	Introduction

	Application and enrolment

	Fees and scholarships

	Policies and administration

	Intellectual Property

	Conduct of research

	Preparing a thesis

	Examination of a thesis

	Student support

	Library

	Faculty information

Admission and enrolment

Admission to a Research Higher Degree

APPLICATIONS
Before making an application for admission to a research higher degree course, intending applicants should contact the Head of the Department, School or Unit (AOU) (or the Director of Studies or Postgraduate Coordinator) in which the research work is likely to take place, to discuss the proposed research project, and to identify a possible supervisor. The AOU Head can provide details of the AOU's research activities and information about the expertise and interests of staff who are qualified and willing to accept research higher degree candidates for supervision.

The Directory of Research and Specialist Expertise provides a University-wide overview of our research expertise and interests and may assist in identifying a potential supervisor. It can be found at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/expertise

General information can be found at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/expertise.html Individual projects are highlighted in the annual Research Report at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/rreports.htm

Application forms for admission to research higher degree candidature are available from the Admissions/Prospective Students Office, Faculty Offices or can be downloaded from the University website at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/courses/postgrad/

The completed application form should be lodged with the Higher Degree Administration and Scholarships Office. International students seeking admission to a research higher degree should complete the Postgraduate International Student Application form available from the International Office.

The application for admission to research higher degree candidature must contain a research proposal approximately 500 words in length, which details the problem, hypothesis or question to be examined, the methodology or approach that will be used and the anticipated resources required for the research project to be viable. Applicants are strongly advised to prepare their research proposal in consultation with a potential supervisor. An applicant can only be accepted for admission to candidature if the AOU is able to offer research facilities and supervision appropriate to the proposed field of research.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Admission to a research higher degree program is normally restricted to applicants holding an Honours Class 1 or 2A degree or equivalent. For admission to the PhD program, other qualifications may be considered by the faculty and may include an undergraduate medical degree with minimum credit average, a Masters degree by coursework with an average grade of distinction or better, or a Masters degree by research.

Candidates with an Honours 2A seeking admission to the PhD degree may be advised that it may be in their best interests to initially enrol in a Masters degree.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students who come from a country where English is not the first language will need to provide evidence of competence in the English language. For details of minimum acceptable qualifications see: Policy and Procedure for International Students, section 3.

CONSIDERATION OF THE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Applications for admission to candidature which are supported by the AOU are considered by the relevant faculty. In considering an application, the faculty must be satisfied that:

(i)

the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for admission;

(ii)

the proposed research project is appropriate for the degree for which the applicant wishes to be a candidate and the specific research project can be undertaken with a reasonable expectation of success;

(iii)

the AOU in which it is intended to undertake the research is appropriate for the research topic, has the space and other facilities the work may need and can offer an appropriate academic environment for the candidature;

(iv)

the proposed principal supervisor is sufficiently expert in the area of research and has the time and commitment to be able to offer the candidate proper supervision;

(v)

proper supervision can be provided and maintained throughout the period of candidature;

(vi)

an applicant is able to devote sufficient time to the approved studies and meet any conditions which may be prescribed by the faculty or in University policies;

(vii)

the applicant, the supervisors and the AOU Head have considered whether the project is likely to generate intellectual property which has potential for commercial development and in which the University or an outside funding body may have an interest;

(viii)

in addition, in considering an application for external candidature, the faculty will be satisfied that:

1

the methods to be used to carry out the supervision have been specified, and can be monitored by the faculty;

2

where a candidate undertakes study within an institution, the academic environment and standard of research activity within the institution is acceptable;

3

appropriate resources are available for supervision, costings have been detailed in advance and funding is budgeted for the duration of the candidacy;

4

details of any proposed program of visits to the University for consultation, especially during the early phases of the project, and for participation in research seminars and similar activities have been provided, with the responsibility for funding clearly indicated;

5

the integrity and security of any data generated as part of the research activity can be assured;

6

library and related resources are available to the candidate at the external location such that there is a reasonable prospect of the project being completed;

7

there has been agreement about the attribution of any papers published and presented by the candidate as a result of his/her research;

8

the implications for the candidacy of the University's Code of Ethical Practice in relation to overseas students has been addressed by the AOU;

9

arrangements are in place to provide an acceptable alternative to the mandatory induction program;

10

access to the University's grievances procedures is available;

11

all aspects of the candidature have been explained to the candidate in writing and the candidate has agreed in writing to the arrangements.

QUALIFYING STUDIES
The faculty may prescribe qualifying work which a student must satisfactorily complete before being considered further for admission to candidature.

The nature of the qualifying studies is determined by the faculty taking into account the circumstances of the applicant. The work may range from an honours equivalent year to a program comprising an amalgam of topics designed to provide the applicant with the relevant background for the proposed higher degree study.

NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION OUTCOME
Applicants are advised by the relevant faculty (or the International Office in the case of International students) of the outcome of their application for admission to a research higher degree. Successful applicants who receive an offer of admission to candidature must advise the faculty by the date stipulated whether they accept the offer.

Appointment of Supervisors

Prospective candidates are consulted about their nominated supervisors and must agree to work with the supervisors before their appointment is confirmed.

One principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor is appointed for each research higher degree candidate. If the candidate is enrolled on an external basis, a suitably qualified person who is a resident at or near the place of study will normally be appointed, in addition to the supervisors, to provide advice and support to the candidate. The principal supervisor must have relevant knowledge, expertise and interest in the candidate's research topic. The co-supervisor(s) must be involved from the outset in the development of the candidate's research plan.

The principal supervisor is responsible for coordinating communication between the supervisors and the candidate, and for resolving any issues, and an agreed mechanism must be established to ensure the maintenance of communication and collaboration between the candidate and the supervisors.

Supervision is provided for the duration of candidature and an appropriate replacement will be made in the event of the prolonged absence (longer than three months), retirement or resignation of either the principal or co-supervisor(s).

Enrolment

Instructions for completing the enrolment process will be sent by the faculty upon acceptance of the offer of admission to candidature. Commencing research higher degree candidates are permitted to enrol at any time during the academic year, however it is preferable that enrolment procedures are completed by 31 March.

It should be noted that Australian Government regulations prescribe that International students undertaking their candidature in Australia must be enrolled on a full-time basis.

The enrolment of a candidate ceases when the thesis is submitted for examination. A candidate must re-enrol if they are required to revise and re-submit their thesis.

Fees

For any fees enquiries please refer to: http://www.flinders.edu.au/fees

International Students are required to pay course tuition fees and Overseas Health Student Health Cover. The Postgraduate Course Guide provides information on fees charged at Flinders University and are available from the International Office and on the web at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/international/students/fees

Enquiries related to course fees or Overseas Student Health Cover should be referred to Student Finance Services (email: fees@flinders.edu.au or phone (08) 8201 3143).

International students who fail to pay their fees will have their enrolment cancelled and be reported to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and may have their student visas withdrawn.

June 07