Melbourne School of Graduate Research

Introduction

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The PhD degree

Definition

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

In scope, the thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of its subject.

It is written succinctly and in good English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The length of the thesis varies with each discipline with 80,000 words being the norm. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the RHD Committee.

In some disciplines, such as the creative arts, the thesis may instead take the form of performance and/or corpus of creative work plus a dissertation which addresses, elucidates and contextualises the work. The creative work and dissertation will be examined as an integrated whole. The thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields.

It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations.

It makes a distinct contribution to knowledge.

Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts.

It demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context.

It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research "apprenticeship" is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

 

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The Melbourne Experience and graduate attributes

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

Research higher degrees further develop these core attributes in important ways. Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research and encourage the acquisition of a wide range of advanced and transferable skills.

The University expects its doctoral graduates to have the following attributes:

History of the degree

Image of doctorates walking through University SquareThe use of the title 'doctor' seems to have originated at the University of Bologna in the early twelfth century, but the masters degree is the older of these two higher degrees. Nor did the doctorate begin as the senior degree of the two. In medieval times the titles of 'master', 'doctor' and 'professor' were roughly equal in status. English teachers of law were doctors, those of theology masters. It was in Germany that the doctorate came to acquire special status as a research degree, and it was from Germany that the degree was taken to the United States. Yale was the first American university to adopt it, in 1860, and other American universities soon followed suit.

With the PhD well established in the United States and on the Continent, existing English research qualifications such as the Cambridge Certificate for Research came to appear inadequate, and the PhD was seen, even in England, as the hallmark of respectability in research. Nevertheless, it was not until the first two or three years after the First World War that the degree as it was known in Europe and the United States was adopted in England. The University of Oxford led the way, followed shortly after by the University of Cambridge.

Australian universities adopted the degree after the Second World War, the PhD being introduced to the University of Melbourne in 1947.

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Structure of PhD

A candidate for the PhD degree must be an enrolled student in this University and is required to carry out research at the University for a specified period under the direct supervision of one or more members of the academic staff. The degree may be undertaken in any department of the University.

In different fields of study there may be other academic or statutory requirements to be met by the University e.g. industrial health and safety competencies, animal welfare and AEEC competencies.

All candidates for PhD will be examined on the basis of a thesis. A candidate has one or more research supervisors who, in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.

There may be other components of the study and/or assessment in the progress of the candidate.

For example:

(a) A candidate may be required to supplement the research program by attendance at or formal enrolment in additional subjects, if these are considered a necessary adjunct to the course.

(b) The PhD with coursework component is currently available for candidates in the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, and certain Departments of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Candidates undertaking such a course are required in the first year (full-time) of probationary candidature to enrol in a number of coursework subjects and commence work on their thesis during probationary candidature. Confirmation of candidature is approved on the basis of successful completion of the coursework subjects and an approved thesis proposal (Refer to Confirmation of Candidature).

The decision towards the degree is entirely based on the examination of the thesis. Examiners of the thesis are informed that the candidate has undertaken a course of study by thesis and coursework component, and that the thesis may be shorter than one presented by a candidate pursuing the degree by research alone, but should be comparable in research quality.

PhD programs with a coursework component are approved by the RHD Committee and the Academic Board. The specific program for the probationary year for each student should be established at the time of enrolment.

(b.1) Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Economics enrol in a four-year Doctoral Program, comprised of a Master of Economics coursework degree of either one or two years depending on a student's previous academic background and performance and the three-year PhD course involving a full year of specialist doctoral coursework and two years of dissertation research and writing.

(c) Candidates submitting theses in the creative arts may prepare a thesis which consists of creative work plus dissertation. The creative work may take the form of performance, exhibition or other format (Refer to Format of the thesis).

(d) Candidates in the School of Behavioural Science may be selected for a Master of Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy degree. All degree requirements for the PhD remain the same with the exception that candidates present for confirmation of the PhD after the second year of full-time enrolment. Candidates undertake a major research thesis to be assessed for examination of the PhD..

(e) Candidates in the Faculty of Education may be selected for a Master of Educational Psychology/ Doctor of Philosophy degree. All degree requirements for the PhD remain the same.

(f) Under the Jointly-Awarded PhD Program (including Cotutelle), candidates are supervised jointly by academics from the University of Melbourne and a nominated partner institution, spending at least 30% of the total maximum time limit (or one year) in each university. Each student's program takes place under a reciprocal agreement between the two institutions, which sets out the terms for joint supervision and examination. The candidate pays fees at one institution only. If successful, the candidate will be awarded a single doctoral degree with testamurs from both institutions each of which will contain the following expresssion "Awarded under a Jointly-Awarded PhD Program Agreement between the University of Melbourne and [name of partner institution]". The prime intent of jointly-awarded arrangements is that they form part of an ongoing or developing cooperative research collaboration between a department or research group in this University and one partner institute that is of a higher order than occurs during a student exchange.

(g) Candidates may prepare a thesis which consists of chapters that comprise work that is prepared de novo and specifically for the thesis, reprints or other reproductions of published works or an adaptation of published work.

 

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Legislation and policy of the Academic Board

The PhD degree is governed in particular by the following:

Other relevant legislation:

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The Melbourne School of Graduate Research

The University of Melbourne is a research intensive institution and Research Higher Degree (RHD) candidates make a major contribution to the University's research reputation, output and income. Melbourne is a recognised national leader in research training, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with the highest number of RHD commencements, load and completions of any Australian university.

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR) has an important role within the University's research environment, offering a range of support mechanisms and enrichment activities that contribute to the success of graduate research candidates and consequently, to the research performance of the University. MSGR provides:


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Research training, professional development and academic enrichment programs for graduate researchers

Through the Developing Effective Researchers Framework, the Melbourne School of Graduate Research offers a wide range of academic enrichment, research training and professional development opportunities to graduate researchers. These include workshops, seminars and online resources which provide support to graduate research candidates from commencement through to completion of their degree and assist in developing the skills, experience and networks essential for life beyond the PhD.

Find out more about the comprehensive suite of programs.

 

MSGR orientation days for graduate researchers

Image of girls sitting on the grass All graduate researchers commencing a research higher degree are expected to attend both a central orientation and a local induction to graduate research at the University of Melbourne. Orientation includes events, programs and resources provided by central units such as the Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR), Transition and Orientation (T&O), the Academic Skills Unit (ASU), the Graduate Students Association (GSA) and International Student Services (ISS). By comparison, a local induction is provided by faculties, graduate schools, or departments.

MSGR offers comprehensive orientation days specifically for commencing graduate researchers. Orientation days provide a welcome to all graduate researchers new to the University of Melbourne and introduces them to the comprehensive research training and professional development services available at the University. There are usually four orientation days per year.

Find out more about the date, venue and program of the next orientation day.

Find out more about orientation and induction, and programs and resources for graduate researchers across the University.


Graduate Research ePortfolio (GReP)
The Graduate Research ePortfolio (GReP) supports graduate researchers by providing an online doorway to collaborative research tools, resources and award winning courses. Being web based it can be accessed anytime and from anywhere you have an internet connection. The GReP allows graduate researchers to make connections with the local, national and international research community through the creation of collaborative project sites and a web based research profile. The GReP is complemented by the UpSkills GR program, which offers face to face workshops, seminars and courses based on resources available through the GReP.

The GReP consists of a number of elements:

Find out more about the GReP.


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UpSkills GR (Graduate Research)

The UpSkills GR program is a comprehensive suite of workshops and seminars specifically designed to support research students throughout their candidature. Graduate researchers are invited to extend their skills and expertise across all facets of research, including: communication and presentation skills, information technology, eResearch, and career development.

Find out more about UpSkills.


Image of GradFlash buttonGradFlash - MSGR's eBulletin for Graduate Researchers

This fortnightly e-bulletin for graduate researchers contains up to date information on conferences and events, scholarship and career opportunities as well as library updates. Subscribe to GradFlash.

 

The Writing Centre for Scholars and Researchers

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research is home to the University's Writing Centre for Scholars and Researchers. Unique to Melbourne, this program aims to assist PhD students who are nearing the end of their research to communicate their ideas to an audience outside the academy. This could be in the form of the traditional thesis-tobook conversion or, equally, the outcome could be a magazine or newspaper article, an exhibition or even a documentary for the screen. The Centre runs a twice-yearly, six month program which includes a generalist beginners' workshop, Writing for Readers, a more specific advanced program geared towards specific outcomes, Preparing for Publication, and an individual assistance program which may take the form of a mentorship, editorial assistance or even a stipend to assist with writing time. Interested students should visit the Writing Centre or call (03) 8344 4722 for more information.

 

Image of GCALL logo The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Learning and Leadership (GCALL)

This interdisciplinary 50-point coursework program is designed exclusively for doctoral candidates at the University of Melbourne, and is the first degree of its kind in Australia. PhD candidates can enrol part-time in the GCALL while completing their doctorates, or up to twelve months after thesis submission. The GCALL's two subjects – Ethical Leadership and The Futures Project – aim to equip candidates with the attributes, understanding and skills for future leadership roles within an internationally-competitive employment environment. Find out more about the GCALL.

 

 

 

Commercialisation Training Scheme

The Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS)/Graduate Certificate in Commercialisation for Research Students (GCCRS) is a program designed for select local graduates. It focuses on the skills needed to move research based ideas, inventions and innovations to commercial viability. The GCCRS is delivered by the Melbourne Business School.


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Research resources

Graduate library Research Consultant
MSGR has a dedicated Graduate Library Research Consultant who runs workshops and seminars on how to effectively navigate the Library's search engines to find electronic and print resources; how to develop successful search strategies to locate the information you require; how to discover essential databases that should be used for research; how to manage information overload by taking advantage of new timesaving technologies, and where to contact Subject Librarians and other information specialists on campus. Individual appointments with the Research Consultant can be made.

Joint Academic Scholarships Online Network (JASON)
JASON is a national database of graduate scholarships sponsored by a consortium of Australian Universities. MSGR hosts the JASON office in recognition of our commitment to Australia's graduate research training community. The database includes scholarships offered by Australian and overseas universities, federal and state governments, foundations and private sector organisations. As such, it provides a valuable service both to students looking for scholarships and to the organisations awarding them. JASON contains scholarships for graduate research degrees and coursework studies. JASON includes opportunities for Australian students to study locally and abroad and for international students to study within Australia. JASON is a very valuable resource which is used widely by the University and student communities across Australia and overseas.

Use JASON.

Statistical Consulting Centre (SCC)
The SCC provides limited statistical advice to graduate research candidates of the University, at no direct cost to candidates or their departments, under the Postgraduate Assistance Scheme. The scheme is centrally funded, and allows eligible candidates to obtain up to five hours of individual advice in one calendar year for assistance with their thesis; if extra time is required that is on a fee paying basis.  Consultants can assist with all stages of a research project and candidates are strongly encouraged to see a consultant when they are planning their study. The SCC also runs an introductory statistics course for graduate researchers, which can be taken for formal academic credit − Statistics for research workers (MAST90007).  A variety of other courses are offered by the SCC on a fee paying basis.
Contact the Statistical Consulting Centre


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The Graduate Centre

Image of centre and eastern side of 1888 buildingLocated in the heritage-listed 1888 Building, the Graduate Centre is jointly administered by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research and the Graduate Student Association (GSA). It houses meeting rooms, study spaces, social facilities and computer labs for graduate students, all of which are complemented by the beautifully landscaped surrounding gardens and courtyards.

24-hour access to the Graduate Centre
All graduate students can access the Graduate Centre 24 hours a day using their student ID card as a swipe card. During the Graduate Centre opening hours (Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 6:20pm) students can enter the building without having to use a swipe card.

Computing & publishing facilities
The Graduate Centre contains two computing labs, a PC-only lab (Room 154, First Floor) and a lab containing both PCs and Macs (Room 127, First Floor). Both these labs have internet access and are intended for use by graduates researching and writing their theses. The Graduate Printroom ( G23 Ground Floor) caters for publishing the needs of graduate students. Computers in the Printroom are loaded with presentation and publishing software for graduate students.

Printing facilities
Student printing in the Graduate Centre can also be done in the Graduate Printroom. The Printroom provides a range of specialist services through a print-on-demand Kiosk, including digital printing and copying, transparencies, thesis/ report binding, CDs & DVDs, laminating, scanning and a fax service. Archival/acidfree paper is also available. The Print Room is open 9.30am–5.00pm on Monday, and 10.00am–5.00pm Tuesday to Friday. GSA staff are on hand to assist with the facilities. After hours it becomes a 24 hour self-service centre accessible via a valid graduate student ID card.

Study carrels
Study carrels providing study space for up to 68 graduate students are available in the Graduate Centre. Each carrel is equipped with a computer, telephone, ample shelving, lockable cupboards and filing drawers. There is also a wheelchair-accessible study carrel with adjustable desks. Carrels are allocated for an initial six months on a time-share or room-share basis, with priority given to students writing up their theses. Although the carrels are in high demand, occupant turnover means places continually become available through the year, and all graduate students are eligible to apply for one of these spaces. GSA administers the carrels on behalf of the Graduate Centre. Carrel vacancies are advertised in GSAnews and applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered by the Carrel Allocation Committee each month.

Wireless access
The Melbourne University Wireless network (UniWireless) service provides access to the University of Melbourne network for graduate students who have a laptop computer with a wireless network card. UniWireless can be accessed in certain areas of the Graduate Centre, including the graduate lounge, Ross McKay Courtyard, General Study room 153 and the Loft.

The Loft
The Loft is a space for graduates to meet, study or just relax. Located, as the name might suggest, at the very top of the Graduate Centre, the Loft consists of a lounge/ social/discussion space, two meeting sections and separate work table areas with power point access. There is also a mini kitchen with a refrigerator and tea/coffee set up, as well as an internal telephone, heating and cooling. The Loft is open to students from 8.00am–10.00pm weekdays and can be accessed through the first-floor door at the top of the main central staircase, between rooms 102 and 103.

Meeting rooms
The Graduate Centre has a range of rooms suitable for meetings, discussion groups, running workshops and seminars or hosting small conferences. Bookings are organised on site for students, University departments and external groups.

Tsubu Bar and Lot #6 Café
Tsubu Bar and Lot #6 Café engender a wonderful relaxed social atmosphere where staff and students can enjoy an informal chat over a coffee, mix work-related matters with a meal or participate in lively debate. Sheltered outdoor areas provide alfresco dining opportunities and a range of catering services are also available for anyone hosting functions in the Graduate Centre.

Find out more about the facilities available at the Graduate Centre.

 

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Students experiencing disability

Many people are not aware that a wide range of medical conditions can be considered a disability. If your study is adversely affected by a chronic illness (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), mental health condition (such as depression or anxiety), learning disability (such as dyslexia), vision impairment, hearing impairment or physical impairment, you may be eligible for disability support. The University provides a range of services that can assist students with disabilities to participate fully in University activities. The Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) has primary responsibility for identifying the impact of a disability on study and implementing appropriate support services across the University. Students with disabilities are encouraged to inform the University about the impact of their disability to assist in providing services responsive to their needs.

Given the self-directed research focus and context of PhD study, many students with disabilities no longer require the disability services received at an undergraduate level. It is also common for the impact of a disability to change significantly or become evident (for the first time) for students who are undertaking a PhD. If you are unsure of what services are available, whether you should discuss or disclose your disability to your supervisor or how to effectively manage your disability during your candidature, you are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit for confidential advice.

Staff of the Unit are available by appointment to meet with students and discuss individual requirements. Documentation from a relevant health professional is required to receive services from the DLU. The DLU provides a confidential service for students and manages private and health information within the University's Privacy Policy.

Depending on the nature of and impact of your disability, the services the Disability Liaison Unit can provide include note-takers or Auslan interpreters for departmental seminar programs, production of reading materials in alternative format (Braille, e-text, audiotape, large print), participation assistance (e.g. in laboratories and libraries). In addition to these services the Disability Liaison Unit can also provide advice on the use of adaptive technologies (eg voice recognition software, screen readers, screen enlargers etc) and ergonomic furniture.

If you wish to know more about these services, please contact the Disability Liaison Unit in the Baldwin Spencer Building, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm or by phone 834 47068 or email.

 

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