THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Programs and Awards Statute 2009
RESEARCH AWARDS RULES 2010
The Council of The Australian National University makes these Rules under section 8 of the Programs and Awards Statute 2009.
Dated: 24 September 2010.
Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AO QC
CHANCELLOR
_________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: PRELIMINARY 4
1.1 Name of Rules 4
1.2 Commencement 4
1.3 Application 4
1.4 Interpretation 4
1.5 Awards that may be conferred 5
1.6 Delegated Authority: appointment 5
PART 2: GENERAL 6
Division 2.1: Admission 6
2.1 Admission to program 6
2.2 Admission: conditions 6
2.3 Admission 6
Division 2.2: Limitations on Admission 7
2.4 Limit on obligation 7
2.5 Limit on number of places 7
2.6 Restriction on other study 7
Division 2.3: Status 8
2.7 Status 8
Division 2.4: Pre-enrolment Determinations 8
2.8 Pre-enrolment determinations 8
Division 2.5: Commencement of program 8
2.9 Commencement of program 8
PART 3: PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 9
Division 3.1: General Provisions Applying to Awards 9
3.1 Duration of standard program 9
3.2 Pursuit of program 9
3.3 Attendance at the University 9
3.4 Language of instruction 9
3.5 Expiration of program 9
3.6 Program leave of absence 10
3.7 Withdrawal from program 10
3.8 Termination of program 10
3.9 Other employment 10
Division 3.2: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 10
3.10 Application of Division 10
3.11 Program content 11
3.12 Review and reporting 11
3.13 Theses – alternative format and published work 12
3.14 Attendance 12
Division 3.3: Professional Doctorates by research 12
3.15 Application of Division 12
3.16 Program content 12
3.17 Review and reporting 13
3.18 Theses – alternative format and published work 13
Division 3.4: Degree of Master of Philosophy 13
3.19 Application of Division 13
3.20 Program content 13
3.21 Review and reporting 14
3.22 Theses – alternative format and published work 14
Division 3.5: Supervision 14
3.23 Supervisors: interim appointment 14
3.24 Chair of supervisory panel and primary supervisor 14
3.25 Supervisors: appointment 14
3.26 Supervisors and supervision 15
3.27 Advisers 15
Division 3.6: Transfer between research award programs 16
3.28 Transfer: general 16
3.29 Transfer: from degree of Doctor of Philosophy to degree of Master of Philosophy 16
Division 3.7: Extension of Program 16
3.30 Extension of program: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and professional doctorate by research 16
3.31 Extension of program: Degree of Master by research 17
3.32 Re-enrolment: extension of program 17
PART 4: EXAMINATIONS 17
Division 4.1: Preliminary 17
4.1 Methods of examination 17
Division 4.2: Theses 18
4.2 Theses 18
4.3 Examination of theses 18
4.4 Examiners of thesis 19
4.5 Prohibited communications 19
4.6 Examination required 20
4.7 Oral examination of thesis 20
4.8 Assessors: oral examinations 21
4.9 Examination: degree of Master of Philosophy: former students for degree of Doctor of Philosophy 21
Division 4.3: Reports, recommendations, notification etc 22
4.10 Recommendations of examiners of theses 22
4.11 Decision about results 22
4.12 Re-examination 22
4.13 Amendment of theses 23
4.14 Revision of theses 23
4.15 Results of re-examination 23
4.16 Student's right to appeal 23
4.17 Notification of decisions 23
Division 4.4: Deposit of Theses 24
4.18 Deposit of theses 24
PART 5: APPEALS 25
5.1 Review of Admission Decisions 25
5.2 Appeals - admission 26
5.3 Student to be notified of fail decision 27
5.4 Student's right to appeal 27
5.5 Appeal Committee 27
5.6 Hearing of appeal 28
5.7 Decision of Appeal Committee 28
5.8 Procedural appeals 29
PART 6: MISCELLANEOUS 29
6.1 Non-award studies 29
6.2 Adjustment of time limits 29
6.3 Orders 29
6.4 Delegation 30
6.5 Transitional 30
6.6 Application of amending rules 30
6.7 Repeal and savings 30
SCHEDULE OF RESEARCH AWARDS OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY 30
PART 1 — Doctorates (except Professional Doctorates) 30
PART 2 — Professional Doctorates 31
PART 3 — Joint Programs 31
PART 4 — Masters degrees 31
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RESEARCH AWARDS RULES 2010
PART 1: PRELIMINARY
1.1 Name of Rules
1.1(1) These Rules are the Research Awards Rules 2010.
1.2 Commencement
1.2(1) These Rules commence on the day after they are registered.
WHAT THESE RULES DO
These Rules are intended to set up the platform upon which all of the University’s graduate research programs are based.
In these Rules you will find generally applicable information about pursuing a graduate research program at the University.
Some parts of these Rules refer only to specific programs. The Rules indicate when this is so.
Other details about specific programs may be found in Orders and in administrative directions and information available from the ANU College concerned.
1.3 Application
1.3(1) These Rules apply in relation to all academic graduate research programs commenced or continued on or after the commencement of these Rules.
1.4 Interpretation
1.4(1) In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:
academic section means a department or, if there is no relevant department, a group of academic staff within the ANU College or other part of the University in relation to which the term is used;
Appeal Committee means the Committee established under rule 5.5;
approved form means a form approved by the Registrar;
award means a degree of Doctor of Philosophy, a professional doctorate by research or the degree of Master of Philosophy or another degree of Master by research;
course means a subject of scholarly study taught:
(a) in a connected series of classes or demonstrations; or
(b) by means of practical work, including the production by students of essays or theses or case studies or the attendance and participation by students in seminars or workshops;
Delegated Authority, for a program for a student, means a person appointed under rule 1.6 for the purpose;
program leave of absence means leave of absence granted under rule 3.6;
professional doctorate means a program mentioned in Part 2 of the Schedule;
program means a program of research, or research and coursework, undertaken to qualify for a graduate research award;
research degree means the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, a professional doctorate by research, the degree of Master of Philosophy or another degree of Master by research;
status means recognition of a course or other relevant graduate work undertaken at the University or at a similar institution towards a student’s program, and includes advanced standing and recognition of prior learning;
student means a student who is a student for an award;
thesis means original written work that (whether it has been published during the program or not):
(a) incorporates an account of research done during a program and its result; and
(b) if the research is on more than one topic, demonstrates the relation between the topics; and
(c) is required to be provided by a student for the program;
except written work comprising answers to a written examination or tasks required to be performed for the assessment of performance in coursework;
thesis in an alternative format includes a thesis comprised of video recordings, film or other works of visual or sonic arts, computer software, digital material, or other appropriate non-written material;
written work, for a thesis, includes video recordings, film or other works of visual or sonic arts submitted by a student for examination.
1.4(2) Notwithstanding anything else in these Rules, if the Deputy Vice-Chancellor arranges for a dual or joint program to be offered in conjunction with another tertiary education institution, the legislation of the University, including these Rules and the Orders, applies to a student undertaking the program who is located at the University together with any additional requirements set out in the arrangement with the other institution.
1.5 Awards that may be conferred
1.5(1) An award mentioned in the Schedule may be conferred.
1.5(2) The awards set out in the Schedule are specified for the purposes of section 3 of the Programs and Awards Statute.
1.6 Delegated Authority: appointment
1.6(1) The Education Dean may appoint a member of the staff of the ANU College to be a Delegated Authority for the purposes of these Rules.
PART 2: GENERAL
Division 2.1: Admission
2.1 Admission to program
2.1(1) A person wishing to pursue a program must apply in an approved form to the Registrar to be admitted as a student and must give the Registrar any other information required by the Registrar.
2.1(2) The minimum requirement for admission to a program leading to a research degree is:
(a) a degree of bachelor with first class honours or upper second class honours of an Australian university; or
(b) such other qualification (being a qualification that is equivalent or superior to such a degree) as the Delegated Authority determines.
2.2 Admission: conditions
2.2(1) In appropriate circumstances, the Delegated Authority may require a student to have relevant professional experience or admit a person to candidature conditionally.
2.2(2) Except with the permission of the Delegated Authority, a student must not enrol in, or pursue, another program leading to a graduate or undergraduate award (however described) in the University or in another tertiary education institution.
2.2(3) Unless the Deputy Vice-Chancellor otherwise determines, an applicant for admission to a program must satisfy any English language requirements determined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the program.
2.2(4) To avoid doubt, if a person presents or relies on false or misleading information in relation to his or her application for admission, (whether the person has enrolled or not) the Delegated Authority may:
(a) withhold or withdraw the person’s admission; or
(b) direct the Registrar to withdraw a notice of admission given under subrule 2.3(1).
2.3 Admission
2.3(1) The Delegated Authority may admit a person to a program under this Division:
(a) if the person satisfies the minimum requirement for the admission set out in subrule 2.1(2); or
(b) if the person does not satisfy the prescribed minimum requirement for admission to that program (and may impose conditions in relation to that admission as the Delegated Authority thinks fit).
2.3(2) In exercising his or her power under subrule 2.3(1), and without limiting that power, the Delegated Authority may:
(a) admit as a part-time student for a program for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy a person who satisfies the prescribed minimum requirement for admission;
(b) admit as a full-time or part-time student for a program a person who was, immediately before applying for admission, pursuing another graduate or undergraduate award program in the University or in another tertiary education institution and who intends to continue pursuing that other program, and may impose such conditions on the person’s admission as the Delegated Authority thinks fit.
[Note: If a student is admitted to a program under paragraph 2.3(2)(b), he or she may be granted status under Division 2.3 for work performed before that admission for another program referred to in that paragraph.]
2.3(3) The Delegated Authority may admit a person to a program as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy under this Division if the person has been, for not less than 3 years during the preceding 10 years, employed as a staff member of the University (whether or not the person is currently so employed).
2.3(4) The ground for admission under subrule 2.3(3) is that the person has made a substantial contribution to scholarship, in a relevant discipline, by published work of which the person is the author or joint author and which is to be incorporated into the thesis.
2.3(5) Unless otherwise approved by the Delegated Authority, the person admitted under subrule 2.3(3) must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time to prepare the work for submission and examination of the thesis, under supervision.
Division 2.2: Limitations on Admission
2.4 Limit on obligation
2.4(1) If a person seeking acceptance into a program satisfies or exceeds the minimum requirement for admission to the program, the Delegated Authority is not obliged to admit the person to the program only because the person has satisfied the minimum requirement for admission.
2.5 Limit on number of places
2.5(1) The appropriate Education Dean may decide how many places are available in any enrolment period for new students for a program leading to a research degree.
2.6 Restriction on other study
2.6(1) A person must not, at any time after admission, begin to pursue another award program in the University or in another tertiary education institution without the written permission of the Delegated Authority.
2.6(2) A person who indicates in an application for admission that the person does not intend to continue pursuing another award program in the University or in another tertiary education institution must not, at any time after admission, continue to pursue that other award program without the written permission of the Delegated Authority.
Division 2.3: Status
2.7 Status
2.7(1) The relevant Education Dean may determine the limits within which status for relevant work performed at the University or elsewhere may be granted in relation to a particular award or course.
2.7(2) Within those limits, the Delegated Authority may determine, in relation to a particular student, conditions on which status may be granted to the student.
2.7(3) If a student for a research degree:
(a) is required to undertake coursework for the program leading to that award; and
(b) successfully undertakes the coursework but fails the thesis required to obtain the award;
the relevant Delegated Authority may approve status for the coursework for another relevant award program.
2.7(4) In appropriate circumstances, the Delegated Authority may grant status conditionally.
Division 2.4: Pre-enrolment Determinations
2.8 Pre-enrolment determinations
2.8(1) Before a person is enrolled in a program, the Delegated Authority must determine for the person:
(a) the nature of the program to be pursued, including the topic or topics of any thesis and the content of any coursework; and
(b) the academic section or sections in which the program is to be pursued; and
(c) the names of the person’s provisional supervisors or advisers, appointed under rule 3.23; and
(d) the nature of any examination (within the meaning of Part 4) that the person is required to undertake.
2.8(2) The number of courses that a student may take in a semester, year or other teaching period may be determined by the Delegated Authority responsible for the student’s program.
2.8(3) The Delegated Authority must notify the student concerned and report a determination and any variation of a determination made under this rule to the Registrar within a reasonable time after making it.
Division 2.5: Commencement of program
2.9 Commencement of program
2.9(1) The date on which the student’s program is to be regarded as having commenced is the date of the student’s enrolment in the program.
Part 3: Program Requirements
Division 3.1: General Provisions Applying to Awards
3.1 Duration of standard program
3.1(1) A program may be pursued full-time or part-time.
3.1(2) The standard enrolment for a full-time student is 48 weeks per calendar year of the program, or 48 units.
3.1(3) The standard enrolment for a part-time student is 48 weeks per calendar year of the program, or 24 units.
3.1(4) The duration of a research program is measured in units, each unit representing:
(a) in the case of a full-time student—1 week’s research effort; or
(b) in the case of a part-time student—2 weeks’ research effort.
3.2 Pursuit of program
3.2(1) A student must pursue the program to the satisfaction of the Delegated Authority.
3.2(2) The pursuit of a program by a student includes the right to use the facilities of the University if such use is reasonable having regard to the nature of the program.
3.3 Attendance at the University
3.3(1) A program must be pursued at the University or at another place approved by the Delegated Authority.
[Note: The other place need not be a university.]
3.3(2) However, approval is not to be given for the completion of all or part of a program outside the University unless the Delegated Authority is satisfied that, if the part of the program pursued outside the University is pursued at another tertiary institution:
(a) any courses to be attended are substantially comparable in quality with equivalent courses offered by the University for the program; or
(b) the institution concerned has satisfactory research facilities for the purposes of the program;
as the case requires.
[Note: Rule 3.14 deals with attendance at the University for PhD students.]
3.4 Language of instruction
3.4(1) A program is to be conducted in the English language unless the Deputy Vice-Chancellor determines otherwise.
3.5 Expiration of program
3.5(1) A program expires when it has been pursued for its maximum duration under these Rules.
3.5(2) If, before a program otherwise expires:
(a) a student withdraws from the program; or
(b) the student’s candidature is terminated; or
(c) the student has completed the coursework requirements (if any) and has submitted his or her thesis for the relevant award;
the program is taken to have expired on the date of that withdrawal, termination, completion or submission as the case requires.
3.6 Program leave of absence
3.6(1) The Delegated Authority may grant a student program leave of absence from the student's program for a research award for such period as the Delegated Authority thinks fit.
3.6(2) However, no period of program leave of absence may be less than 1 week for a full-time student or 2 weeks for a part-time student.
3.7 Withdrawal from program
3.7(1) A student may, at any time before the student's program expires, withdraw from the program by notice in writing delivered to the Registrar.
3.8 Termination of program
3.8(1) The Education Dean may, on the recommendation of the Delegated Authority, terminate a candidature for a program on the ground that the student has failed to pursue the program to the satisfaction of the Delegated Authority, or that the student has otherwise failed to comply with these Rules or a condition imposed by the Delegated Authority on the person’s admission to candidature.
3.8(2) Before exercising the power referred to in subrule 3.8(1), the appropriate Education Dean must give the student an opportunity to make representations, orally or in writing, and must take such representations into account before reaching a decision on the matter.
[NOTE: See rule 4.17 about notification of decisions and Part 5 for matters relating to a student’s right to appeal.]
3.9 Other employment
3.9(1) A student pursuing a full-time program must not engage in more than 10 hours per week of paid employment during the program without the approval of the Delegated Authority.
3.9(2) Before giving permission under subrule 3.9(1), the Delegated Authority must be satisfied that the proposed employment will neither interfere with nor delay the student’s undertaking of the program.
Division 3.2: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
3.10 Application of Division
3.10(1) This Division applies to a program for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and to a student pursuing such a program.
3.11 Program content
3.11(1) The requirements for a program are as set out in these Rules and the Orders.
3.11(2) A program may consist of research into a topic determined by the Delegated Authority, or a combination of research and coursework.
3.11(3) However, if the Delegated Authority permits more than one topic, the topics must have a reasonable relationship with each other.
3.11(4) A student may conduct research alone or jointly with another person.
3.11(5) The appropriate Education Dean may determine the coursework requirements of a program.
3.11(6) If the Education Dean determines coursework requirements, the Delegated Authority must organise coursework as required and arrange for members of the staff of the University or other qualified persons to conduct the coursework.
3.11(7) A program is to contain a research component of at least two-thirds of the total requirements for the degree.
3.11(8) Completion of a program for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy requires at least 96 units and, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, not greater than 192 units.
3.11(9) In computing periods of time for completing units (not being coursework units) under this rule, periods of program leave of absence must not be taken into account.
3.11(10) To complete the requirements of the program satisfactorily, a student must pass the research (thesis) component, and any coursework, or clinical or professional practice that is required, at the standard indicated in the relevant determination.
3.12 Review and reporting
3.12(1) Continuation of a person’s candidature is subject to the satisfactory completion of reviews of progress as directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.12(2) There are to be annual reviews of progress and the first annual review is to be a review of the student’s thesis proposal and of his or her research progress.
3.12(3) At or about the time of the first annual review, the Delegated Authority, on advice from the supervisory panel, is to write to the student, providing reasons for one of the following recommendations:
(a) that the student continue with the degree; or
(b) that the student be evaluated again after a further period of 6 months; or
(c) that the student transfer to a degree of Master of Philosophy; or
(d) that the student’s candidature be terminated.
3.12(4) A student must give a report to the Delegated Authority as directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.13 Theses – alternative format
3.13(1) If it is intended that a student submit for examination a thesis in an alternative format, the format of the thesis must be approved by the Delegated Authority, on the advice of the supervisory panel, at the time of the initial or an annual review of progress.
3.14 Attendance
3.14(1) A student must attend the University for 18 months as a full-time student or 24 months as a part-time student.
3.14(2) However, if a student is based outside the University to undertake his or her program, the student must spend at least 4 weeks attending at the University during each year of his or her program.
3.14(3) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may, by Order, set or vary the criteria that constitute attendance at the University.
3.14(4) The Delegated Authority may, in writing, vary the time a particular student is required to spend attending at the University, having regard to the circumstances of the case.
[Note: Rule 3.3 deals with attendance at places outside the University, if applicable.]
Division 3.3: Professional Doctorates by research
3.15 Application of Division
3.15(1) This Division applies to programs, and to students pursuing those programs, leading to a professional doctorate by research.
3.16 Program content
3.16(1) The requirements for a program are as set out in these Rules and the Orders.
3.16(2) A program of study to which this Division relates consists of research work determined by the Delegated Authority together with any coursework or clinical or professional practice determined by the Delegated Authority.
3.16(3) Also, a program for a professional doctorate by research is to contain a research component of at least two-thirds of the total requirements for the degree, being research into a topic or topics approved by the Delegated Authority.
3.16(4) However, if more than one topic is permitted under subrule 3.16(3), the topics must have a reasonable relationship with each other.
3.16(5) The Delegated Authority must determine the minimum standard of coursework that must be attained before a student is granted the award or before the student’s thesis is examined.
3.16(6) Each determination must be made available to relevant students and must contain a description of the program requirements.
3.16(7) A student must obtain the approval of the Delegated Authority for the content of the student’s program and for any change to that content.
3.16(8) Completion of a program for a professional doctorate requires at least 96 units and, unless otherwise approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, not greater than 192 units.
3.16(9) To complete the requirements of the program satisfactorily, a student must pass the coursework, the research (thesis) component, and any clinical or professional practice that is required, at the standard indicated in the relevant determination.
3.16(10) In computing periods of time for completing units (not being coursework units) under this rule, periods of program leave of absence must not be taken into account.
3.17 Review and reporting
3.17(1) Continuation of a person’s candidature is subject to the satisfactory completion of an initial review of progress at a time, and in a form, directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.17(2) A student must give a report to the Delegated Authority as directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.18 Theses – alternative format and published work
3.18(1) If it is intended that a student submit for examination a thesis in an alternative format, or by published work, the format of the thesis must be approved by the Delegated Authority, on the advice of the supervisory panel, at the time of the initial or an annual review of progress.
[Note: It is intended that the submission of a thesis by published work only be available in exceptional circumstances for a professional doctorate by research.]
Division 3.4: Degree of Master of Philosophy
3.19 Application of Division
3.19(1) This Division applies to programs, and to students pursuing those programs, for the degree of Master of Philosophy.
3.20 Program content
3.20(1) The requirements for a program are as set out in these Rules and the Orders.
3.20(2) A program is to consist of research into a topic determined by the Delegated Authority, provided that, if more than 1 topic is permitted, the topics are to have a reasonable relationship with each other.
3.20(3) However, a program may also include coursework or clinical or professional practice as the Delegated Authority determines, provided that a program contains a research component of at least two-thirds of the total requirements for the degree.
3.20(4) Completion of a program requires at least 48 units and, unless otherwise approved by the appropriate Education Dean, not greater than 96 units.
3.20(5) In computing periods of time for completing units (not being coursework units) under this rule, periods of program leave of absence must not be taken into account.
3.20(6) To complete the requirements of the program satisfactorily, a student must pass the coursework, the research (thesis) component, and any clinical or professional practice that is required, at the standard indicated in the relevant determination.
3.21 Review and reporting
3.21(1) Continuation of a person’s candidature is subject to the satisfactory completion of an initial review of progress at a time, and in a form, directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.21(2) A student must give a report to the Delegated Authority as directed by the Delegated Authority.
3.22 Theses – alternative format and published work
3.22(1) If it is intended that a student submit for examination a thesis in an alternative format, or by published work, the format of the thesis must be approved by the Delegated Authority, on the advice of the supervisory panel, at the time of the initial or an annual review of progress.
[Note: It is intended that the submission of a thesis by published work only be available in exceptional circumstances for the degree of Master of Philosophy.]
Division 3.5: Supervision
3.23 Supervisors: interim appointment
3.23(1) Before a supervisor is appointed under rule 3.25, the Delegated Authority, or a provisional supervisor appointed by the Delegated Authority, has the responsibility of overseeing the student’s candidature from admission until the appointment of the chair of the supervisory panel or primary supervisor whichever first occurs.
3.24 Chair of supervisory panel and primary supervisor
3.24(1) Within one month (or such further time as the Delegated Authority determines) of enrolment of a student in a degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the Delegated Authority must appoint a Chair of the student’s supervisory panel.
3.24(2) The Chair of a student’s supervisory panel has primary responsibility for the coordination of all aspects of the student’s program and for convening meetings of the panel.
3.24(3) A panel must meet twice in each year, unless the Delegated Authority determines otherwise, but in any case not less than annually.
3.24(4) The student’s primary supervisor has responsibility for the provision of particular advice about major research aspects of the student’s candidature.
3.24(5) The chair of a supervisory panel may also, in appropriate circumstances, be the student’s primary supervisor.
3.25 Supervisors: appointment
3.25(1) For a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the Delegated Authority must, within 3 months (or such further time as the Delegated Authority determines) of the enrolment of the student in the program, appoint a primary supervisor for the student for that program.
3.25(2) For a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, within 3 months (or such further time as the Delegated Authority determines) of the enrolment of the student in the program, a panel comprised of at least 1 supervisor together with not less than 2 other supervisors or advisers must be appointed by the Delegated Authority.
3.25(3) A primary supervisor appointed under subrule 3.25(1) may also be the Chair of the panel referred to in subrule 3.25(2).
3.25(4) For a student for a professional doctorate by research or for the degree of Master of Philosophy, the Delegated Authority must, before the enrolment of the student in the program, appoint one or more supervisors for the student for that program.
3.25(5) If a sole supervisor is, or is to be, absent from the University or is unable to perform the duties of a supervisor, for more than 4 consecutive weeks, the Delegated Authority must appoint a person to act as the supervisor for the period of the absence.
3.26 Supervisors and supervision
3.26(1) At least 1 supervisor for a student must be a member of the academic staff of the University employed by the University full-time, or part-time on at least a 50% basis.
3.26(2) If practicable, the Chair of the supervisory panel for a research award student is to be a member of the academic staff of the University employed by the University full-time, or part-time on at least a 50% basis.
3.26(3) However, with the approval of the Delegated Authority, a part-time member of the academic staff of the University who is employed in that capacity on less than a 50% basis may be appointed as the Chair of a supervisory panel.
3.26(4) Also, a person holding full or adjunct academic status, an Emeritus Professor or Emeritus Fellow of the University, or a person with recognised honorary academic status within the University, may, with the approval of the Delegated Authority, be appointed as a supervisor, or as the Chair of a supervisory panel, for a research award student.
3.26(5) The appointment of a supervisor or the Chair of a supervisory panel other than a person referred to in subrule 3.26(2), 3.26(3) or 3.26(4) must be approved by the appropriate Education Dean.
3.26(6) If a person referred to in subrule 3.26(4) or 3.26(5) is appointed as a supervisor or the Chair of a supervisory panel, it is a condition of the appointment that the appointee carry out the same functions and undertake the same responsibilities as a staff member appointed to supervise a student, or as the Chair of a supervisory panel, as the case requires.
3.26(7) Subject to the direction of the Delegated Authority, a supervisor must supervise the student's program and the student's observance of these Rules and, as far as possible, enable the student to obtain appropriate advice on any matter relevant to the program.
3.26(8) A supervisor who considers that a student has failed to pursue the student's program satisfactorily, or has not observed these Rules, must report accordingly to the Delegated Authority.
3.27 Advisers
3.27(1) The function of an adviser is to advise a student, at the request of the student, on any matter relating to the student's program.
3.27(2) Unless the appropriate Education Dean approves otherwise, the Delegated Authority must, in relation to a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy:
(a) for whom 1 supervisor is appointed under this Division—appoint not less than 2 advisers; and
(b) for whom 2 supervisors are appointed under this Division—appoint not less than 1 adviser.
3.27(3) However, if 3 or more supervisors are appointed in relation to any student, the Delegated Authority may appoint 1 or more advisers in relation to the student.
Division 3.6: Transfer between research award programs
3.28 Transfer: general
3.28(1) A student seeking to transfer between research award programs must apply in writing to each relevant Delegated Authority to do so.
3.28(2) With the approval of each relevant Delegated Authority, an applicant under subrule (1) may transfer between programs.
3.29 Transfer: from degree of Doctor of Philosophy to degree of Master of Philosophy
3.29(1) Also, if:
(a) a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy submits a thesis for examination in accordance with Part 4; and
(b) the relevant Delegated Authority requires the student to be re-examined by resubmission of thesis or decides that the student not be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy;
the student may, within the period of 12 months beginning on the day on which the requirement or decision was made, apply to each relevant Delegated Authority to be transferred as a student for the degree of Master of Philosophy.
[Note: See also rule 4.9.]
3.29(2) However, if:
(a) a student referred to in subrule 3.29(1) appeals against a requirement or decision referred to in paragraph 3.29(1)(b); and
(b) the Appeal Committee appointed to hear and determine the appeal makes a decision under that Part dismissing the appeal and affirming the requirement or decision;
the student may apply under subrule 3.29(1) within the period of 12 months beginning on the day on which that decision was made.
Division 3.7: Extension of Program
3.30 Extension of program: Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and professional doctorate by research
3.30(1) The Delegated Authority may, on application by a student, grant an extension to the duration of a program.
3.30(2) An extension may be for no longer than 6 months for a full-time program, or 12 months for a part-time program (or 24 units in each case), in the first instance.
3.31 Extension of program: Degree of Master by research
3.31(1) The Delegated Authority may grant an extension to the duration of a program.
3.31(2) An extension may be for no longer than 3 months for a full-time program, or 6 months for a part-time program (or 12 units in each case), in the first instance.
3.32 Re-enrolment: extension of program
3.32(1) A student who is granted an extension of his or her program, or is given the opportunity to revise and resubmit the student’s thesis, must remain enrolled until:
(a) the student submits the thesis for examination or re-examination and completes any other required work; or
(b) the student withdraws from candidature; or
(c) the student's candidature is terminated by the University; or
(d) the program has been pursued for its maximum duration.
Part 4: Examinations
Division 4.1: Preliminary
4.1 Methods of examination
4.1(1) Research is to be examined by submission and assessment of a thesis based on that research, together with oral or written examinations, or both, related to such assessment, and if the program consists of research only, such examination is the examination for the program.
4.1(2) Coursework is to be examined by written examination in accordance with the Examinations Rules which are to be applied as nearly as possible in relation to examinations for coursework, with such necessary or convenient modifications, additions and omissions as are determined by the Delegated Authority.
4.1(3) If a program for a research degree comprises research and coursework:
(a) the student may be examined for the program on the research only; or
(b) the student may be required to pass a written examination on the coursework before being examined on the research, but the examination for the program is to be on the research only; or
(c) the student may be examined for the program on the combined results of examination of research and coursework.
4.1(4) A Delegated Authority may require a student pursuing a program by research only to take an examination not less than 12 months after the commencement of the program, not being an examination for the award, and the Delegated Authority may determine the form of the examination.
4.1(5) Theses and examinations are to be written and conducted in the English language, unless the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, on the recommendation of the Delegated Authority, determines otherwise.
4.1(6) Subject to these Rules, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may, by Order, determine the requirements of an examination, and may give directions as to the conduct of an examination.
4.1(7) However, for a program of study requiring clinical or professional practice, examination of the clinical or professional practice component of the program may be by written or oral examination following the completion of the component, or by assessment reports on an internship or other form of professional practice.
4.1(8) A reference in this rule to a written examination includes a reference:
(a) to the examination of a student by reports by the student’s supervisors about the student’s performance during:
(i) internships; or
(ii) other form of professional practice; and
(b) in relation to a program offered by the School of Art or the School of Music in the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, to the examination of:
(i) an exhibition; or
(ii) a performance; or
(iii) a folio of original works.
Division 4.2: Theses
4.2 Theses
4.2(1) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may determine the form a thesis is to take and the number of copies that must be submitted.
4.2(2) The Delegated Authority must ensure that a thesis is not accepted for submission if it does not conform with the matters set out in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s determination.
4.2(3) The Delegated Authority, subject to any direction of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, may determine the number of copies of a thesis that must be submitted.
4.2(4) The Delegated Authority must ensure that a thesis is not accepted for submission if it does not conform to the requirements of this section.
4.2(5) If it is intended that a candidate for a professional doctorate by research, the degree of Master of Philosophy or another degree of Master by research submit a thesis comprised of published work, the format of the thesis must be approved by the Delegated Authority, on the advice of the supervisory panel, at the time of the initial or an annual review of progress.
4.2(5) If it is intended that a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, a professional doctorate by research, the degree of Master of Philosophy or another degree of Master by research submit a thesis in an alternative format, the format of the thesis must be approved by the Delegated Authority, on the advice of the supervisory panel, at the time of the initial or an annual review of progress.
4.3 Examination of theses
4.3(1) A thesis must incorporate an account of research done during the program and its result and, if the research is on more than 1 topic, must demonstrate the relationship between the topics.
4.3(2) A thesis based upon research conducted jointly with another person must clearly indicate the nature and extent of the student's contribution to the research.
4.3(3) A student must clearly mark in the thesis, material which has been previously submitted by the student for the purpose of obtaining a degree of any university or other tertiary education institution.
4.3(4) A thesis must not be accepted for examination unless, in the opinion of the Delegated Authority, it consists preponderantly of material not previously so submitted.
4.3(5) Not less than 2 months before submitting a thesis, a student must give notice to the Registrar, in the approved form, of intention to submit the thesis.
4.3(6) A student must submit the thesis by delivering the requisite number of copies to the Registrar.
4.4 Examiners of thesis
4.4(1) On the recommendation of the Delegated Authority, the appropriate Education Dean must appoint no fewer than 2 examiners of a thesis.
4.4(2) Unless the Education Dean otherwise determines, at least one of the examiners appointed under this rule must be a person who is not a member of the staff of the University.
4.4(3) At least 2 of the examiners appointed under this rule to examine a thesis for a research award must be chosen so as to be available to conduct an oral examination, unless, in the opinion of the Education Dean, it is not practicable to do so.
4.4(4) A supervisor, or a member of a supervisory panel, for a particular student must not be appointed as an examiner of that student under this rule.
4.4(5) A student may be invited to suggest or comment on the suitability of possible examiners.
4.4(6) However, the student must not participate in the final decision about the appointed examiners.
4.4(7) Except in the course of an oral examination under rule 4.7, the identity of the examiners of a student’s thesis is not to be revealed to the student whose thesis is being examined, or to the other examiners of the thesis, until the final outcome of the examination is determined (and then only with the permission of the examiners).
4.4(8) To resolve ambiguities or disagreements or avoid delays in relation to the examination of a particular student, the relevant Education Dean, acting on the advice of the Delegated Authority, may at any time appoint an additional examiner.
4.4(9) The Education Dean may, at the request of an examiner, nominate a person other than a student’s supervisor to provide further information about the student’s thesis or, in the case of joint work, the student’s contribution to the thesis.
4.5 Prohibited communications
4.5(1) Except in the course of an oral examination under rule 4.7, an examiner must not knowingly communicate directly with:
(a) a student whose work he or she is examining; or
(b) a supervisor of the student.
4.5(2) Except in the course of an oral examination referred to in rule 4.7, a student must not communicate directly with an examiner of his or her work.
4.5(3) Except in the course of an oral examination referred to in rule 4.7, a supervisor must not communicate directly with an appointed examiner for the student concerned.
4.6 Examination required
4.6(1) A student must be given the opportunity to undertake a written examination of the student’s thesis before the student’s examiners recommend that the student be failed.
4.6(2) However, a student may be given the opportunity to undertake an oral examination of the student’s thesis in addition to, or as a substitute for, the examination referred to in subrule 4.6(1).
4.6(3) Also, subrules 4.6(1) and 4.6(2) do not apply to a student if the student’s examiners unanimously recommend that the student be failed.
4.7 Oral examination of thesis
4.7(1) This rule applies only to the examination of theses for research degrees.
4.7(2) Unless exempted under subrule 4.7(3) or examined under subrule 4.7(7), if a student is to be examined orally under subrule 4.6(2), the student is to be so examined on the substance of the student’s thesis and on the student’s knowledge of its subject background.
4.7(3) The Delegated Authority may, on the recommendation of the examiners, exempt a student from oral examination, but if the thesis is based on joint research the Delegated Authority may do so only in exceptional circumstances.
4.7(4) Unless the Delegated Authority otherwise determines, an oral examination must be held in Canberra.
4.7(5) Unless the Delegated Authority otherwise determines, a student must be orally examined by at least 2 of the examiners of the thesis.
4.7(6) If an oral examination is to be conducted by less than the total number of examiners for the program, the examiners who are to conduct the oral examination must:
(a) ascertain from those who are to be absent their wishes as to questions to be put to the student; and
(b) at the examination, put the substance of such questions to the student, together with any other questions they think relevant; and
(c) communicate to the absent examiners a report on the performance of the student including the response to questions suggested by those not present.
4.7(7) If, in the opinion of the Delegated Authority, it is not practicable to hold an oral examination and the student is not exempted under subrule 4.7(3), the student is to be examined by written examination, set by the examiners of the thesis, covering the field which an oral examination would have covered.
4.7(8) If the examiners of the thesis are not satisfied with the student's performance at an oral examination, or at a written examination held under subrule 4.7(7), they may recommend that the student be examined or further examined by written examination set by them, and the Delegated Authority may direct the holding of such examination or further examination.
4.7(9) The student's answers to an examination must be sent by the Registrar to the examiners of the thesis and be taken into account by them in the preparation of their reports.
4.8 Assessors: oral examinations
4.8(1) If the Delegated Authority determines that an oral examination under subrule 4.7(5) is to be conducted by one examiner, the Delegated Authority must appoint an assessor for the purposes of this rule.
4.8(2) Subject to subrule 4.8(3), an assessor is to be appointed from among the senior members of the academic staff of the University, or of another university, who have some knowledge of the subject area of the thesis submitted by the student, but are not necessarily specialists in that area.
4.8(3) A staff member is not eligible to be appointed as an assessor in relation to the examination of a student if the staff member is a member of the same academic section as the student.
4.8(4) An assessor must attend the oral examination of a student to observe the way in which the examination is conducted.
4.8(5) The Registrar must give the assessor a copy of the student's thesis if the assessor asks for a copy.
4.8(6) An assessor must not participate in the examination of a student, but must endeavour to ensure that the oral examination is properly and fairly conducted.
4.8(7) An assessor may submit to the Registrar, in writing, any comments that the assessor wishes to make in relation to the examination.
4.8(8) If an assessor submits comments to the Registrar under subrule 4.8(7), the Registrar must send the comments to the Delegated Authority, and the Delegated Authority must take those comments into account when considering the examiners’ reports.
4.9 Examination: degree of Master of Philosophy: former students for degree of Doctor of Philosophy
4.9(1) Notwithstanding anything else in these Rules, a former student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy may submit a thesis for examination under these Rules as part of his or her candidature for the degree of Master of Philosophy:
(a) whether or not it has been revised since being submitted for examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; and
(b) whether or not it exceeds the maximum length normally acceptable for theses submitted for such an examination.
[Note: See also rule 3.29.]
4.9(2) If the appropriate Education Dean appoints examiners to examine a thesis referred to in subrule 4.9(1), the Education Dean must, unless the circumstances of the case are exceptional, appoint examiners who were not previously appointed to examine the thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
4.9(3) If the examiners appointed to examine a thesis referred to in subrule 4.9(1) have not previously examined the thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the examiners must not be advised that the thesis was previously examined under these Rules.
Division 4.3: Reports, recommendations, notification etc
4.10 Recommendations of examiners of theses
4.10(1) Each examiner of a thesis must submit to the Registrar in an approved form a report on the examination as a whole.
4.10(2) The report of an examiner must recommend:
(a) that the student be granted the award; or
(b) that the student be failed; or
(c) that the student be granted the award subject to corrections or revisions (if any) required by the examiners in the thesis to be made to the satisfaction of the Delegated Authority in the copy intended for deposit with the University Library; or
(d) that the student be permitted to submit a revised thesis for re-examination.
4.10(3) Corrections or revisions referred to in paragraphs 4.10(2)(c) and (d) for theses by published work are to relate only to the thesis’ exegesis.
4.10(4) The Registrar must send the examiners’ reports on theses to the Delegated Authority.
4.11 Decision about results
4.11(1) After consideration of the examiners' reports, the Delegated Authority may recommend to the appropriate Education Dean:
(a) that the student be granted the award; or
(b) that the student be failed; or
(c) that the student be granted the award subject to making any minor amendments in the thesis required under paragraph 4.10(2)(c); or
(d) that the student be re-examined by resubmission of thesis or re-examination of coursework or both, as the case requires.
4.11(2) However, if the Delegated Authority is satisfied that the overall results obtained by the student, both in the assessment of the thesis and in examination of the coursework and any other examinations not related to the assessment of the thesis, are satisfactory, the Delegated Authority must recommend to the appropriate Education Dean that the student be granted the award.
4.11(3) Subject to any appeal, the decision of the Education Dean, having taken into consideration any recommendation of the Delegated Authority, is final.
4.12 Re-examination
4.12(1) If the Education Dean concerned requires a student to be re-examined, the student must be re-examined in accordance with subrule 4.12(3).
4.12(2) A student is only to be admitted to re-examination once.
4.12(3) Re-examination may be by revision and re-submission of a thesis, or otherwise in accordance with the Examinations Rules or by a combination of either of those methods as the Education Dean determines.
4.12(4) The Education Dean may determine the date for resubmission of a thesis.
4.12(5) The Education Dean may appoint, for the purpose of re-examination of a thesis, all or some of the first examiners for the thesis or additional or other examiners as the Education Dean thinks fit, but not less than 2 examiners must be appointed.
4.12(6) Re-examination of a thesis must be conducted as nearly as may be in accordance with this Division, except that a recommendation for re-examination may not be made.
4.13 Amendment of theses
4.13(1) If a student is required, under paragraph 4.11(1)(c) to make minor amendments to his or her thesis, the amendments must be made within 12 months of the student being notified of the requirement, unless the Delegated Authority allows a longer period.
4.13(2) The final reviewed and corrected version of theses or other publication must be lodged under rule 4.18.
4.14 Revision of theses
4.14(1) If a student is required to be re-examined by re-submission of his or her thesis under this Division:
(a) the Delegated Authority must appoint an appropriate person to advise the student during the revision process; and
(b) the student must revise and resubmit his or her thesis for examination within a period of not more than 1 year from the date on which the decision is notified to the student in writing by the Delegated Authority.
4.14(2) An appointment under paragraph 4.14(1)(a) must not be for more than 1 year, but may be extended by the Delegated Authority.
4.14(3) A period under paragraph 4.14(1)(b) may be extended under this rule by the Delegated Authority, but not so that the aggregate of the initial period and any extensions exceed 2 years.
[Note: See also rule 3.32 requiring continued enrolment.]
[Note: Rules 3.29 and 4.9 make provision for a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to transfer and be examined for the degree of Master of Philosophy.]
4.15 Results of re-examination
4.15(1) After consideration of the examiners’ reports on a re-examination of the student and of the observations of the head of the relevant academic section, the Delegated Authority may recommend to the appropriate Education Dean as provided in paragraph 4.11(1)(a) or 4.11(1)(b).
4.16 Student's right to appeal
4.16(1) The hearing and determination of an appeal against a decision to fail a student is to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Part 5.
4.17 Notification of decisions
4.17(1) If an Education Dean makes a decision:
(a) terminating a candidature on grounds mentioned in rule 3. 8, or
(b) that a student has failed;
the Registrar must notify the student in writing of the decision, and must include in the notice:
(c) a statement to the effect that, subject to these Rules, the student is entitled to appeal against the decision; and
(d) a statement setting out the procedure for lodging an appeal.
4.17(2) The decision of the Education Dean and the reasons for the decision must be given in writing to the student by the Education Dean within 7 working days of the decision.
[Note: the Interpretation Statute provides that, unless the contrary intention appears, a notice required or permitted to be given to a person under a statute is to be taken to have been given to the person if it was sent:
(a) by pre-paid post to the person at the address last notified to the Registrar as the person's mailing or postal address for the relevant semester or session; or
(b) to the person at the e-mail address allocated to the person by the University; or
(c) to the person at a secure website which the person is required by the University to access.]
4.17(3) The validity of a decision referred to in paragraph 4.17(1)(a) or 4.17(1)(b) is not affected by a failure to include in a notice, statements in accordance with paragraph 4.17(1)(c) or 4.17(1)(d).
[NOTE: Rule 17 of the Discipline Rules provides for withholding of awards where obligations to the University have not been met.]
Division 4.4: Deposit of Theses
4.18 Deposit of theses
4.18(1) When a student for a research degree is granted an award, the Registrar must retain and deliver to the University Library the best copy of the final reviewed and corrected version of the thesis or other publication in hard copy submitted for the award.
4.18(2) However, the copy referred to in subrule 4.18(1) in relation to a student commencing his or her program after 2010 must be accompanied by a digital version of the final reviewed and corrected thesis or other publication.
[Note: A student commencing his or her program after 2010, must deposit the thesis in hard copy and also in digital format.]
4.18(3) The Registrar must retain one copy of the thesis or other publication submitted by a student who is not granted the award.
4.18(4) The submission of an otherwise unpublished thesis by a student who is granted the relevant award authorises the University to deal with the thesis as follows:
(a) to make the thesis available in the University Library on demand for the purpose of private study or research; and
(b) with the student's permission, to make the thesis otherwise available in microform, paper or digital format for the purpose of private study or research.
4.18(5) If a student is not granted the relevant award, the submission of an otherwise unpublished thesis by the student authorises the University to make the thesis available in the office of the Registrar for the purpose of private study and research to any student or member of staff of the University.
4.18(6) However, subrule 4.18(5) does not apply unless:
(a) after consultation with the Delegated Authority; and
(b) after considering the views, if ascertainable, and interests of the student;
the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) considers that the interests of scholarship require the thesis to be made so available and that the interests of the student will not be unreasonably prejudiced.
4.18(7) However, except at the express request of the student concerned, a thesis to which subrule 4.18(4) applies must not, within 12 months after the date on which it was delivered to the University Library, be made available for the purpose of private study or research other than in the University Library.
4.18(8) Notwithstanding anything contained in subrule 4.18(4) or 4.18(5), a student may when submitting a thesis, with the consent of and for a period and on conditions specified by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies), forbid access to an appendix to the thesis marked “confidential appendix”.
4.18(9) The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) must not give consent under subrule 4.18(8) in relation to an appendix to a thesis unless the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) is satisfied that:
(a) the appendix contains material obtained on conditions legally requiring the material to be kept confidential; or
(b) having regard to the circumstances in which, or the conditions on which, the material contained in the appendix was obtained, it is reasonable that the material should be kept confidential.
4.18(10) Notwithstanding anything contained in subrule 4.18(4) or 4.18(5), a student may, when submitting a thesis, prohibit for a specified period the disclosure of the thesis or some part of it by the University Library or the Registrar to any person if the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) certifies that such prohibition for the period indicated is reasonable having regard to the protection of the student's interest under laws respecting copyright, designs or patents, or commercially, financially or culturally confidential information.
PART 5: APPEALS
5.1 Review of Admission Decisions
5.1(1) A person may apply for a review of a decision not to admit the person to a program.
5.1(2) A request for review of a decision referred to in subrule 5.1(1) must be in writing and must be lodged with the Registrar within the period of 20 working days commencing on the date of advice of the outcome of the person’s application for admission.
5.1(3) The review must be conducted under procedures published by the Education Dean.
5.1(4) On the basis of the material included in the application for a review, the Education Dean may:
(a) confirm the original decision not to admit the person to the program concerned; or
(b) set aside the original decision and refer the matter to Delegated Authority for further consideration and determination; or
(c) admit the person to the program concerned.
5.1(5) The decision of the Education Dean and the reasons for the decision must be given in writing to the applicant by the Education Dean within 7 working days of the decision.
[Note: the Interpretation Statute provides that, unless the contrary intention appears, a notice required or permitted to be given to a person under a statute is to be taken to have been given to the person if it was sent:
(a) by pre-paid post to the person at the address last notified to the Registrar as the person's mailing or postal address for the relevant semester or session; or
(b) to the person at the e-mail address allocated to the person by the University; or
(c) to the person at a secure website which the person is required by the University to access.]
5.1(6) However, if a request for a review of a decision referred to in subrule 5.1(1) relates to a direction by a Delegated Authority that admission be withdrawn and the person making the request is already enrolled under these Rules, the person is entitled to remain enrolled pending the outcome of the review and any subsequent appeal.
5.2 Appeals - admission
5.2(1) A person may appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on procedural grounds only against a decision made under subrule 5.1(4).
5.2(2) An appeal mentioned in subrule 5.2(1) must:
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be lodged with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor within 20 working days commencing on the date the advice of the decision of the Education Dean was given to the applicant under subrule 5.1(5), unless the Deputy Vice-Chancellor extends the date for submission on special grounds; and
(c) be accompanied by appropriate information and documentation; and
(d) state clearly the grounds on which the application is based.
5.2(3) An appeal must be conducted under procedures established by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor who may inform himself or herself as he or she sees fit.
5.2(4) At a hearing, if any, for an appeal, the appellant is entitled to be accompanied by another person who may observe the proceedings but not act as an advocate unless expressly invited by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor to do so.
5.2(5) On the basis of the material included in the application, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may:
(a) confirm the decision not to admit the person to the program concerned; or
(b) set aside the original decision and refer the matter to the Education Dean to:
(i) reconsider the original decision in light of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s findings; and
(ii) make a new decision.
5.2(6) The decision of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the reasons for the decision must be given in writing to the applicant within 7 working days of the decision.
5.2(7) The decision of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor is final.
5.3 Student to be notified of fail decision
5.3(1) If the Education Dean decides that a student has failed, the Registrar must:
(a) notify the student of the decision;
(b) give the student:
(i) a copy of the reports of the examiners of the thesis (if any) and of the results of the examinations following coursework, and any other assessment, prepared so that the identity of the student's examiners is not disclosed to the student; and
(ii) an account of the substance and effect of any observations relating to the student submitted to the Education Dean, prepared so that the identity of the student's examiners is not disclosed to the student;
(c) inform the student to the effect that, subject to these Rules, the student is entitled to appeal against the decision; and
(d) advise the student of the procedure for lodging an appeal.
5.4 Student's right to appeal
5.4(1) A student may appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor against a decision by the Education Dean:
(a) that the student has failed; or
(b) that the student’s candidature be terminated.
5.4(2) An appeal under subrule 5.4(1) must be in writing and be lodged with the Registrar within the period of 20 working days commencing on the day on which the student was notified of the decision.
[Note: It is intended that the Registrar will, on receipt of the appeal, notify the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of its receipt.]
5.4(3) The validity of a decision of the kind referred to in paragraph 5.4(1)(a) is not to be taken to be affected by a failure to comply with subrule 5.3(1).
5.4(4) On application being made in writing to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor by a student whose candidature in a program of study or course has been terminated under rule 3.8 the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may direct that the student be permitted to continue to undertake the program of study or course pending the determination of an appeal.
5.4(5) However, if an appeal is lodged by a person who was, immediately before the decision against which the appeal is made, enrolled under these Rules, the person is entitled to remain enrolled pending the outcome of the appeal.
5.5 Appeal Committee
5.5(1) If the Registrar receives an appeal under rule 5.4 by a student, the Registrar must, after consulting the relevant Education Dean, appoint 3 disinterested members of the full-time academic staff of the University to form an Appeal Committee to hear and determine the appeal.
5.5(2) The members of an Appeal Committee must elect one of their number to be the Chair of the Appeal Committee.
5.6 Hearing of appeal
5.6(1) The procedure to be followed for the hearing of an appeal is to be as the Appeal Committee decides.
5.6(2) An Appeal Committee may inform itself on any matter in relation to an appeal in such manner as it thinks appropriate.
5.6(3) Before determining an appeal by a student, an Appeal Committee must provide the student with an opportunity to make representations to the Appeal Committee.
5.6(4) An Appeal Committee may, in its discretion, permit the student to make either oral or written representations, or both oral and written representations.
5.6(5) At the hearing of a student's appeal, the student is entitled to be accompanied by a student or a member of the staff of the University who may observe the proceedings but not act as an advocate unless expressly invited by the Appeal Committee.
5.7 Decision of Appeal Committee
5.7(1) After hearing an appeal by a student under paragraph 5.4(1)(a), an Appeal Committee must make a decision in writing:
(a) dismissing the appeal and affirming the decision made by the Education Dean in relation to the student;
(b) requiring that the student be re-examined; or
(c) recommending that the student be granted the award.
5.7(2) If, under paragraph 5.7(1)(b), an Appeal Committee requires that a student be re-examined:
(a) the student must be re-examined in accordance with such of these Rules as are relevant, as if the Education Dean had required the re-examination under rule 4.12; and
(b) the Appeal Committee has, in relation to the student, all the powers and duties of the Education Dean in relation to the determination of the conditions of the re-examination and the appointment of examiners.
5.7(3) After hearing an appeal by a student under paragraph 5.4(1)(b), an Appeal Committee must make a decision in writing in the case of an appeal against a decision to terminate the student's candidature:
(a) dismissing the appeal and affirming the decision; or
(b) requiring that the student be permitted to continue the program subject to such conditions, including conditions as to the duration of the program, as the Appeal Committee, after consultation with the Education Dean, determines.
5.7(4) However, if the members of an Appeal Committee are divided in opinion as to the decision to be made in relation to the student who made an appeal under subrule 5.4(1):
(a) if there is a majority of one opinion, the question must be decided according to the opinion of the majority; and
(b) in any other case, the initial decision in relation to the student must be affirmed.
5.7(5) A student may appeal against a decision made under these Rules by an Education Dean or by a Delegated Authority to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on procedural grounds.
5.8 Procedural appeals
5.8(1) For an appeal under subrule 5.7(5), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may:
(a) confirm the decision; or
(b) set aside the original decision and refer the matter to the Education Dean to:
(i) reconsider the original decision in light of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s findings; and
(ii) make a new decision.
5.8(2) In determining an appeal under subrule 5.8(1), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may inform himself or herself as he or she sees fit.
PART 6: MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Non-award studies
6.1(1) The Delegated Authority may admit to a non-award program a student not proceeding to an award.
6.1(2) A student admitted to a non-award program must pursue a program under the direction of the Delegated Authority approving the admission for such period and under such conditions as the Delegated Authority determines.
6.1(3) A student admitted to a non-award program under subrule 6.1(1) may apply for admission to a program as a student for a relevant award.
6.1(4) If the student is admitted as a student for an award under subrule 6.1(3), the student’s non-award program ceases.
6.2 Adjustment of time limits
6.2(1) If these Rules fix, or authorise the fixing of, time limits for anything required to be done, the appropriate Education Dean may, from time to time, extend or abridge the time limits in any case if it is just and reasonable to do so, and may do so retrospectively.
6.2(2) The Education Dean concerned must not extend a period fixed for submitting a thesis for a research degree unless the Education Dean is satisfied that the student’s ability to complete the thesis within the initial period was adversely affected by illness or other extenuating circumstances.
6.3 Orders
6.3(1) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may make Orders for giving effect to these Rules.
6.3(2) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor or a Delegated Authority may publish information about administrative matters to assist in giving effect to these Rules.
6.3(3) If an Order is an Order to which rule 9 of the Graduate Handbook Rules applies, the Order must be published in the Graduate Handbook before it takes effect.
6.3(4) An Order to which rule 9 of the Graduate Handbook Rules does not apply does not come into operation until after it is registered under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
6.4 Delegation
6.4(1) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may delegate all or any of his or her powers under these Rules (except the power to make Orders and this power of delegation) to a member of the academic or general staff of the University.
6.4(2) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor may revoke a delegation under subrule 6.4(1).
6.5 Transitional
6.5(1) A student who was granted an extension of time to submit the student's thesis under the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Rules, the Professional Doctorates Rules or the Degree of Master of Philosophy Rules as in force immediately before the commencement of rule 5.5 of the Graduate Awards Rules 2004 may apply for an extension of the duration of his or her program.
6.5(2) For subrule 6.5(1), the Delegated Authority may grant an extension of no longer than 12 months to the duration of a program in the first instance.
6.5(3) The Delegated Authority must permit the continued application of all or any part of Rules repealed under rule 5.7 of the Graduate Awards Rules (No. 2) 2006 to a program for a student if that student:
(a) has completed work towards that program; and
(b) not to do so might disadvantage that student.
6.6 Application of amending rules
6.6(1) If an amendment is made to these Rules and that amendment affects a program to which these Rules relate, then, unless the contrary intention appears, the amendment does not apply to a student who, before the making of the amendment, has completed any work towards a program unless:
(a) the student elects that the amendment apply to the student and submits to the Delegated Authority proposed alterations to the student's program and the Delegated Authority approves those alterations; or
(b) the Delegated Authority otherwise determines.
6.7 Repeal and savings
6.7(1) The Research Awards Rules (No. 2) 2009 as amended and in force immediately before the commencement of these Rules, are repealed.
6.7(2) However, the Research Awards Rules (No. 2) 2009 as amended and in force immediately before the commencement of these Rules continue to apply in relation to any decision taken, or proceeding commenced and not concluded, under those Rules before the commencement of these Rules.
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SCHEDULE OF RESEARCH AWARDS OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY
Rule 1.5
PART 1 — DOCTORATES (except Professional Doctorates)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PART 2 — Professional Doctorates
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Doctor of Policy Administration (DPA)
Doctor of Population Health (DrPH)
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) (DPsych(Clinical))
PART 3 — Joint Programs
Doctor of Philosophy (in the field of physics) (PhD)*
Doctor of Philosophy (in the field of engineering) (PhD)*
(*offered jointly with the National University of Singapore)
PART 4 — Masters degrees
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
