Higher Degree by Research Examination Web viewmakes a recommendation to the Head of Academic Unit on the final ... transfers the candidate to the appropriate Master of Research

Higher Degree by Research Examination Procedure


Related Policy Higher Degree by Research Examinations PolicyResponsible Officer Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Approved by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)Approved and commenced Month, 2018Review by Month, 2021Responsible Organisational Unit

Office of Dean of Graduate Research

CONTENTS

1 Objective........................................................................................................................22 Scope............................................................................................................................23 Procedure......................................................................................................................23.1 Planning for the Thesis Examination.............................................................................23.1.1 Intention to Submit.........................................................................................................33.1.2 Nomination of Examiners and Convenor of Examination..............................................33.1.3 Nomination of Examiners and Convenor of Examination when the Candidate submits

their thesis against advice of the Primary Supervisor and/or Head of Academic Unit. .43.2 Submitting the Thesis....................................................................................................53.3 Inviting the Examiners...................................................................................................73.4 Conducting the Examination.........................................................................................83.4.1 Examining the thesis (no oral examination, recital, performance or exhibition)............83.4.2 Oral Examination of the Thesis.....................................................................................93.4.3 Examining the Exegesis and Creative Works (excluding Music)................................103.4.4 Examining the Folio and Exegesis (Music).................................................................113.5 Reconciling the examiner’s recommendation where an agreed consensus can’t be reached...................................................................................................................................133.6 Determining the Outcome of the Thesis Examination.................................................143.6.1 Examination Outcome “be awarded”...........................................................................143.6.2 Examination Outcome “minor revisions and textual changes”....................................143.6.3 Examination Outcome “major revisions”.....................................................................153.6.4 Examination Outcome “re-examination”......................................................................163.6.5 Examination Outcome “not be awarded but the degree of Master of Research be

awarded”......................................................................................................................183.6.6 Examination Outcome “not be awarded: re-examination for the degree of Master of

Research”....................................................................................................................193.6.7 Examination Outcome “not be awarded”.....................................................................203.7 Extensions to correction time period...........................................................................213.8 Finalising the Thesis Examination...............................................................................214 Definitions and Acronyms............................................................................................225 Supporting Documentation..........................................................................................246 Versioning....................................................................................................................24

1 Higher Degree by Research Examination Procedure (Month, 2018)


1 Objective

The objectives of this Procedure are to:

ensure a robust, efficient and effective system for the management of Higher Degree by Research thesis examinations as detailed in the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy,

support organisational units in meeting the principles contained within the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy, and

specify the procedures for implementing the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy.

2 Scope

These procedures applies to all domestic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and international Higher Degree by Research candidates at the University of Tasmania (the University) and all staff of the University who are involved in the management and administration of the Higher Degree by Research examination process at the University.

3 Procedure

3.1 Planning for the Thesis Examination

Procedure Responsibility1. The candidate, primary supervisor and Graduate Research

Coordinator meet to collectively assess the likelihood that the candidate’s thesis will be ready for submission within the next three months.

Candidate, Primary Supervisor, Graduate Research Coordinator

2. Where the Graduate Research Coordinator and primary supervisor confirm that the thesis is ready to be examined, the candidate then lodges their Intention to Submit as per section 3.1.1 of these Procedures.

Where the Graduate Research Coordinator and primary supervisor consider the thesis requires further work and the candidate elects to submit the thesis against the advice of the primary supervisor and Graduate Research Coordinator, clause 3.1.3 of these Procedures applies.

Candidate



3.1.1 Intention to Submit

Procedure Responsibility

1. Eight weeks prior to the intended date of submission of their thesis, the candidate must ensure that they will meet the eligibility for examination criteria specified in the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy and completes the ‘Intention to Submit’ section of iGRad.

At this time and as part of completing the intention to submit in iGRad, the candidate may provide the names of any discipline experts who they do not want to examine the thesis, along with a rationale for that exclusion to the primary supervisor. The Graduate Research Office will include the names provided by the candidate in the request to the primary supervisor for the nomination of examiners.

Candidate

3.1.2 Nomination of Examiners and Convenor of Examination

Procedure Responsibility1. Except where clause 3.1.3 of these Procedures applies, upon

submission of the candidate’s ‘Intention to Submit’, the Graduate Research Office will request that the primary supervisor nominates a minimum of four potential examiners, taking into consideration:a. requirements stated in the Higher Degree by Research

Examination Policyb. any potentially unsuitable Examiners identified by

the candidate, andc. any potential for conflict of interest as per the Conflict of

Interest in the Appointment of Research Thesis Examiners Guidelines.

Primary Supervisor

2. Except where clause 3.1.2.3 of this Procedure applies, prior to submitting the Nomination of Examiners form, the primary supervisor contacts the potential examiners to gauge their interest and availability to examine the candidate’s thesis.

Primary Supervisor

3. For examinations in Art, Music and Theatre disciplines (except where clause 3.1.2.3 of this Procedure applies) where the examination will involve an exhibition, recital or performance, the primary supervisor provides the proposed list of examiners to the Graduate Research Coordinator who, prior to submitting the Nomination of Examiners form, reviews the list of potential examiners and:

a. contacts the potential examiners to ascertain their interest and availability to examine the candidate’s folio/creative works, and exegesis, and where

Graduate Research Coordinator


http://www.utas.edu.au/research-admin/graduate-research/policies-and-forms/supervisors-forms-and-guidelines


http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/903913/Conflicts-of-Interest-in-the-Appointment-of-Examiners-Guidelilines-October-2016.pdf



http://www.utas.edu.au/research-admin/graduate-research/igrad


relevant, their ability to attend an examination in person, and

b. makes a recommendation to the Head of Academic Unit on the final list of nominated examiners, declares any potential or perceived conflicts of interest and identifies whether a performance or exhibition will form part of the examination.

4. The Head of Academic Unit reviews the list of potential examiners and:

a. considers and applies the Conflict of Interest in the Appointment of Research Thesis Examiners Guidelines

b. endorses the list of potential examiners and reviews any potential or perceived conflicts of interest

c. nominates a Convenor of Examination in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy, and

d. sends the completed Nomination of Examiners form to the Graduate Research Office.

Head of Academic Unit

5. The Graduate Research Office undertakes a compliance audit, checks the assessment of conflict of interest and advises the primary supervisor or Graduate Research Coordinator, where relevant, if additional nominations are required. Once satisfied that the Nomination of Examiners form is compliant the Graduate Research Office uploads the Nomination of Examiners form to iGRad

Graduate Research Office

3.1.3 Nomination of Examiners and Convenor of Examination when the Candidate submits their thesis against advice of the Primary Supervisor and/or Head of School

Procedure Responsibility1. Upon submission of the candidate’s ‘Intention to Submit’,

the Graduate Research Office will request that the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee appoint a Convenor of Examination.

University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee

2. The Convenor of Examination nominates a minimum of four potential examiners, taking into consideration:a. requirements stated in the Higher Degree by Research

Examination Policyb. any potentially unsuitable Examiners identified by

the candidate, andc. any potential for conflict of interest as per the Conflict of

Interest in the Appointment of Examiners of Research Theses Guidelines

Convenor of Examination









3. Prior to submitting the Nomination of Examiners form, a nominee of the Convenor of Examination will contact the potential examiners to ascertain their interest and availability to examine the candidate’s thesis or folio/creative works, and exegesis, and where relevant, their ability to attend an examination in person.


4. The University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee reviews the list of potential examiners and:

a. considers and applies the Conflict of Interest in the Appointment of Examiners of Research Theses Guidelines

b. endorses the list of potential examiners and reviews any potential or perceived conflicts of interest

c. nominates a Convenor of Examination in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy, and

d. provides the completed Nomination of Examiners form to the Graduate Research Office.


5. The Graduate Research Office undertakes a compliance audit, checks the assessment of conflict of interest and advises the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee where relevant if additional nominations are required. Once satisfied that the Nomination of Examiners form is compliant the Graduate Research Office uploads the Nomination of Examiners form to iGRad


3.2 Submitting the Thesis


1. The primary supervisor reviews the candidate’s thesis or folio/creative works and exegesis, and provides a recommendation to the Head of School indicating whether the thesis or folio/creative works and exegesis is of a satisfactory standard to be submitted for examination.

Where the thesis or folio/creative works and exegesis submission is deemed unsatisfactory, the primary supervisor (and Graduate Research Coordinator and Head of School, if required) discusses this with the candidate. Depending on the nature of the concerns, the primary supervisor may request that the candidate revises the thesis or folio/creative works and exegesis before submitting the thesis or folio/creative works and exegesis for examination.

Primary Supervisor








2. Once endorsed by the primary supervisor, the candidate submits their thesis or exegesis by uploading an electronic copy in iGRad.

If relevant, the candidate indicates that a performance or exhibition is ready for examination.

Where the file size is too large to be uploaded to iGRad the candidate advises the Graduate Research Office, who provides the candidates with instruction for providing the files via CloudStor.

The thesis or exegesis must meet the requirements specified in the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy and the General Requirements of a Higher Degree by Research Thesis.

Candidate

3. The Graduate Research Office reviews the thesis or exegesis to ensure the submission complies with all requirements and contacts the Graduate Research Coordinator and primary supervisor if there are any outstanding issues.


4. Upon receipt of notification from iGRad that a thesis has been submitted for examination, the Head of School indicates in iGRad:

a. whether they approve the submission of the candidate’s thesis, or

b. if not, provides reasons for this decision.

Head of School

5. Where approval has been received from the Head of School and the thesis or exegesis has been deemed to comply with all requirements the Graduate Research Office finalises the candidate’s thesis or exegesis submission.

Where the Head of Academic Unit indicates they do not support the submission of the thesis or exegesis, the Graduate Research Office notifies the candidate, the primary supervisor and Graduate Research Coordinator.


6. Where the candidate decides to submit the thesis against the recommendation of the primary supervisor and Head of Academic Unit, the candidate must submit a signed statement to the Graduate Research Office acknowledging that the thesis has been submitted for examination without the endorsement of the primary supervisor and Head of Academic Unit.

In such circumstances, the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee coordinates the thesis examination process as per the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy.

Candidate




http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1050459/Fact-Sheet-General-Requirements-of-a-Higher-Degree-by-Research-Thesis-20171130.pdf




3.3 Inviting the Examiners

Procedure ResponsibilityAfter the submission is finalised, the Graduate Research Office sends a formal invitation to the nominated examiners and requests a response by email.

The potential examiner must be provided with:a. the candidate’s nameb. an abstract of the thesisc. information about the timeframes and remuneration d. where relevant, the dates for the exhibition or examination

recital, and e. advice on whether an oral examination will form part of

the examination.

A reminder is sent if there is no response within five working days and a second 48 hours thereafter.

Where one or more of the examiners fail to accept the invitation to examine, the Graduate Research Office contacts any additional potential examiners who may have been listed, or requests that the primary supervisor or where relevant, the Graduate Research Coordinator or the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee nominates additional potential examiners in accordance with clause 3.1.2 or 3.1.3 of this Procedure.




3.4 Conducting the Examination

Where the examination involves:

1. a written thesis with no oral examination, recital, performance or exhibition see clause 3.4.1

2. a written thesis and an oral examination see clause 3.4.23. exegesis and creative works (art and theatre) see clause 3.4.3, or4. folio and exegesis (music) see clause 3.4.4.

3.4.1 Examining the thesis (no oral examination, recital, performance or exhibition)


1. Once an examiner has accepted the invitation to examine, the Graduate Research Office provides them with: a. electronic access to the thesisb. information about the examination c. marking guidelines and procedures, and d. other required forms.

A hard copy of the thesis will only be provided to examiners on request.


2. The examiners consider the candidate’s thesis and report independently by completing the recommendation form and preparing the examination report.

The examiners submit the completed recommendation form and examination report within the requested timeframe as outlined in the invitation to commence examination of a thesis: within six weeks of receiving the notification to

commence the examination of a thesis for a Doctoral degree, or

within four weeks of receiving the notification to commence the examination of a thesis for a Master of Research degree.

Examiners

3. Reminders will be sent to examiners and followed up by the Graduate Research Office in accordance with the Graduate Research Office examination standard operating procedures.

Upon receipt of all recommendation forms and examination reports, the Graduate Research Office sends the recommendations and reports to the Convenor of Examination for consideration.




If three examination reports have not been received by the due date the Graduate Research Office may make arrangements for a fourth examiner who has been appropriately nominated and approved.

4. The Convenor of Examination facilitates a consensus decision amongst the examiners on the examination outcome and prepares a report on the examination process and provides the recommendation of the examiners on the examination outcome to the Graduate Research Office.

In the event that the examiners cannot agree on a single recommendation, the Convenor of Examination invites the examiners to submit separate examination recommendations and the examination proceeds as per clause 3.5 of these Procedures.


5. The Graduate Research Office refers the Convenor of Examination’s report, the examiner recommendations, examination reports and the thesis or exegesis to the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee and the examination proceeds as per clause 3.6 of these Procedures.


3.4.2 Oral Examination of the Thesis


1. The Convenor of Examination determines a date, time and venue for the oral examination that is acceptable to the examiners. The use of video conference technology is encouraged.

The Graduate Research Office will issue invitations to the participants and advises the Head of Academic Unit(s) and Graduate Research Coordinator of the arrangements.

The Convenor of Examination will arrange a meeting of the examiners prior to the formal oral examination at which a final list of questions and topics for further exploration with the candidate will be agreed.


2. The Convenor of Examination chairs the oral examination presentation and examination deliberation which must be conducted in line with the Higher Degree by Research Oral Examination Guidelines.


3. At the conclusion of the oral examination the examiners provide their collective examination recommendation and

Examiners



examination reports to the Convenor of Examination. The Convenor of Examination prepares a report on the examination process and submits this report, the examination reports, examination outcome and minutes of the examiners deliberation to the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee for endorsement.

The examination progresses as per clause 3.6 of these Procedures.



3.4.3 Examining the Exegesis and Creative Works (excluding Music)


1. The Graduate Research Office sends the examiners an email with:

a. electronic access to the exegesisb. information about the examinationc. marking guidelines and proceduresd. details for viewing/accessing creative works, and e. other required forms.

A hard copy of the exegesis will be provided to examiners on request.


2. If an oral examination will be included in the examination and form a component of the examination report, the Convenor of Examination organises the candidate’s oral examination as outlined in Clause 3.4.2 of this Procedure.


3. The candidate consults the supervisory team on details of the installation and presentation of creative works with reference to Academic Unit guidelines.

Candidate

4. The examiners examine the candidate’s exegesis and creative works and report independently by completing the recommendation form and preparing the examination report.

5. The examiners submit the completed recommendation form and examination report within the requested

Examiners



timeframe as outlined in the invitation to commence examination of a thesis, ie:

a. within six weeks of receiving the notification to commence the examination of a Thesis for a Doctoral degree; or

b. within four weeks of receiving the notification to commence the examination of a Thesis for a Master of Research degree.





7. The Convenor of Examination facilitates a consensus decision amongst the examiners on the examination outcome and prepares a report on the examination process and provides the recommendation of the examiners on the examination outcome to the Graduate Research Office.





3.4.4 Examining the Folio and Exegesis (Music)


1. Graduate Research Office sends the examiners an email with information about the:a. examination marking guidelines and procedures;b. details for viewing/accessing folio of




works/recordings; c. electronic access to the exegesis; d. details of oral examination if required; and e. other required forms.

A hard copy of the exegesis and/or folio will be provided to the examiners on request.

2. The Convenor of Examination confirms the date and venue of the examination recital and organises the candidate’s oral defence, where required under clause 3.4.2 of these Procedures.


3. For Master of Research candidates: the examiners examine the candidate’s folio and exegesis and report independently by completing the recommendation form and preparing the examination report.

For Doctoral candidates: the examiners examine the candidate’s folio and exegesis prior to attending or viewing the examination recital and conducting the oral examination. The examiners then report independently by completing the recommendation form and preparing the examination report.

The examiners submit the completed recommendation form and examination report within the requested timeframe as outlined in the invitation to commence examination of a folio and exegesis, ie:a. within six weeks of receiving the notification to

commence the examination for a Doctoral degree; or

b. within four weeks of receiving the notification to commence the examination for a Master of Research degree.

Examiners





5. The Convenor of Examination facilitates a consensus decision amongst the examiners on the examination outcome and prepares a report on the examination process




and provides the recommendation of the examiners on the examination outcome to the Graduate Research Office.




3.5 Reconciling the examiner’s recommendation where an agreed consensus can’t be reached

Procedure Responsibility1. Where the Convenor of Examination is unable to facilitate a

consensus agreed amongst the examiners on the examination outcome the University Research Committee Higher Degrees by Research Examination Subcommittee:a. appoints an adjudicator as per the Higher Degree by

Research Examination Policy, andb. instructs the Graduate Research Office to provide the

adjudicator with copies of the uncorrected thesis, the examination reports, and the examination report prepared by the Convenor of Examination.

University Research Committee Higher Degrees by Research Examination Subcommittee

2. The adjudicator reviews the documentation provided by the Graduate Research Officer and makes a recommendation on the examination outcome to the University Research Committee Higher Degrees by Research Examination Subcommittee and the examination continues as per clause 3.6 of these Procedures.

Adjudicator

3.6 Determining the Outcome of the Thesis Examination


1. The University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee considers the Examination Report prepared and submitted by the Convenor of Examination (or where relevant the Adjudicator) anda. confirms that the examination was conducted as per the

Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy and this Procedure

b. accepts the examination recommendation,




examination reports and the final thesis or exegesisc. notes the recommended examination result, and d. instructs the Graduate Research Office to advise the

candidate of the examination outcome.

2. The Graduate Research Office notifies the candidate, relevant Graduate Research Coordinator, and primary supervisor of the examination outcome via email as per clauses 3.6.1 - 3.6.7 of these Procedures.


3.6.1 Examination Outcome “be awarded”


For examination outcome “be awarded” the Graduate Research Office sends an email to the candidate on behalf of the Dean of Graduate Research with the de-identified examination reports and invites the candidate to prepare a final copy of the Thesis as per clause 3.8 of these Procedures.


3.6.2 Examination Outcome “minor revisions and textual changes”


For examination outcome “be awarded provided that the minor revisions and textual changes identified in the examination reports are undertaken to the satisfaction of the Convenor of Examination”,

1. The Graduate Research Office provides de-identified copies of the examiner’s reports to the candidate for use during the revisions.

The candidate will undertake the revisions in consultation with the primary supervisor as soon as possible and take no longer than the due date recommended by the Convenor of Examination (normally not more than six weeks).

The candidate will submit the revised thesis and a report on the responses to the examination reports to the Graduate Research Office for review by the Convenor of Examination.

Graduate Research OfficeCandidate

2. The Convenor of Examination:a. reviews the corrected thesis and candidate’s report on

their responses to the examination reports, and b. certifies that the thesis has been corrected in line with

the revisions identified in the examination reports.

Once satisfied, the Convenor of Examination notifies the

Convenor of ExaminationGraduate Research Office



Graduate Research Office by email that the candidate’s corrections are complete.

The Graduate Research Office reports the examination recommendation from the Convenor of Examination to the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee for endorsement.

Once the examination outcome is endorsed, the Graduate Research Office notifies the candidate, the primary supervisor and the Graduate Research Coordinator via email and invites the candidate to prepare a final copy of the thesis as per clause 3.8 of this Procedure.

3.6.3 Examination Outcome “major revisions”


For examination outcome “be awarded provided that the major revisions recommended in the examination reports are undertaken to the satisfaction of the Convenor of Examination and the internal examiner”,

1. The Convenor of Examination and internal examiner evaluate the examination reports, determine the extent of work required and set a date by which the candidate must complete the corrections to the thesis in consultation with the Primary Supervisor.


2. The Graduate Research Office provides de-identified copies of the examination reports to the candidate for use during the revisions.

The candidate will undertake the revisions in consultation with the primary supervisor as soon as possible and take no longer than the due date recommended by the Convenor of Examination (normally not more than three months).

The candidate will submit the revised thesis and a report on the responses to the examination reports to the Graduate Research Office for review by the Convenor of Examination and internal examiner.


3. The Convenor of Examination and internal examiner: a. evaluate the corrected thesis and candidate’s report

on their responses to the examination reports, and b. determine whether the candidate has responded adequately

to the recommendations contained within the examination reports.

Where the Convenor of Examination and internal examiner

Convenor of Examination Internal ExaminerGraduate Research Office



determines that further work is required, the Convenor of Examination instructs the Graduate Research Office to advise the candidate of the extent of work required and a date by which the candidate must complete the additional corrections to the thesis.

When the Convenor of Examination and internal examiner are satisfied that the candidate has responded adequately to the recommendations contained within the examination reports, the Convenor of Examination notifies the Graduate Research Office by email that the candidate’s corrections are complete.


4. Once the examination outcome is finalised, the Graduate Research Office notifies the candidate, the primary supervisor and the Graduate Research Coordinator of the examination outcome via email and invites the candidate to prepare a final copy of the thesis as per clause 3.8 of this Procedure.


3.6.4 Examination Outcome “re-examination”


For examination outcome “be not yet awarded but that the Candidate be permitted to revise the thesis in response to the examination reports and submit it for re-examination”,

1. The Convenor of Examination facilitates a discussion among the examiners on the extent of work required and sets a date by which the candidate must submit the revised thesis for re-examination in consultation with the primary supervisor.

Convenor of ExaminationExaminers

2. The Graduate Research Office provides de-identified copies of the examination reports to the candidate for use during the revisions.

The candidate will undertake the revisions in consultation with the primary supervisor as soon as possible and take no longer than the due date recommended by the examiners.

The candidate submits the thesis or exegesis, folio and/or recording of a new examination recital and report on their responses to the changes requested by the examiners via iGRad.


3. The Head of Academic Unit and primary supervisor:a. evaluate the corrected thesis and candidate’s report

Head of Academic UnitPrimary




on their responses to the examination reports, and b. determine whether the candidate has responded adequately


Where the Head of Academic Unit and primary supervisor determines that further work is required, the Convenor of Examination instructs the Graduate Research Office to advise the candidate of the extent of work required and a date by which the candidate must complete the additional corrections to the thesis.

When the Head of Academic Unit and primary supervisor are satisfied that the candidate has responded adequately to the recommendations contained within the examination reports, the Convenor of Examination notifies the Graduate Research Office by email that the candidate’s corrections are complete.

Supervisor

4. The Graduate Research Office invites the examiners to re-examine the thesis or exegesis, folio and/or recording of a new examination recital.

The examination then proceeds as per clause 3.4 of this Procedure, with the exception that the examiners recommendations shall be limited to the re-examination recommendations listed in the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy.

Graduate Research OfficeExaminers

3.6.5 Examination Outcome “not be awarded but the degree of Master of Research be awarded”


For the examination outcome “not be awarded but the appropriate degree of Master of Research be awarded”

1. Where the candidate does not appeal, is not permitted to appeal, or is unsuccessful in the appeal of the examination outcome, the Graduate Research Office withdraws the candidate from the Doctoral degree and transfers the candidate to the appropriate Master of Research degree and clause 3.6.5.3 of this Procedure applies.

Where the appeal is successful, the candidate’s thesis will be re-examined (without resubmission of the thesis) and the Graduate Research Office contacts the primary supervisor to request that they nominate new potential examiners in accordance with clause 3.1.2, or where appropriate, 3.1.3 of this Procedure. The examination process then proceeds as per clause 3.3 onwards of this Procedure.




2. The Convenor of Examination evaluates the examination reports, determines the extent of work required (if any) and, in consultation with the primary supervisor, sets a date by which the candidate must complete the corrections to the thesis and provides the recommendation of the examiners to the Graduate Research Office.

The Graduate Research Office provides de-identified copies of the examination reports to the candidate for use during the revisions.

The candidate will undertake revisions where required in consultation with the primary supervisor as soon as possible and take no longer than the timeframe recommended by the Convenor of Examination.




Candidate

3. The Convenor of Examination:a. evaluates the corrected thesis and candidate’s report

on their responses to the examination reports, and b. determines whether the candidate has responded adequately


Once satisfied, the Convenor of Examination notifies the Graduate Research Office by email that the candidate’s corrections are complete.


Once the examination outcome is endorsed, the Graduate Research Office notifies the candidate, the primary supervisor and the Graduate Research Coordinator via email and invites the candidate to prepare a final copy of the thesis as per clause 3.8 of this Procedure.



3.6.6 Examination Outcome “not be awarded: re-examination for the degree of Master of Research”


For the examination outcome: “not be awarded but the candidate be permitted to revise the thesis and resubmit it for examination for the degree of Master of Research”.




1. Where the candidate does not appeal, is not permitted to appeal, or is unsuccessful in the appeal of the examination outcome, the Graduate Research Office withdraws the candidate from the Doctoral degree and:a. for domestic candidates: transfers the candidate to

the appropriate Master of Research degree.b. for international candidates: sends the candidate a

letter of offer, which must be accepted by the due date for candidature to continue. A new confirmation of enrolment will be issued once the candidate accepts the letter of offer. If the candidate does not accept by the due date, the Dean of Graduate Research will commence termination proceedings Rule 4 – Rules of Graduate Research (Rule 4).

The examination then proceeds as per clause 3.6.6.2-4 of this Procedure.

Where the appeal is successful, the candidate’s thesis will be re-examined (without resubmission of the thesis) and the Graduate Research Office contacts the primary supervisor to request that they nominate new potential examiners in accordance with clause 3.1.2 or where appropriate, 3.1.3 of this Procedure. The examination process then proceeds as per clause 3.3 onwards of this Procedure.


2. The Convenor of Examination facilitates a discussion among the examiners on the extent of work required and, in consultation with the Primary Supervisor, sets a date by which the candidate must submit the revised thesis for re-examination, and provides the recommendation of the examiners to the Graduate Research Office.

The Graduate Research Office provides de-identified copies of the examination reports to the candidate for use during the revisions.

The candidate will undertake the revisions in consultation with the primary supervisor as soon as possible and take no longer than the due date recommended by the examiners.




Candidate

3. The Head of Academic Unit and primary supervisor review the revised thesis and advise the Graduate Research Office that the candidate has adequately addressed the changes requested by the examiners.

Head of Academic UnitPrimary Supervisor

4. The Graduate Research Office invites the examiners to re- Graduate Research




examine the thesis or exegesis, folio and/or recording of a new examination recital.

The examination then proceeds as per clause 3.4 of this Procedure, with the except that the examiners recommendations shall be limited to the re-examination recommendations listed in clause 3.13.5 of the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy.

Office

3.6.7 Examination Outcome “not be awarded”


For examination outcome “not be awarded and the candidate not be permitted to submit the thesis for the degree”

1. Where the candidate does not appeal, is not permitted to appeal, or is unsuccessful in the appeal of the examination outcome the Graduate Research Office records a result of fail in the candidate’s records and notifies the candidate or the outcome by email.

Where the appeal is successful, the candidate’s thesis will be re-examined (without resubmission of the thesis) and the Graduate Research Office contacts the primary supervisor to request that they nominate new potential examiners in accordance with clause 3.1.2 or where appropriate, 3.1.3 of this Procedure. The examination process then proceeds as per clause 3.3 onwards of this Procedure.


Dean of Graduate Research

3.7 Extensions to correction time period


1. Candidates who require an extension to the correction time period must submit an application to the Graduate Research Office on the approved form, signed by the primary supervisor and Convenor of Examination, for approval by the Dean of Graduate Research.

Candidate

2. Where the application is approved, the Graduate Research Office will notify the candidate, primary supervisor and Convenor of Examination of the new date for the submission of the revised thesis.

Where the application is not approved, the Graduate Research Office will notify the candidate, primary supervisor and Convenor of Examination that the revised thesis must




be submitted by the original correction date (or any approved extensions to that date). If the candidate does not accept by the due date, the Dean of Graduate Research will commence termination proceedings under Rule 4.

3.8 Finalising the Thesis Examination


1. The candidate must meet all the requirements for completion detailed in the Higher Degrees by Research Examination Policy.

Candidate

2. The Convenor of Examination sends the Graduate Research Office a recommendation stating that the candidate has completed all corrections to their satisfaction and advises that the degree can be awarded.


3. The Graduate Research Office reports the examination outcome to the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee for endorsement.


4. Upon receipt of University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee endorsement, the Graduate Research Office ratifies the candidate’s pass result and invites the candidate to submit:

an electronic copy of the final thesis for upload into the University Library Open Repository after graduation,

Thesis Access Form , 40-word summary for the Graduation Program (Doctoral

Candidates only), and a 2000 character Australian Higher Education Graduation

Statement via the graduation requirements in iGRad.

Where a thesis has extra components other than print or image (e.g. sound recordings or moving images) the candidate contacts the Graduate Research Office to seek advice on the appropriate format for these additional components.


5. Provided the candidate has met all requirements for graduation, the Graduate Research Office certifies the candidate’s examination outcome and identifies the candidate as a potential graduand.


6. The Graduate Research Office submits a list of candidates Graduate Research



http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1050461/40-Word-Summary-Guidelines-20171130.pdf

http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/121012/HDR-Thesis-Access-Form-May-2017.pdf


who have been identified as potential graduands to the next meeting of the Academic Senate for endorsement and to the University Research Committee for noting.

Office

7. The Chair of Academic Senate approves the award of the relevant degree to each of the identified candidates, subject to the completion of all course requirements.

Chair of Academic Senate

8. Once the candidate has had their degree conferred at Graduation, the Graduate Research Office send the candidate’s final Thesis and Thesis Access Form to the Library.


4 Definitions and Acronyms

Term/Acronym DefinitionAcademic Unit Means the secondary organisational unit in the academic

structure of the University, reporting directly to the College executive Deans, as per Ordinance 14 – Academic Structure.

Candidate a person enrolled at the University as a Candidate for a Higher Degree by Research.

Candidature the status conferred on a person who is enrolled as a Candidate under these rules.


Appointed by the Head of Academic Unit or the University Research Committee Higher Degree by Research Examination Sub-Committee where required under clause 3.9.1 of the Higher Degree by Research Examination Policy, to act as an independent Chair throughout the examination process of a Candidate’s thesis.

Dean of Graduate Research

The Dean of Graduate Research is the person who establishes the academic framework for research training at the University and works with Colleges to ensure the University maintains appropriate standards for research training at the University (including admission, appropriate infrastructure, supervision and examination).

Examiners Experts in the discipline who are external to the University, independent of the conduct of the research, and without any real or perceived conflict of interest.

Examiner of Review

An Examiner appointed to review a corrected thesis as per clause 3.14.5 of this Policy.

Exegesis A critical interpretation or explication of text, a project or creative work. The exegesis has a critical part to play in contextualising the research project in the field of enquiry. The exegesis outlines the reasoning behind the research and the underpinning methodology thus explicating the nature and conduct of the research that has underpinned the creation of the performances.



Graduate Research Coordinator

An academic staff member who oversees candidature supervision within an Academic Unit of enrolment in consultation with the Head of Academic Unit l.

Head of Academic Unit

The person appointed to provide academic and strategic leadership to the Academic Unit or equivalent organisational unit within which the candidate is enrolled.

Higher Degree by Research

A Doctor of Philosophy, Professional Doctorate or Master of Research Degree as listed in Rule 4: Rules of Graduate Research.

Maximum Degree Period

As per Clause 11 of Rule 4: Doctor of Philosophy: 4 years Full Time or equivalent

Part Time. Professional Doctorate: the maximum Degree Period

as approved by Academic Senate and set out in the applicable the University course and unit handbook.

Master Degree (Research): 2 years Full Time or equivalent Part Time.

Joint/Cotutelle Doctoral Degree: the Maximum Degree Period as specified in the Candidate Agreement.

Oral examination An oral examination involves an oral defence of the thesis before the thesis examiners. An oral examination is used to clarify aspects of the written Thesis and to explore the Candidate’s knowledge of their field.

Primary Supervisor

The supervisor who is primarily responsible for ensuring that all administrative and regulatory requirements prescribed for Candidates are met.

Rule 4 Rule 4 - Rules of Graduate Research.Thesis Using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually

coherent product or product(s) such as a Thesis, collection of publication and exegesis, dissertation and artefacts, or exegesis and portfolio of creative works and/or performance, for submission to external examination against international standards.


A sub-committee of the University Research Committee responsible for quality assuring processes and decisions in relation to the examination of a higher degree by research.

5 Supporting Documentation

Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research Authorship of Research Policy Authorship of Research Procedure Conflict of Interest Policy Conflict of Interest in the Appointment of Examiners of Research Theses

Guidelines.



Management of Research Data Policy Management of Research Data Procedure Rule 4: Rules of Graduate Research

6 Versioning

Former Version(s) Version 1 – Higher Degree by Research Examination Procedure; approved Month, 2017; reviewed Month, 2020.


Documents

Higher Degree by Research Examination Web viewmakes a recommendation to the Head of Academic Unit on the final ... transfers the candidate to the appropriate Master of Research