such other courses as may be prescribed by the Committee.

8.4.2 The assessment of each prescribed task shall comprise such combination of work, assignments, tests and formal examinations as may be determined by the Dean in consultation with the pro-tem supervisor and such other members of Faculty as deemed appropriate.

8.4.3 All advanced research tasks shall be graded as pass/fail, and a candidate must maintain a satisfactory level of achievement in all advanced research tasks for candidature to continue.

8.4.4 The Dean or Associate Dean (Research) shall report to the Committee and to the Faculty Research & Postgraduate Committee on the candidate's performance in the advanced research tasks and make recommendation on whether the candidature is to continue.

8.4.5 Satisfactory progression through the advanced research tasks shall culminate in a portfolio of written work approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words in length.

8.4.6 In the case where the candidate does not show satisfactory progress in the advanced research tasks, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to show cause why termination of their candidature should not occur.

8.5 The Research Proposal

8.5.1 The research proposal may not be submitted for examination until the four advanced research tasks are complete.

8.5.2 A candidate shall prepare under supervision, a research proposal of not less than 10,000 words which shall include a statement of the problem to be investigated; a summary review of the relevant literature; a justification of the proposed research methodology; and a plan outlining the proposed schedule of research. The proposal may contain elements that are revised and edited products of work undertaken in the advanced research tasks. In addition, the proposal shall contain a provisional title for the thesis, and as necessary, certification of ethical clearance for any research involving human subjects. (Such clearance shall be obtained from an Ethics Panel constituted in accord with recognised codes and guidelines).

8.5.3 The candidate shall defend the research proposal by way of a Colloquium, made up of a presentation at a Faculty Research Seminar and an oral defence to the Doctor of Education Panel (hereafter referred to as the Panel) constituted for the purpose of examination.

8.5.3.1 The Panel shall be appointed by the Dean who will have sought the advice of the pro-tem supervisor

8.5.3.2 The Panel, through its Chair, will advise the Dean according to one of the following five categories of result: • the proposal be accepted and the candidate be recommended to proceed to conduct the proposed research;• the proposal be accepted providing minor textual amendments are made and confirmed by the pro-tem supervisor;• the proposal be accepted with revisions, as specified and confirmed by the Chair of the Panel; • the proposal be resubmitted for examination with major revisions, as specified; • the proposal not be accepted and that the candidature be terminated.

8.5.3.3 The formal recommendation from the Dean to the Committee to proceed to the thesis component or for candidature to be terminated shall consist of:(i) a report from the Panel which shall include a report of the candidate's progress and an assessment of the ability of the candidate to proceed with the proposed program of research; (ii) a copy of the examined research proposal; and(iii) unless termination is recommended, the nomination of a principal supervisor and associate supervisor who shall guide the candidate through the thesis component.

8.5.3.4 The Committee, having given consideration to the recommendation of the Panel and the candidate's progress, may approve progression to the thesis component, terminate the candidature, or take such other action as deemed appropriate.

8.5.3.5 In approving progression to the thesis component and having considered the recommendation of the Panel, the Committee, in a formal Description of Candidature, shall:(i) approve the topic of research;(ii) appoint the supervisors; (iii) determine any special conditions that the candidate may be required to fulfil.

8.5.3.6 Where it is determined that a candidate shall not progress to the thesis component, the candidate shall be given the opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken.

8.5.3.7 A candidate who is not permitted to progress to the thesis component may negotiate credit for successfully completed tasks towards one of the Masters degrees of the Faculty.

8.6 The Thesis Component

8.6.1 A candidate shall not commence the thesis component until the Committee is satisfied that the program of advanced research tasks have been completed successfully, and that the research proposal has been defended satisfactorily before the Doctor of Education Panel.

8.6.2 A candidate shall prepare under supervision a thesis based on the research proposal. The thesis shall constitute a substantial investigation into a selected aspect of professional educational practice and be approximately 50,000 words in length.

9 LEAVE OF ABSENCE & EXTENSIONS OF CANDIDATURE

9.1 In special cases, the Committee on the advice of the Dean, who will have sought the opinion of the pro-tem or principal supervisor as necessary, may grant leave of absence from the program of advanced study and research for a period of not less than one month and not exceeding twelve months. The period of such leave shall not be counted as part of the prescribed period of candidature.

9.2 The thesis shall normally be submitted within the prescribed period of candidature. A candidate may apply to the Committee, through the principal supervisor and the Dean, for an extension of the period of candidature. Such extension shall normally be granted only where the Committee is satisfied that the program of research has been prolonged owing to circumstances beyond the candidate's control. An extension beyond a twelve month period (2 years for part-time) shall not normally be granted.

10 ATTENDANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY

The University encourages candidates to attend its campuses and to participate in the University research community.

10.1 Normally, part-time external candidates will be expected to attend on campus and meet with their supervisor for at least one week per year of enrolment.

10.2 Normally, candidates are required to attend in person to present their research proposal for examination.

10.3 Prior to progression to the thesis component, supervisors and candidate should consult on the candidate's proposed attendance on campus for that component. The proposed attendance should form part of the recommendation for progression to the thesis component mutually agreed by the candidate and supervisors, recommended by the Dean and approved by the Committee.

10.4 The University reserves the right to vary the agreed attendance arrangements to require the candidate to attend on-campus for such period as the Committee determines, if such attendance is felt to be necessary for the successful pursuit of the program of advanced study and research. Such variations will be discussed initially with the candidate's supervisor and the Dean.

11 SUPERVISION

11.1 The Committee, having considered the advice of the Dean, shall appoint a pro-tem supervisor who shall be responsible for providing the Dean with regular reports on the candidate's progress through the advanced research tasks and the preparation of the research proposal. In addition, the Dean may appoint such other supervisors as deemed appropriate to guide the candidate through these periods.

11.2 For the thesis component of the program, each candidate shall have a principal supervisor and at least one other supervisor as appointed by the Committee. The principal supervisor shall be a member of the staff of the University and shall be responsible for the day-to-day management and direction of the research component of the candidate's program. The pro-tem supervisor may be appointed to act in this capacity. An associate supervisor or a co-supervisor may be a member of the staff of the University or may be a discipline expert from outside the University.

11.3 The Dean shall recommend supervisors for appointment by the Committee.

11.4 The principal supervisor of a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Education shall normally be required to:

11.4.1 hold, as a minimum academic requirement, a Doctor of Philosophy or equivalent degree or have other equivalent research experience;

11.4.2 have experience in the supervision of research at higher degree level;

11.4.3 have relevant knowledge and experience in the topic area nominated by the doctoral candidate;

11.4.4 have sufficient time and access to adequate resources, taking account of total workload including the supervision of other higher degree candidates.

11.5 An associate supervisor of a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Education shall normally be required to:

11.5.1 have relevant knowledge and experience in the topic area nominated by the doctoral candidate;

11.5.2 liaise with the principal supervisor to provide additional supervisory support.

11.6 A co-supervisor of a candidate shall normally be required to:

11.6.1 fulfil all of the requirements of a principal supervisor listed in 11.4;

11.6.2 share supervisory work jointly with the principal supervisor.

11.7 A candidate shall consult the supervisors regularly during the course of developing and undertaking the prescribed program of research and during preparation of the thesis, and shall, as the supervisors may require, submit drafts of the thesis for advice and comment prior to its submission for examination.

11.8 The Committee shall, from time to time, provide advice for the guidance of supervisors.

11.9 It is acknowledged that the occasion may arise where it is necessary to make a change of supervisors.

11.9.1 The Dean of the Faculty may, at any time, on the request of the supervisors or of the candidate, recommend to the Committee a change of supervisor(s).

11.9.2 After candidature has commenced, the University shall not terminate a candidature because of inability to provide a supervisor.

11.9.3 If a principal supervisor is absent for an extended period of time, a co-supervisor or an associate supervisor who is a member of the staff of the University may be appointed as an acting supervisor.

12 PROGRESS REPORTS

12.1 On receipt of a documented request from the Committee, the candidate shall submit to the pro-tem/principal supervisor, half-yearly progress reports. The principal supervisor shall endorse the candidate's report and make any additional comments for the attention of the Dean who shall make recommendations to the Committee with respect to continuation of candidature.

12.2 Where, following consultation with the Dean, the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has failed to:

12.2.1 make satisfactory progress in the work; or

12.2.2 furnish any report as required by these Rules; or

12.2.3 failed to meet those conditions of candidature required by the Committee; then the candidature may be terminated.

12.3 As a matter of normal practice, a candidature shall not be terminated on the basis of unsatisfactory progress unless the Committee is satisfied that a reasonable attempt has been made to ensure that the candidate has been:

12.3.1 advised of shortcomings in research performance;

12.3.2 advised of means of overcoming these shortcomings and of obtaining a satisfactory standard of performance in the research; and

12.3.3 provided the opportunity to take action as directed.

13 SUBMISSION OF THESIS

13.1 The candidate shall give notice, through the principal supervisor, of intention to submit a thesis no less than twelve (12) weeks prior to the proposed date of submission.

13.1.1 The principal supervisor shall certify on the notice of intention to submit a thesis, that the candidate has completed all studies prescribed for the degree and will be able to submit the thesis in a form suitable for examination by the indicated date. Such certification is not intended to pre-empt the decision of the examiners and does not hold the supervisor responsible for any deficiencies in the thesis as may be perceived by the examiners.

13.1.2 The Dean of the Faculty shall endorse the notice as evidence of receipt of information of the candidate's intention to submit.

13.1.3 Where, following consultation with the other supervisors, the principal supervisor has any doubt as to whether the candidate is ready to submit the thesis, the supervisor is not required to endorse the notice. The principal supervisor is required, however, to advise the candidate and the Committee of the reasons why support has not been given.

13.1.4 Where the principal supervisor refuses to endorse the notice of intention to submit, the candidate may appeal to the Committee, through the Dean of the Faculty, to submit the thesis for examination.

13.2 The candidate shall ensure that the University's "Requirements for the Presentation of Research Theses" as promulgated by the Committee, have been met.

13.2.1 The principal supervisor shall read the thesis and certify that the standard of presentation satisfies the requirements of the University and that the thesis is in a form acceptable for examination.

13.2.2 Where the principal supervisor is unable or unwilling to provide such endorsement, it is expected that the candidate will be advised of the necessary corrective action.

13.2.3 In cases where the principal supervisor is unable or unwilling to sign the certificate, the Dean of the Faculty will make further enquiries and report to the Board. The Committee may decide to accept the thesis for examination or refer it back to the candidate for action as directed.

13.3 The candidate is required to submit the thesis and requisite copies to the Research Services Office by the indicated date.

13.4 The thesis shall be a coherent exposition of the research study and follow an ordered sequence in which the research objectives, methodology and strategies employed, and the results obtained, are identified. The main text shall include a critique of the conclusions or results arrived at.

13.5 The thesis shall not include, in the main text, work submitted for another degree at the University or another tertiary institution. The thesis shall be prefaced by a declaration by the candidate that this condition is satisfied and that the main text of the thesis is an original work by the candidate.

13.6 In the event that an examined thesis is required to be amended or substantially revised, such amendment and/or revision will be conducted within a prescribed time which shall not exceed twelve months.

13.7 The University requires that examined theses are deposited in the University Library and that theses shall be generally available for the purposes of research and private study. It is acknowledged, however, that certain research projects may involve the use or production of information which is confidential in nature.

13.8 Where an entire thesis or parts thereof contain(s) confidential information which cannot be made freely available, the candidate may apply to the Committee for approval to restrict access to the Library copy of the thesis, at the time of submission for examination.

13.9 Notwithstanding Section 16 below, restricted access shall normally be granted for a period of twelve months in the first instance. An extension beyond this period shall be at the discretion of the Committee.

13.10 In addition to the prescribed thesis, a candidate shall be required to submit as a separate volume, a portfolio of written work comprising all prescribed work assessed during the candidate's progression through the program of advanced research tasks and preparation of the research proposal. The portfolio will not be sent with the thesis for examination.

14 EXAMINATION OF THESIS

14.1 Upon notification that the candidate is about to submit a thesis, the Committee shall appoint, after consultation with the Dean (who will have sought the advice of the principal supervisor and such other members of Faculty as deemed appropriate), at least two examiners of the thesis. At least one of the examiners shall be external to the University. The candidate's supervisors shall not be appointed as an examiner.

14.2 Candidates may nominate to the Dean of the Faculty of Education & Creative Arts, the names of any person who they consider should not be appointed as an examiner. Candidates must provide reasons for the objections in writing.

14.3 The examiners and a Chair of Examiners shall constitute the Examination Panel. The Chair of Examiners is a full-time member of the University's academic or research staff and is appointed with regard to their general knowledge of standards in respect of doctoral research and the University's policies and procedures for the examination of theses.

14.4 Each examiner, although at liberty to consult with other examiners, shall submit an independent report and recommendation on the approved form. An examiner may request the Committee Chair to question the candidate on any aspect of the work, in which case a copy of the question and the answer shall be sent to the other examiners by the Committee Secretary. Examiners' reports shall remain confidential until a recommendation is made by the Committee. After such time, candidates shall receive complete copies of the examiners' reports. Examiners may request that their identities remain confidential.

14.5 A thesis for the degree is expected to demonstrate the candidate's:

14.5.1 knowledge of the research topic and the discipline(s) it embraces;

14.5.2 capacity for clear, methodical thinking;

14.5.3 mastery of analytical techniques appropriate to the research;

14.5.4 ability to present the results of the research in a succinct and cogent form, with suitable illustration;

14.5.5 original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

14.6 An examiner's report shall conclude with one of the following recommendations:

14.6.1 that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

14.6.2 that, provided specified textual errors are corrected to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

14.6.3 that, provided nominated passages are revised to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

14.6.4 that, the thesis does not meet the standard expected for the degree, and the candidate be required to carry out additional work as directed and resubmit the thesis for re-examination;

14.6.5 that the thesis be rejected and that the degree not be awarded.

14.7 Where, following consideration of the reports of the Examination Panel, it is determined that the thesis does not meet the standard expected for the degree, but the Committee is satisfied that the research is of suitable merit, the Committee may recommend that the candidate negotiate with the Faculty for credit towards one of the Masters degrees offered by the Faculty.

14.8 A candidate who has revised a thesis in terms of paragraph 14.6.4 and whose thesis fails re-examination, shall not be eligible to resubmit the thesis for any further examination.

14.9 The Chair of Examiners shall consider the recommendations of the examiners and shall submit a report to the Committee on the results of the examination. Such reports will include the text of the examiners' reports on the thesis, and any additional assessment the candidate has been required to undergo, any comments from the supervisors, and the recommendation of the Chair of Examiners.

14.10 The Committee may accept the recommendation contained in the report of the Chair Examiners or refer the report back to the Examination Panel for further consideration.

15 FINAL ASSESSMENT

15.1 Where the Committee concludes:

15.1.1 on the advice of the Dean that the candidate has obtained a satisfactory level of achievement in the program of advanced research tasks; and

15.1.2 on the basis of the recommendation of the Panel that the candidate's presentation and oral defence of the research proposal was satisfactory; and

15.1.3 after considering the report of the Chair of Examiners that the candidate's thesis is appropriate for the award of the degree;

15.1 it shall recommend that the degree be awarded

15.2 Where the Committee concludes on the basis of considerations referred to in the preceding paragraph, that the candidate's performance in any component of the course was not satisfactory, it may determine:

15.2.1 that the degree should not be awarded; or

15.2.2 recommend such further examinations or such other action as deemed appropriate.

15.3 The Committee shall notify the Dean and Chair of the Faculty Research & Postgraduate Committee of its determination(s).

16 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

16.1 Where research projects are conducted in cooperation with, or under the sponsorship of industry, or where the intellectual property may have commercial significance, the University requires that negotiations with respect to the ownership of any intellectual property arising from or associated with the research project, be formalised prior to the confirmation of candidature.

16.2 In the event that details of any intellectual property or process improvement is contained within a thesis, and where the candidate does not seek to restrict public access to that thesis as pursuant to Clause 13.8, the principal supervisor may seek to protect the interests of the University and/or sponsor and apply through the Board for such restriction to be approved.

16.3 In the event that a doctoral thesis contains sensitive or potentially patentable research results, the University shall ensure that examiners sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement prior to examining the thesis. The University shall take whatever other action is necessary to protect patentable material contained in theses in a way, which will not introduce undue delay in the awarding of the degree.

16.4 In all other cases, and consistent with University Guidelines on Intellectual Property (especially relating to patents, royalties and proprietary information which are still being formulated), the candidate shall normally hold copyright of any intellectual property associated with or arising from their research project.

17 EMPLOYMENT

17.1 A full-time candidate who is not a scholarship holder may undertake paid employment if the Dean, after consulting the candidate's supervisor(s), is satisfied that the candidate's progress will not be impeded by the amount of work undertaken.

17.2 The maximum amount of employment that could be undertaken by the holder of a scholarship or like award, will be as prescribed by the granting agency in its conditions of award.

18 AWARD OF THE DEGREE

18.1 The Committee shall determine whether or not the candidate has satisfied the requirements for the degree and recommend its award to Academic Board

18.2 The award shall be conferred by the Council of Central Queensland University.

19 APPEAL PROCEDURE

19.1 A candidate who has reasonable grounds for dissatisfaction with any formal decision made with respect to the candidature and/or the examination and assessment of the thesis, may appeal, in writing, to the Appeals Committee of Academic Board. An appeal shall be received by the Vice-President (Administration) normally within one month of formal notification of the decision.

RULES FOR MASTERS DEGREES BY RESEARCH

1 SCOPE

These regulations apply to Masters by Research degrees as determined by the University.

2 INTERPRETATION

2.1 In these Rules unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, the term "the Committee" shall mean the Research Committee which is a subcommittee to the Academic Board of the Central Queensland University.

3 QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION AS A CANDIDATE

3.1 A candidate for admission to a program of research leading to a Masters degree shall normally be expected to hold either:

3.1.1 an honours degree from the University or any other approved institution in a relevant discipline; or

3.1.2 a pass degree and a graduate diploma at a high level of academic performance in a relevant discipline; or

3.1.3 a pass degree at a high level of academic performance in a relevant discipline, plus a minimum of one year's relevant work experience; or

3.1.4 a four-year undergraduate degree at a high level of academic performance; or

3.1.5 an alternative qualification deemed by the Committee to be of equivalent scope and standard.

3.2 Persons holding only a pass degree, and who do not satisfy any of those criteria specified above, will be required to undertake a Masters qualifying/enabling program, normally of only one year's (full-time) duration, as specified in the University's resolution on Masters qualifying programs.

4 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

5 ADMISSION TO CANDIDATURE

5.1 An applicant may be admitted following recommendation through the relevant Dean of Faculty and as approved by the Committee. Candidature shall normally be approved provided that the Committee is satisfied that:

5.1.1 the applicant's qualifications meet the provisions of Section 3;

5.1.2 appropriate supervision, as defined in Section 10, is available;

5.1.3 the applicant's proposed field of research can be supported, with respect to facilities and resources, by the Faculty to which admission is sought;

5.1.4 a quota place is available.

5.2 The Dean of Faculty may recommend to the Committee that an applicant be granted advanced standing for work done at another institution at the same level of program, or for relevant work experience. Candidates granted advanced standing must complete a minimum of one year's full-time study or equivalent part-time study as a candidate of the University.

5.3.1 determine the date which shall be deemed the date of commencement of candidacy;

5.3.2 determine the Faculty or department in which the program will be undertaken;

5.3.3 appoint the supervisor(s);

5.3.4 approve any program of coursework which must be satisfactorily completed prior to submission of the research thesis;

5.3.5 approve the proposed field of research;

5.3.6 determine any special conditions that the candidate may be required to fulfil.

5.4 Candidature shall be deemed to have commenced as at the date prescribed by the Committee and as confirmed by the candidate when accepting the offer of admission.

6 ENROLMENT

6.1 A commencing candidate shall enrol within 28 days of commencement of candidature.

6.2 A continuing candidate shall be required to re-enrol at the commencement of each year.

6.3 In the event that an examined thesis must be resubmitted as in paragraph 13.7.4, the candidate shall be required to re-enrol for a prescribed period which shall not exceed twelve (12) months.

7 STATUS OF CANDIDATURE

7.1 A candidate may be accepted as a full-time candidate or as a part-time candidate. The proposed program of study may be undertaken in either the internal or off-campus modes. Permission to enrol as an off-campus candidate shall only be granted where:

7.1.1 a clear project definition, including a timescale and schedule for regular progress reports, can be determined.

7.1.2 appropriate supervision can be arranged;

7.1.3 access can be guaranteed to laboratories, equipment, research literature and resource materials as necessary for the successful completion of the research; and

7.1.4 the candidate agrees to attend the University for such periods and purposes connected with the candidacy as specified in Section 9.

7.2 A candidate may transfer from one classification to another on such terms as the Committee may approve.

8 PROGRAM OF STUDY

8.1 A candidate shall, in not less than one year nor more than three years (or the equivalent for a part-time candidate), pursue a program of supervised research and study, as approved by the Committee, leading to the submission of a thesis.

8.2 In special cases, and as requested by the candidate, and endorsed by the principal supervisor, the Committee may grant leave of absence from the program of research and study for a period of not less than one month and not exceeding twelve months. The period of such leave shall not be counted as part of the prescribed period of candidature. A candidate resuming after such a leave of absence shall be enrolled for not less than one half year before being permitted to submit a thesis.

8.3 The candidate shall pursue an approved program of research and study, and prepare a thesis under the immediate direction of the supervisors. The candidate shall attend such classes and do such work as directed by the supervisor, and shall attend the University for consultation or other purposes as required by the supervisor, and as agreed by the Dean.

8.4 The candidate will be required to present at an appropriate scholarly or professional venue one seminar on the approved area of research; such presentation being an unassessed component of the candidature.

8.5 Within the first nine months of candidature (eighten months of part-time), the candidate shall develop, in consultation with the supervisors, a detailed program of research and study. The recommendation to the Committe, for continuation of candidature, should be completed within 12 months from the date of commencement of full-time candidature (24 months part-time).

8.6 The program shall report on work undertaken to date and elaborate upon the brief outline of the research proposal submitted prior to admission to candidature (refer to Section 4), and shall provide reasons for any significant departure from the original proposal. In addition the program shall contain a provisional title for the thesis and, as necessary, certification of ethical clearance for any research involving animal and/or human subjects. (Such clearance shall be obtained from a Panel constituted in accord with recognised codes and guidelines).

8.7 In cases as described in paragraph 14.1, a statement of agreement between interested parties with respect to the disbursement of intellectual property rights shall be appended to the program described above. This statement shall be read and annotated as necessary by the supervisors and Dean prior to being referred to the Committee for consideration.

8.8 Where a candidate wishes to change the focus of the research such that it represents a significant departure from the approved program of research and study, the candidate shall be required to submit a revised program as prescribed in paragraph 8.6.

The requisite program shall be submitted through the principal supervisor to the Dean of Faculty who shall make such comments as deemed appropriate and refer the matter to the Committee for consideration.

8.9 The thesis shall normally be submitted within the prescribed period of candidature. A candidate may apply to the Committee, through the principal supervisor, for an extension of the period of candidature. Such extensions shall normally be granted only where the Committee is convinced that the program of research has been prolonged owing to circumstances beyond the candidate's control. An extension beyond a twelve month period (2 years for part-time candidates) shall not normally be granted.

8.10 Candidature shall terminate on the date of submission of the thesis for examination.

9 ATTENDANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY

9.2 In the course of the development of the program of research and study, supervisors and candidates shall consult on the candidate's proposed attendance on campus during the Masters program. The proposed attendance should form part of the research program mutually agreed by the candidate and supervisors, supported by the Dean and approved by the Committee.

9.3 The University reserves the right to vary the agreed attendance arrangement to require the student to attend on campus for such period as the Committee determines if such attendance is felt to be necessary for the successful pursuit of the study program. Such variations will be discussed initially with the candidate's supervisors, and the Dean.

10 SUPERVISION

10.2 The Dean of the relevant Faculty shall recommend supervisors for appointment by the Committee.

10.3 The principal supervisor of a research Masters candidate shall normally be required to:

10.3.1 hold, as a minimum academic requirement, an appropriate Masters degree or have other equivalent research experience;

10.3.2 have experience in the supervision of research at higher degree level;

10.3.3 have relevant knowledge and expertise in the topic area nominated by the Masters candidate;

10.3.4 have sufficient time and access to adequate resources, taking account of total work load including the supervision of other higher degree candidates.

10.4 An associate supervisor of a candidate for the Masters degree shall normally be required to:

10.4.1 have relevant knowledge and experience in the topic area nominated by the Masters candidate;

10.4.2 liaise with the principal supervisor to provide additional supervisory support.

10.5 A co-supervisor of a candidate shall normally be required to:

10.5.1 fulfil all of the requirements of a principal supervisor listed in 10.3;

10.5.2 share supervisory tasks jointly with the principal supervisor.

10.6 A candidate shall consult the supervisors regularly during the program of the prescribed program of research and during preparation of the thesis, and shall, as the supervisors may require, submit drafts of the thesis for advice and comment prior to its submission for examination.

10.7 The Committee shall, from time to time, provide advice for the guidance of supervisors.

10.8 It is acknowledged that the occasion may arise where it is necessary to make a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.1 The Dean of Faculty may, at any time, on the request of the supervisor(s) or of the candidate, recommend to the Committee a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.2 Where, after consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, a candidate remains dissatisfied with the supervision, the candidate may apply to the Committee for a change of supervisor(s).

10.8.3 After candidature has commenced, the University shall not terminate a candidature because of inability to provide a supervisor.

11 PROGRESS REPORTS

11.1 On receipt of a documented request from the Committee, the candidate shall submit to the principal supervisor a half-yearly progress report. The principal supervisor shall endorse the candidate's report and make any additional comments for the attention of the Dean of Faculty, who shall make recommendation to the Committee with respect to continuation of candidature. Half-yearly reports shall be submitted no later than 30 April and 30 September.

11.2 Where, following consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, the Committee is of the opinion that the candidate has failed to:

11.2.1 make satisfactory academic progress in the work; or

11.2.2 furnish any report as required by these Rules; or

11.2.3 failed to meet those conditions of candidature imposed by the Committee then the candidature may be terminated.

11.3 As a matter of normal practice, a candidature shall not be terminated unless the Committee is satisfied that a reasonable attempt has been made to ensure that the candidate has been:

11.3.1 clearly warned of shortcomings in research performance;

11.3.2 advised of means of overcoming these shortcomings and of obtaining a satisfactory standard of performance in the research; and

11.3.3 provided the opportunity to take action as directed.

12 SUBMISSION OF THESIS

12.1.1 The principal supervisor shall certify on the notice of intention to submit a thesis that the candidate has completed all studies prescribed for the degree and will be able to submit the thesis in a form suitable for examination by the indicated date. Such certification is not intended to pre-empt the decision of the examiners and does not hold the supervisor responsible for any deficiencies in the thesis as perceived by the examiners.

12.1.2 The Dean shall endorse the notice as evidence of receipt of information of the candidate's intention to submit.

12.2 The candidate shall ensure that the University's "Requirements for the Presentation of Research Theses" as promulgated by the Committee have been met.

12.2.1 The principal supervisor shall read the thesis and certify that the standard of presentation satisfies the requirements of the University and that the thesis is in the form acceptable for examination.

12.2.2 Where the principal supervisor is unable or unwilling to provide such endorsement, it is expected that the candidate will be advised of the necessary corrective action.

12.3 The candidate is required to submit the thesis and requisite copies to the Research Services Office by the indicated date.

12.7 The University requires that examined theses are deposited in the University Library and that theses shall be generally available for the purposes of research and private study. It is acknowledged, however, that certain research projects may involve the use of production of information which is confidential in nature.

13 EXAMINATION

13.1 Upon notification that the candidate is about to submit a thesis, the Committee shall appoint, after consultation with the Dean of Faculty concerned, at least two examiners of the thesis. At least one of the examiners shall be external to the University. The candidate's supervisor(s) shall not be appointed as an examiner.

13.2 Candidates may nominate to the Dean of Faculty the names of any person who they consider should not be appointed as an examiner. Candidates must provide reasons for the objections in writing.

13.3 The examiners and Chair of Examiners shall constitute the Examination Panel. The Chair of Examiners is a full-time member of the University's academic or research staff and is appointed with regard to their general knowledge of standards in respect of masters research and the University's policies and procedures for the examination of theses.

13.4 Each examiner, although at liberty to consult with other examiners, shall submit an independent report and recommendation on the approved form. An examiner may request the Committee Chair to question the candidate on any aspect of the work, in which case a copy of the question and the answer shall be sent to the other examiner(s) by the Research Higher Degrees Officer. Examiners' reports shall remain confidential until a recommendation is made by the Committee. After such time, candidates shall receive complete copies of the examiners' reports. Examiners may request that their identities remain confidential.

13.5 Examiners may require the candidate to undertake such oral, written or practical examinations as deemed appropriate.

13.6 A thesis for the degree of Master by research, is expected to demonstrate the candidate's:

13.6.1 knowledge of the research topic and the discipline(s) it embraces;

13.6.2 capacity for clear, methodical thinking;

13.6.3 mastery of analytical techniques appropriate to the research;

13.6.4 ability to present the results of the research in a succinct and cogent form, with suitable illustration; and

13.6.5 contribution to knowledge.

13.7 An examiner's report shall conclude with one of the following recommendations:

13.7.1 that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.2 that, provided the listed textual errors are corrected to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.3 that, provided the nominated passages are revised to the satisfaction of the Chair of Examiners, the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree;

13.7.4 that, although the thesis does not meet the standard expected for the degree, the candidate be required to carry out additional work as directed and resubmit the thesis for re-examination;

13.7.5 that the thesis be rejected and that the degree not be awarded.

13.8 A candidate who has revised a thesis in terms of paragraph 13.7.4 and who fails the re-examination shall not be eligible for any further examination.

13.9 The Chair of Examiners shall consider the recommendations of the examiners and shall submit a report to the Committee on the results of the examination. Such report will include the text of the examiners' reports on the thesis, and any additional assessment the candidate has been required to undergo, any comments from the supervisor(s), and the recommendation of the Chair of Examiners.

13.10 The Committee may accept the recommendation contained in the report of the Chair of Examiners or refer the report back to the Examination Committee for further consideration.

14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

14.1 Where research projects are conducted in cooperation with or under the sponsorship of industry, or where the intellectual property may have commercial significance, the University requires that negotiations with respect to the ownership of any intellectual property arising from or associated with the research project be formalised within the first six months of candidature.

14.2 In the event that details of any intellectual property or process improvement are contained within a thesis, and where the candidate does not seek to restrict public access to that thesis as pursuant to paragraph 12.9, the principal supervisor may seek to protect the interests of the University and/or sponsor and apply through the Committee for such restriction to be approved.

14.3 In the event that a Masters thesis contains sensitive or potentially patentable research results, the University shall ensure that examiners sign an appropriate confidentiality agreement prior to examining the thesis. The University shall take whatever other action is necessary to protect patentable material contained in theses in a way which will not introduce undue delay in the awarding of the Masters degree.

14.4 In all other cases, and consistent with University guidelines on Intellectual Property (especially relating to patents, royalties and proprietary information which are still being formulated), the candidate shall normally hold copyright of any intellectual property associated with or arising from his/her research project.

15 EMPLOYMENT

15.2 The maximum amount of employment that could be undertaken by the holder of a scholarship or like award will be as prescribed by the granting agency in its conditions of award.

16 AWARD OF THE DEGREE

16.1 The Committee shall determine whether or not the candidate has satisfied the requirements for the degree and recommend its award to the Academic Board.

16.2 The award shall be conferred by the Council of the Central Queensland University.

17 APPEAL PROCEDURE

17.1 A candidate who has reasonable grounds for dissatisfaction with any formal decision made with respect to the candidature and/or the examination and assessment of the thesis may appeal, in writing, to the Appeals Committee of Academic Board. An appeal shall be received by the Vice-President (Administration) normally within one month of formal notification of the decision.

Central Queensland University Handbook
This handbook was correct as at: 07-June-2001
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