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Confirmation of Candidature Progress Reports Felicity Roddick Associate Dean Research and Innovation The Timetable and Process Reports, Papers, Chapters Master Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 or (max. time) RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health Panel of Examiners Progress Report Progress Report Doctor 2 Confirmation of Candidature • Candidate must satisfy panel that progress justifies continuation • Oral presentation • Full written research proposal using Confirmation of Candidature form from College website RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 3 Confirmation of Candidature • Master Candidates • Within 6 months of enrolment • Panel comprises (as minimum): –Senior supervisor –School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 4 Confirmation of Candidature • PhD candidates • Within 12 months of enrolment • Panel comprises (as minimum) –Senior supervisor –2 further academic staff members –School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman • Optional –Member external to RMIT University….desirable RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 5 Research Proposal for Confirmation of Candidature Form • Candidate data • Research Program – Description of proposed research: scope, objectives, expected deliverables, research questions. Cite major references. – Rationale for research: how build on current knowledge, contribute – Research methods: research steps and activity, show how address the RQs – Timelines • Ethics approval • Intellectual property: external party, part of larger project…Student Participation Agreement needed? • Student induction sessions • Needs analysis form and supervisor cvs (NB: use one page proforma for cvs!!) RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 6 Confirmation of Candidature: Criteria Demonstration (at appropriate level) of: • Planning of research program –Full written proposal • Critical review of relevant literature –Fully referenced literature review • Practical conduct of the research –Research achievements to date • Presentation and defence of program and its progress as an oral presentation –Content and delivery of presentation and responses to resultant questions RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 7 Confirmation of Candidature • Panel must meet and make a recommendation to the school, to either: • Confirm candidature • or • Deny confirmation of candidature • If confirmation denied, then candidate has one month to re-present material to satisfy the panel • If material not re-presented, or deemed unsatisfactory, candidate is placed “At risk”. RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 8 Progress Reports • Every 6 months • Both student and supervisors see the comments • Extremely important! • Vital that both supervisor and student accurately reflect the situation! • Tool for reflection and improvement RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 9 Student Relationship With Supervisor • Keep regular contact with supervisor (eg, weekly meetings) • Maintain the progress of work in accordance with the stages as discussed and agreed with supervisor • Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties encountered in research and in proposing and discussing solutions to these with supervisor • Discuss any plans to take leave with supervisor and obtain approval in advance • Manage up the Supervisor!! RMIT University©2009 University© College College of Science, of Science Engineering Engineering and and Technology Health 10 Completion Seminar • For PhD candidates • Approx. 3 months before submission of thesis • Hurdle for PhD thesis submission • Assist you in writing up your thesis • Mechanism for reflection on work and contributions to knowledge • Key points of thesis • Bouncing it off peer audience…. RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 11 Graduate Capabilities • Able to learn from new situations • Knowledge and capability to deal with new situations in working life • Able to behave appropriately in different social and professional situations • Enhanced communication skills: verbal and written • Able to work with others • Able to undertake independent research • Have problem-solving ability • Give critical evaluation, and be critically evaluated • Have a global, environmentally aware perspective RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 12 Don’t sit back and expect the world to come to you ... • Higher Degrees are about moving from undergraduate studies to ‘you’ leading and determining what and where you are going • But with great power comes great responsibility............. • That means that YOU are responsible for the direction, achievements, milestones • Travel to conferences but think about the quality and which ones will give the most benefit • Think about resources, plan ahead – YOU are the researcher and you have the best insight • Use the opportunity as training for YOUR future RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 13 Good luck ...... But you make your own luck! RMIT University© College of Science Engineering and Health 14