Confirmation of doctoral candidature

Overview
Probationary candidature, subject to confirmation, is used to review doctoral and MPhil students at an early stage of their candidature. A similar process of review is used to determine whether to upgrade students from masters to PhD candidature.

Guidelines for Confirmation of Candidature and Upgrade from Masters to Doctoral Candidature:

1. Period of Candidature

Probationary candidature is reviewed after 12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time candidature for doctoral students
Upgrade normally occurs after 12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time, candidature.

2. Evidence of Sufficient Progress

2.1 Oral Presentation of at least 20 minutes
The oral presentation should explore the research undertaken to date and the anticipated future directions of the research program.

2.2 The review panel and review panel report
A review panel should be convened to discuss with the candidate the written submission and oral presentation, to consider the evidence presented and to make a recommendation in relation to the confirmation doctoral candidature or upgrading to PhD. The panel should comprise at least three members: 1. the Departmental/School Graduate Coordinator or nominee (convenor) - this cannot be the student's supervisor; 2. the candidate's supervisor(s); 3. another member conversant with the general area of research but not directly involved with the candidate's specific project.

2.3 Written Submission
A progress report and publication list (if applicable) should be submitted by the student. Faculty of Education requires a 5,000 to 7,000 word report.

Confirmation of Candidature or Upgrade Review Panel Report

Once the review panel has had an opportunity to review the candidate's written submission and attended the candidate's oral presentation, they must make a recommendation regarding the confirmation of candidature. The convenor, who cannot be the student's supervisor, is required to prepare and sign a written report which documents the review panel's recommendations.

The written report should include:

1. Details of Review Panel Meeting - panel membership, date of meeting, who attended the meeting
2. Candidate's Oral Presentation - comment on the candidate's oral presentation
3. Candidate's Written Report - comment on candidate's written report
4. Panel's feedback - detail panel's feedback and directions to the candidate
5. Review Panel's Recommendation - an unequivocal statement of the panel's recommendation

Confirmation guidelines and confirmation of candidature form may be downloaded from the Monash Research Graduate School site:

http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/research/students/confirm.doc (Word 1MB)