BOND UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDIES PROCEDURE

Related policies Bond University Ethics Policy Code of Conduct for Research Policy Intellectual Property Policy Code of Good Practice for Supervision of Higher Degree Research Students Policy Copyright Policy Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty Policy Commercial Research Policy Authorship and Retention of Data Guidelines

HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH RELATED DOCUMENTS CANDIDATURE: Application Form for Higher Degree Research Candidature; Guide to Forms for Varying Enrolment Details (change of candidature; leave of absence; visa extension for international HDR students); Confirmation of Candidature; Progress and Review Process; Supervisor and Higher Degree Research Student Agreement. SCHOLARSHIP: Claim for living allowance; Claim for Re-Location/Thesis allowances; Completion Scholarship Application; Publication Scholarship Application. EXAMINATION: Guidelines for Format of Examinable Material; Guidelines for Examiners; Submitting a Thesis/Examinable Material (claim for thesis allowance scholarship holders only; Notice of intention to submit form; Nomination of Examiners; Intention to Submit; Supervisor Statement for Thesis Examination; Statement on Thesis Examination Outcome). SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................3 SECTION 2- POLICY ................................................................................................................................................3 PRINCIPLES .............................................................................................................................................................3 POLICY......................................................................................................................................................................3 1. RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES .....................................................................................................................3 1.1 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD by thesis only) ...................................................................................3 1.2 DOCTOR OF PHILOSPOHY BY CREATIVE WORK AND EXEGESIS ...................................................3 1.3 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY BY PUBLICATION (PhD by Publication)....................................................4 1.4 PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE ...............................................................................................................4 1.5 MASTERS BY RESEARCH.......................................................................................................................4 2. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION .....................................................................................................................5 2.1 PHD MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...............................................................................................5 2.2 EQUIVALENCE OF INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................................5 2.3 PhD BY PUBLICATION MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................5 2.4 PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ................................................6 2.5 MASTERS BY RESEARCH MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS..........................................................6 2.6 EXCEPTION TO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................6 3. APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT ...................................................................................................................6 3.1 CONTACT FACULTY AND OR POTENTIAL SUPERVISOR ...................................................................6 3.2 APPLICATION FOR CANDIDATURE .......................................................................................................7 3.3 OFFERS ....................................................................................................................................................7 3.4 CONDITIONAL OFFERS...........................................................................................................................7 3.5 INITIAL AND CONTINUING ENROLMENT ..............................................................................................7 3.6 MULTIPLE ENROLMENTS .......................................................................................................................7 3.7 EXTERNAL OFF CAMPUS STUDY MODE ..............................................................................................8 4. CANDIDATURE .................................................................................................................................................8 4.1 CONFIRMATION OF CANDIDATURE ......................................................................................................8 4.2 DURATION OF CANDIDATURE: COMMENCEMENT and END DATE...................................................9
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 1

5. 6.

7. 8.

9.

10. 11. 12. 13.

4.3 FULL TIME AND PART TIME CANDIDATURE ......................................................................................10 4.4 VARIATIONS TO CANDIDATURE ..........................................................................................................10 4.5 CHANGE OF TOPIC ...............................................................................................................................10 4.6 EXCEEDING PERIOD OF SCHOLARSHIP FUNDED CANDIDATURE.................................................10 4.7 EXCEEDING PERIOD OF MAXIMUM CANDIDATURE .........................................................................10 4.8 EXTENSION OF CANDIDATURE ...........................................................................................................11 4.9 TIME COMMITMENTS ............................................................................................................................11 4.10 EMPLOYMENT COMMITMENTS ...........................................................................................................11 4.11 LEAVE PROVISIONS ..............................................................................................................................11 4.12 CONVERSION FROM ONE RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE TO ANOTHER .......................................11 INDUCTION .....................................................................................................................................................12 5.1 CONDUCT OF RESEARCH....................................................................................................................12 PROGRESS.....................................................................................................................................................12 6.1 MONITORING OF PROGRESS ..............................................................................................................12 6.2 MAJOR REVIEWS OF PROGRESS .......................................................................................................13 6.3 PROGRESS REPORTS ..........................................................................................................................13 6.4 OTHER PROGRESS MATTERS ............................................................................................................13 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CANDIDATE ....................................................................................................14 7.1 STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT: SUPERVISOR AND HDR STUDENT .................................................14 RESEARCH SUPERVISION ...........................................................................................................................14 8.1 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERVISORS...............................................................................................14 8.2 CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION AS RESEARCH SUPERVISOR........................................................15 8.3 MAXIMUM SUPERVISORY LOAD .........................................................................................................15 8.4 SUPERVISOR TRAINING .......................................................................................................................15 8.5 CHANGE OF SUPERVISOR...................................................................................................................15 EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................................................16 9.1. CONDUCT OF EXAMINATION ...............................................................................................................16 9.2 SELECTION OF EXAMINERS ................................................................................................................16 9.3 COMMUNICATION WITH EXAMINERS .................................................................................................16 9.4 PANELS OF EXAMINERS ......................................................................................................................16 9.5 FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION FOR EXAMINATION .........................................................................16 9.6 SUBMISSION OF EXAMINABLE OUTCOME.........................................................................................17 9.7 EDITING ..................................................................................................................................................17 9.8 SUBMISSION FOR EXAMINATION........................................................................................................17 9.9 COST OF PRODUCTION OF EXAMINABLE OUTCOME ......................................................................17 9.10 GUIDELINES FOR EXAMINERS ............................................................................................................17 9.11 DURATION OF EXAMINATION ..............................................................................................................17 9.12 EXAMINATION OUTCOMES ..................................................................................................................17 9.13 RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICTING OUTCOMES ................................................18 9.14 NOTIFICATION OF OUTCOME ..............................................................................................................17 9.15 TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETING AMENDMENTS BASED ON EXAMINER RECOMMENDATIONS .18 9.16 CONFIDENTIALITY AND EMBARGO ON EXAMINABLE OUTCOME...................................................18 9.17 FINAL SUBMISSION ...............................................................................................................................19 9.18 AWARD OF DEGREE .............................................................................................................................19 PUBLICATION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION .......................................................................................................19 COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION ................................................................................................19 TERMINATION ................................................................................................................................................19 APPEALS.........................................................................................................................................................20

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 2

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION SECTION 2- POLICY

PRINCIPLES
The University offers Higher Degrees Research (HDR) candidature within the context of its high quality teaching and research environment and as evidence of its commitment to providing excellent research training and professional practice opportunities. HDR policies and procedures as outlined here govern the processes and standards of HDR students and the final examination of the theses submitted for examination. These policies and procedures are also consistent with all external commonwealth policies, guidelines and principles involving HDR training.

POLICY
1.

RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Bond University signifies that the holder has undertaken postgraduate research training at an internationally recognised standard which has been determined by external examination in which the examiners confirm that the thesis has made an important and original contribution to knowledge in the relevant field. The PhD program encompasses PhD by thesis, PhD by Creative Work and Exegesis and PhD by Publication. The PhD program also includes research Professional Doctorates - the Doctor of Legal Science (SJD) which has a minimum 67% research component and therefore complies with the Commonwealth Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) definition of HDR programs. 1.1 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD by thesis only) Candidates in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD by thesis only) program will produce a major scholarly work resulting from their independent research and this will be presented for external examination. The format of the candidates research outcomes will take the form of a major thesis. PhD candidates are required to submit for external examination a written research thesis of between 70,000 -100,000 words (excluding referencing and appendices). Regulations regarding the Doctor of Philosophy may be found in the University Handbook (Part 1, Division 11, http://www.bond.edu.au/student-resources/student-administration/policies-procedures-guidelines-andforms/handbook/index.htm Further details regarding PhD format and presentation styles are provided in the document Guidelines on Thesis/Examinable Material Preparation. 1.2 DOCTOR OF PHILOSPOHY BY CREATIVE WORK AND EXEGESIS In disciplines which include but are not limited to creative arts, interactive design and web-based technologies candidates will normally produce a creative work plus a dissertation or exegesis. The format of a candidates creative work may include a script or other written literary forms, design, film, video, multimedia, CD-Rom or other New Media technologies. Such creative work hereafter referred to as other examinable material will be complemented by a connecting and inter-related dissertation which will represent and contribute to the overall originality and artistic achievement of the research and the created work. The exegesis will fulfill the requirement for every PhD research thesis by demonstrating it has made an original contribution to knowledge in its field. The format of the candidates research outcomes will be an artifact with accompanying document or exegesis and the examinable outcome should be equivalent to 70,000 100,000 words (excluding referencing and appendices). Regulations regarding the Doctor of Philosophy may be found in the University Handbook (Part 1, Division 11, http://www.bond.edu.au/student-resources/student-administration/policies-procedures-guidelines-andforms/handbook/index.htm Further details regarding PhD format and presentation styles are provided in the document Guidelines on Thesis/Examinable Material Preparation.
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 3

1.3 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY BY PUBLICATION (PhD by Publication) The purpose of the PhD by Publication program is to enable the PhD to be awarded to candidates on the basis of their demonstrable and established research outputs and intellectual endeavours and to formally recognise their research reputation and contribution to their respective field, based on their record of academic publication. Applicants to the PhD by Publication program must demonstrate their research capabilities and achievements as judged by independent experts applying international standards of research scholarship. The period of candidature for PhD by publication degree will normally be three to twelve months, during which time the candidate will prepare the collected published works and write a comprehensive narrative which will integrate these published works. The PhD by Publication is based (i) either on research undertaken prior to admission to candidature and published, normally in academic texts and/or refereed journals or, in the case of a candidate enrolled under the standard PhD regulations, these papers will have been written up and published during the course of supervised candidature and will be based on research undertaken during that period.

(ii)

For the award of a PhD by Publication, candidates are required to submit a collection of authored refereed publications and an integrating paper, both of which must be at the standard appropriate for the award of the degree of PhD. The integrating paper would normally be between 15,000 and 20,000 words (excluding referencing and appendices) and must demonstrate how the submitted publications as a whole represent an original and significant contribution to the relevant field. Examination of the thesis submitted under the PhD by Publication program is the same as that of other Doctoral theses. Regulations regarding the Doctor of Philosophy may be found in the University Handbook (Part 1, Division 11, http://www.bond.edu.au/student-resources/student-administration/policies-procedures-guidelines-andforms/handbook/index.htm Further details regarding PhD format and presentation styles are provided in the document Guidelines on Thesis/Examinable Material Preparation. 1.4 PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE A Professional Doctorate has as its objective, the improvement of professional practice by extending the knowledge and expertise of the candidate while at the same time, enabling the candidate to make an important and original contribution through the application of research to current issues to the relevant field. The University currently offers Professional Doctorates in the Faculty of Law (Doctor of Legal Science - SJD). A Professional Doctorate candidate must pursue an approved program of coursework study and research and make a significant and original contribution to professional practice. The Professional Doctorate will comprise two thirds of the assessable content by research and one third of advanced coursework. The research component will consist of between 50,000 and 70,000 words (excluding refereeing and appendices). Candidates undertaking the SJD may substitute six coursework subjects for the minor dissertation (20,000 words) with the approval of the Dean. Regulations regarding the Professional Doctorate may be found in the University Handbook (Part 1, Division 10, http://www.bond.edu.au/student-resources/student-administration/policies-procedures-guidelines-andforms/handbook/index.htm Further details regarding PhD format and presentation styles are provided in the document Guidelines on Thesis/Examinable Material Preparation.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 4

1.5 MASTERS BY RESEARCH The objectives of a Masters by Research include : improving students research methodology, techniques and developing high level critical analytical skills the application of these skills to the conduct of a specified research project by the Masters by Research candidate under approved academic supervision fostering in the Masters by Research candidate the ability to argue and debate in the respective research project field at an appropriately advanced level

Masters by Research candidates are required to submit for internal/external examination a written research thesis of 40,000 -50,000 words (excluding referencing and appendices). In cases where the research project incorporates a created work, the resulting outcome should demonstrate an original contribution to the field and must be accompanied by an exegesis to outline the research process and place it in the context of the program in which the artistic work has taken place. The examinable outcome will be equivalent to 30,000-40,000 words. Regulations regarding the Masters by Research may be found in the University Handbook (Part 1, Division 9, http://www.bond.edu.au/student-resources/student-administration/policies-procedures-guidelines-andforms/handbook/index.htm

2. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

2.1 PHD MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have completed at least four years or equivalent of tertiary education studies at a high level of achievement normally at Honours Class 1 or Honours Class 2A. However, intending applicants who have demonstrated achievement as follows may also be considered. (i) a three year degree and a Masters by Research; (ii) a three year degree and one year of a Masters by coursework (normally including a minor thesis) at a satisfactory standard; (iii) a three year degree and a Masters preliminary year or other equivalent qualifying program; (iv) a three year degree and a postgraduate diploma (normally including a minor thesis).

2.2 EQUIVALENCE OF INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS International qualifications gained outside Australia and their equivalence to Australian qualifications will be determined following assessment by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition. The following English language entry requirements for international students include one of the following: International Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall score of 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking, obtained in the previous two years prior to application for PhD candidature, or corresponding scores for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the equivalent English Academic Language level attained at Bond University English Language Institute (BUELI). Evidence of teaching in the English language for at least two years at an overseas institution in which English is the official language Evidence of written English published in scholarly books or internationally recognised journals together with authorship statements or other evidence of the applicants contribution to the relevant publication Where previous study or professional experience was undertaken in English, the applicant must provide certified documentation from the educational institution and/or employer to validate the claim.

2.3 PhD BY PUBLICATION MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants must satisfy the entry requirements for the PhD (2.2) and must also demonstrate achievement as established researchers and/or scholars. Evidence of research and scholarly output must include full details of the published works to be included in the final thesis, current curriculum vitae and the names and contact details for two current academic referees.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 5

2.4 PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Minimum entry requirements differ in relation to the Professional Doctorates offered by the University as detailed below: SJD Applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with Honours or a Master of Laws. Candidates for the SJD degree must satisfy the Dean that they have the academic, research and writing abilities to produce a major dissertation in English of not more than 50,000 words which represents a substantial contribution to the exposition, knowledge or understanding of the field of study concerned. Students may be required to complete one semester of a Master of Laws before gaining admission to the Doctor of Legal Science (SJD). For transfer to the SJD program, students will normally be expected to obtain a mark average of at least 75%. The Faculty may consider applications on the basis of other qualifications and professional experience. 2.5 MASTERS BY RESEARCH MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants will normally have completed a relevant Bachelor degree at Honours level. However, consideration may be given to applicants who have achieved one of the following: A three year degree followed by a year of full time postgraduate study or postgraduate study with a research component. A three year degree with a minimum average of Credit in the final year units undertaken. Experience in research as evidenced by research publications or written reports on the research quality and expertise demonstrated by the applicant during this time. In the case of international applicants, judgments of equivalence will be informed by assessments made by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition. Police Check for Clinical Placements Organisations involved with clinical placements or professional field experience will require students to have obtained a police check regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. Enrolled and prospective candidates may be required to obtain and pay for the Queensland Blue Card police check prior to commencing clinical placements or professional field experience in their research program. 2.6 EXCEPTION TO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS In exceptional circumstances Faculty Research Committee may consider applications from prospective students who do not meet the stipulated criteria and will refer such applications and the FRCs recommendation to the Dean of Faculty for further consideration and decision.

3. APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT

3.1 CONTACT FACULTY AND OR POTENTIAL SUPERVISOR Prior to enrolment in a Higher Degree Research, the following steps must occur: 3.1.1 The potential candidate must contact the potential supervisor or the Faculty Associate Dean Research/Director of Research. Initially prospective students may make enquiries via the relevant Faculty website. Each Faculty maintains generic Research by Higher Degree email, for example HSSResearch@bond.edu.au, LawResearch@bond.edu.au, which is attached to the email account of the relevant Associate Dean/Director of Research email account. The email shall act as the clearing house for the enquires to other members of Faculty, if the enquiry is legitimate.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 6

3.1.2 The potential candidate must complete a Postgraduate Application for Candidature Form (http://www.bond.edu.au/degrees-and-courses/application-enrolment/application/postgraduate/index.htm) and attach all the required evidence. 3.1.3 Approval must first be given by the FRC which will forward its recommendation to Bond University Higher Degrees Research Committee (BUHDRC) to approve and authorise Office of Admissions to forward a written offer of enrolment to the potential candidate. 3.2 APPLICATION FOR CANDIDATURE 3.2.1 All applications to undertake HDR must be lodged with the FRC via the Faculty Associate Dean Research/Director of Research. All HDR applications will be considered by the respective FRC and if recommended, the application will be approved by the Dean or designate of Faculty. The approved application will then be returned to the HDR Advisor at Bond University Graduate School of Research (BUGSR). 3.2.2 The BUHDRC must be satisfied that the applicant is qualified and has the capacity and ability to complete the requirements of the designated degree program and that the Faculty and University have appropriate supervisory arrangements and resources to support the study for the duration of the candidature. 3.3 OFFERS 3.3.1 Once an application for candidature has been recommended by the BUHDRC approval will be given for an offer to be sent to the applicant by the Office of Admissions. All offers of candidature, which are Probationary until the candidate successfully undertakes Confirmation to Candidature, must be accepted in writing and taken up within six months of the date of offer. 3.3.2 Decisions on offers of Probationary candidature are final and not subject to appeal. 3.3.3 Subject credit transfer or exemption based on studies completed at other institutions or as part of another degree will not be allowed for PhD or Masters by Research programs. Credit for Previous Studies in the SJD (a) A maximum of two subjects may be credited toward the degree for equivalent studies with the approval of the Dean.

3.4 CONDITIONAL OFFERS In cases where an application does not fully meet all entry requirements, a conditional offer may be made. Normally candidature enrolment cannot be completed until the stipulated conditions have been fulfilled and such conditions will be completed within six months of the date of offer of conditional enrolment to the satisfaction of the FRC and BUHDRC. Where a conditional offer has been made requiring the completion of coursework unit/s, enrolment will be dependent on successful completion of the required unit/s and advice from the FRC to the BUHDRC. Once approval is obtained, the BUHDRC will recommend a written offer of enrolment be forwarded by BUGSR to the potential candidate. 3.5 INITIAL AND CONTINUING ENROLMENT 3.5.1 Candidates are normally enrolled in the Faculty of the Principal Supervisor. If there is a change in supervision and the new supervisor is in another Faculty, the candidature will be transferred following approval from the relinquishing FRC, acceptance from the accepting FRC and finally, on the recommendation of the BUHDRC. 3.5.2 Candidates must remain enrolled at all times until the thesis is submitted or the maximum period of candidature is reached, except for periods of approved leave. All APAs APAIs and IPRSs must have their candidature calculated finitely so that they consume the 3 year maximum with a possibility to then apply for up to 6 months extension. 3.6 MULTIPLE ENROLMENTS Research degrees candidates normally cannot be enrolled concurrently in more than one program. In some circumstances where the FRC recommends that a candidate enroll in a single unit of study as a necessary part of
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 7

the research program the BUHDRC will consider the recommendation. Concurrent enrolment will only be approved in accordance with legislative guidelines under ESOS. 3.7 EXTERNAL OFF CAMPUS STUDY MODE 3.7.1 The University normally expects both domestic and international students to do their research on-campus. If you are applying for external or off-shore candidature, prior approval must be obtained from the Bond University Higher Degree Research Committee. Please note that under the ESOS Act, Bond University is not permitted to be a distance education provider to international students 3.7.2 The BUHDRC may permit a HDR candidate to conduct their research away from the University. Off campus study may be short term of more than three months or may involve a candidate who will be predominantly located away from the University. 3.7.3 The candidate and the Principal Supervisor, must provide the FRC with a detailed justification for the request for off campus study mode and this justification together with the FRC recommendation must have the Deans approval prior to being considered by the BUHDRC. Justification and approval for off campus study mode must demonstrate that the arrangements will include the same supervisory standards and provisions outlined at a recognised research establishment or place of professional employment normally required under the PhD program: Bond Study Away Form the candidate is encouraged to engage in scholarly activities; the PhD research program will be undertaken with assured standards in an appropriate research environment; a formal scheme for regular contact between the candidate and the Principal Supervisor is agreed and maintained and an appropriate Co Supervisor will be responsible for regular supervision; a letter of support from the external establishment detailing the provision of resources required for the study throughout the candidature; The Principal Supervisor, the candidate and the external establishment must confirm arrangements for the collection of research data and their storage and any other ethical matters, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Research and the Research and HDR Authorship and Retention of Data guidelines; Off campus candidates must ensure regular contact with their supervisor is maintained either in person or using appropriate technology and that significant contact must take place ten (10) days per academic year.

3.7.4 External candidates must normally spend a minimum of three months at Bond University during the course of their candidature and must be present for the Confirmation of Candidature and for the Final Seminar presentation.

4. CANDIDATURE
HDR candidature is a progressive and developmental process marked by key milestones with the aim of ensuring the candidate has made solid progress and acquired appropriate skills and expertise in the relevant field of study. Throughout the period of candidature, the University and faculties have developed a structured framework to assess, document and enhance a candidates research training experience and where necessary, to resolve difficulties. 4.1 CONFIRMATION OF CANDIDATURE 4.1.1 Confirmation of candidature is the initial stage of the research training process. The key objectives will include evaluation of the candidates progress in the formative period of the probationary stage of candidature. The confirmation process enables an assessment to be made to ensure the candidate is on track during this early stage. Confirmation of candidature will be based on as assessment of the following milestones and candidates are required to: 1. conduct an oral presentation; 2. outline a detailed confirmation document will normally be up to a maximum of 10,000 words;
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 8

3. complete an annotated literature or bibliographic review or other form of comprehensive background research; 4. provide evidence of application for ethics approval where relevant; 5. successfully complete any stipulated coursework unit/s or other developmental activity required in the Letter of Offer; 6. present an outline of the research project and progress to date before a Confirmation Panel chaired by the Chair of the FRC and comprising the supervisors and at least three other academic staff from a cognate field, and an external examiner from a cognate field and as approved by the Dean of Faculty. 7. The Confirmation Panel will recommend either that: 7.1 the candidature is confirmed 7.2 the candidature is not confirmed on the basis that progress is unsatisfactory. 7.3 the probationary period should be extended as deemed relevant by the Confirmation Panel 4.1.2 Where candidature is confirmed the Confirmation Panel chair will advise the FRC which will recommend to the BUHDRC that the candidate be advised that progress has been satisfactory and that confirmation of candidature has been approved. Confirmation of Candidature Report 4.1.3 Where candidature is considered unsatisfactory the candidate will be advised in writing to prepare a response for consideration by the FRC. If the FRC upholds the Confirmation Panel determination of unsatisfactory progress, the candidate may lodge an appeal with the BUHDRC. However, appeals will only be permitted on procedural grounds. 4.1.4 Where a further period of probationary candidature is recommended the Confirmation Panel will stipulate the length of the extension and any conditions to the candidate and to BUGSR. The Confirmation Panel shall reconvene at the conclusion of the extension period to determine the candidates confirmation. 4.2 DURATION OF CANDIDATURE: COMMENCEMENT and END DATE The purpose of this section is to outline expectations about the desirable maximum length of time for candidature of HDR studies. 4.2.1 Candidature is deemed to commence on the first date of enrolment in the HDR program. 4.2.2 Higher degree candidature ends on the date that: (i) the thesis or examinable outcome is submitted for examination (ii) the maximum period of candidature is consumed (iii) the candidate withdraws (iv) candidature is terminated 4.2.3 The period of candidature for the PhD program is 4 years full time equivalent. Students may apply for an extension of a maximum equivalent of 12 months. The period of candidature for the Masters by Research program is 2 years full time equivalent. Students may apply for an extension of a maximum equivalent of 12 months. The period of candidature for SJD is not less than 4 semesters and not more than 18 semesters 4.2.4 International students on student visas are expected to complete within the duration of their initial candidature (that is: 4 years for PhD, and 2 years for Masters by Research, and 18 semesters for SJD). 4.2.5 Successful applicants for HDR programs may be required to pay tuition fees and all initial enquiries should be made to the Faculty in which the candidate will be enrolled. During the application and approval process, the FRC may make recommendation to the Faculty Dean in regard to a Deans Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship. Candidates of excellence may be awarded the scholarship at the Deans discretion.
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 9

Bond University also offers limited numbers of Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) and for International Students the IPRS (International Postgraduate Research Scholarship). Bond University also offers a PVC Scholarship annually. 4.3 FULL TIME AND PART TIME CANDIDATURE 4.3.1 PhD: The minimum and maximum duration of full time PhD candidature will be two years and four years respectively. The minimum and maximum duration of candidature for part time PhD will be four years and eight years respectively 4.3.2 Masters by Research: the minimum and maximum duration of full time Masters by Research candidature will be one year and two years respectively. The minimum and maximum duration of candidature for part time Masters by Research will be two years and four years respectively. 4.3.3 SJD : the minimum and maximum duration of full time SJD candidature will be 4 semesters and 18 semesters respectively. The minimum and maximum duration of candidature for part time SJD candidature will be 8 and 36 semesters respectively

4.4 VARIATIONS TO CANDIDATURE: (Change from F/T to P/T; from P/T to F/T) Candidates seeking to transfer from full time to part time candidature or from part time to full time candidature must lodge Application to Change Candidature Form together with a statement of support from the Principal Supervisor to the FRC. If recommended, the application will be submitted to the BUHDRC together with the Deans approval for final consideration and recommendation. Candidates who seek approval to vary their candidature from full time to part time or vice versa should note that changes to study mode may have important implications in terms of scholarship eligibility or other programspecific requirements A candidate may elect to study on a full time or part time basis except in the following circumstances: (i) the candidate is an international student on a student visas determined by Commonwealth legislative requirements; (ii) a scholarship or other contractual agreement specifies full time or part time enrolment. 4.5 CHANGE OF TITLE If the topic approved at the commencement of candidature changes, the candidate must submit a Change of Thesis Title form to the relevant FRC together with support from the Principal Supervisor. If approved, the recommendation will be forwarded to BUHDRC for approval 4.6 EXCEEDING PERIOD OF SCHOLARSHIP FUNDED CANDIDATURE Extensions to scholarships are separate from extension to candidature. Scholarships are governed by contractual and/or legislative conditions and candidates should refer to the Guidelines and Conditions of Award for their individual scholarship for details on whether extensions are possible. Extensions on Deans Fee Waiver Scholarships will not normally be granted. 4.7 EXCEEDING PERIOD OF MAXIMUM CANDIDATURE 4.7.1 Normally six months prior to expiry of the maximum date of candidature and for submission of the thesis, the HDR officer (BUGSR) will notify the candidate, the Principal Supervisor, the Associate Dean/Director of Research and FRC that unless the thesis /examinable material is lodged for examination with BUGSR the candidature will be terminated. 4.7.2 In exceptional cases where a candidate expects to exceed the maximum duration of candidature, a formal Application for Extension of Candidature Form to extend the period of candidature must be completed and lodged as soon as possible with the FRC. This request must be made together with a detailed outline of progress, strong justification for extension of candidature, and supporting documentation from the Principal Supervisor and Head of School. Approval of the BUHDRC is required.
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 10

4.7.3 Where the period of candidature exceeds the maximum allowed under the Universitys HDR regulations, the relevant FRC will advise the candidate, the Principal supervisor, the Associate Dean/Director of Research and BUHDRC and normally, candidature will be terminated unless: (i) the candidate has lodged the Notification to Submit for Examination of Thesis Form (ii) the candidate has lodged the Application for Extension of Candidature Form with the FRC for an extension of maximum candidature and the matter has been approved by BUHDRC 4.8 EXTENSION OF CANDIDATURE The need to extend beyond the maximum period of candidature must be identified either at a regular periodic or final progress review. Applications for an extension of maximum period of candidature will be supported by the Principal Supervisor and the FRC only where the candidate and supervisor provide strong justification and detailed outline of strategies to ensure the submission of the thesis within the approved extension period. 4.8.1The total period of extension will be up to a maximum twelve months full time equivalent. 4.9 TIME COMMITMENTS A HDR program is a demanding commitment which candidates are expected to undertake with full intellectual rigor and an intensive time commitment. Full time candidates are expected to commit a minimum of 40 hours per week and part time candidates a minimum of 20 hours per week to pursue their research program. 4.10 EMPLOYMENT COMMITMENTS Normally employment commitments should not exceed 20 hours during a normal working week (Monday to Friday) for full time candidates and must not affect overall research progress. Supervisors are expected to regularly review research progress in the context of additional time committed by the candidate to employment 4.11 LEAVE PROVISIONS Domestic candidates may apply for leave in advance using the Leave of Absence Form to BUHDRC to a maximum of 12 months full time equivalent for PhD & SJD candidates and to a maximum of 6 months full time equivalent for Master by Research candidates for the total candidature for any of the following reasons: (i) illness with medical certificate; (ii) parental responsibilities including pregnancy, child care, carer leave; (iii) relocation of place of work or residence; (iv) other reasons at the discretion of the FRC and BUHDRC. 4.11.1 Normally, leave will not be approved in the first twelve months of candidature (both full time and part time) except in exceptional circumstances 4.11.2 International candidates on student visas are only permitted to apply for leave of absence based on compassionate grounds or for compelling reasons in accordance with Commonwealth legislative requirements. International HDR students should refer to the Universitys Guidelines for International Students. Periods of approved leave of absence are not included in the calculation of period of candidature or candidature end date. 4.11.3 Candidates in receipt of postgraduate research scholarships must ensure that a request for approval for leave of absence isallowableunderthescholarshipsConditionsofAward. 4.12 CONVERSION FROM ONE RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREE TO ANOTHER In some cases it may be possible for a Masters by Research candidate to convert to a PhD. Application must be made to the FRC on the Application to Change Candidature Form. 4.12.1 Masters by Research candidates must include full supporting justification from the supervisory team regarding the candidates progress to date, the scope and suitability of the expanded research topic and the
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 11

capacity of the student to achieve doctoral research standards. If approval is recommended by the FRC, the Change to Candidature Form and recommendation will be lodged with the BUHDRC for final approval. 4.12.2 Normally, applications to convert candidature must be made within the first year of candidature (F/T equivalent). Articulation to the PhD should occur during the Confirmation process. International students must seek advice on ESOS or other visa matters before making application for conversion of candidature 4.12.3 If conversion of candidature is approved by BUHDRC the duration studied as a Masters by Research candidate will be deducted from the total maximum allowable F/T period of candidature.

5. INDUCTION
All HDR candidates are expected to participate in one induction program offered regularly through BUGSR. Candidates are expected to attend introductory activities in the following key research areas: 5.1 CONDUCT OF RESEARCH It is the responsibility of all HDR candidates to conform to all ethical and compliance requirements outlined in the Universitys key research policies which are referred to in detail in the Induction Handbook Appendix. 5.1.2 Code of Conduct for Research Candidates must understand and comply with the research principles and procedures outlined in the Universitys Code of Conduct for Research (2009) which outlines key research principles on ethical research practice. The Guidelines for Managing Allegations of Research Misconduct, which refers to research misconduct relating to research misconduct. 5.2. Authorship of Research Candidates must understand and comply with the research principles and procedures outlined in the Authorship Policy and its principles on the collection and retention of data and have completed the Authorship and Retention of Data Guidelines and Form. 5.3 Intellectual Property HDR candidates must comply with the principles outlined in the Universitys Intellectual Property Policy which deals with factors relating to ownership of intellectual property and arrangements for assigning and commercialising intellectual property. 5.4 Ethics and Safety Clearance HDR candidates must understand and comply with all policies and procedures relating to research involving humans, animals or any hazards, including bio and radiation hazards. The appropriate University Committee or its subcommittees must approve any research undertaken at or associated with the University and no research involving these aspects can commence without written application for approval to the relevant University committee. 5.5 Plagiarism and Copyright Plagiarism is completely unacceptable in all circumstances and the Universitys policies on the issues relating to plagiarism and copyright must be followed. The Universitys Policy on Plagiarism; Copyright Policy; and Authorship and Data Retention Guidelines and Form (www.staff.bond.edu.au/quality/manual.htm) cover plagiarism of written, oral, aural and visual categories.

6. PROGRESS
The University and faculties are committed to providing all candidates with research training experiences which are intellectually stimulating and richly rewarding. At the same time, each candidates progress through the major milestones of candidature will be carefully reviewed and appraised. 6.1 MONITORING OF PROGRESS Progress is monitored by means of a series of major reviews during the period of candidature and detailed written records as well as feedback reports are maintained with the use of progress reports at least once a year. These procedures have been developed to track progress for each candidate and to ensure early problems or difficulties

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 12

are identified and rectified and that each candidate receives comprehensive and on-going feedback, advice and that regular documented contact is maintained between the candidate and Principal Supervisor. 6.2 MAJOR REVIEWS OF PROGRESS Three major reviews will occur during the period of candidature. 6.2.1 Confirmation of Candidature This must occur within the first twelve months for full time PhD candidates and twenty four months for part time PhD candidates and within the first 9 months for full time Masters by Research candidates and within the first 18 months of candidature for part time Masters by Research candidates. The main emphasis of the candidature review as outlined in 4.2 is to determine the appropriateness and feasibility of the research program, adequacy of the research arrangements and resources and capacity of the candidate to demonstrate progress and milestones achieved to date. 6.2.2 Mid Candidature Review This must occur at eighteen months of full time equivalence. This is an important opportunity to review the research methodological approach, the use of resources and whether the support and supervision are sufficient. Mid candidature reviews will be normally be conducted by a written presentation. However, in specific circumstances candidates may also be required to present an oral presentation where the Principal Supervisor recommends this, to a Panel selected by the FRC and which will include the Principal supervisor, and other academic staff from cognate areas selected by Associate Dean/Director of Research. 6.2.3 Final Review Prior to Submission This normally takes place within six months prior to the expected date of submission that is, at approximately thirty months of equivalent full time candidature. The primary objectives of this major review will focus on ensuring that of the near final draft of the thesis/examinable material meets the expected scholarly academic standards and that the work is on track to be ready for examination within six months. Candidates may present an oral defense of their research as well as a draft of the thesis/examinable outcome to a Final Review Panel convened by the FRC and comprising the supervisor, by Associate Dean/Director of Research /representative and senior academic staff from cognate areas. 6.3 PROGRESS REPORTS The purpose of the Progress Report process is to ensure all candidates have made the appropriate rate of progress and achieved important milestones identified in the original or subsequent research program plans to the satisfaction of the Principal Supervisor, by Associate Dean/Director of Research and FRC. 6.3.1 Progress Reports are completed by the candidate and the Principal Supervisor at least once per year. A detailed midyear report form will be completed by the candidate and Principal Supervisor and forwarded to FRC for reporting to BUHDRC. Faculties should report to BUHDRC on the rate of progress for each candidate and whether this has been satisfactory, and where this is not the case, the FRC must ensure a negotiated detailed strategic plan has been developed to rectify shortcomings. Faculties will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring that strategic plans have been followed. 6.3.2 Candidates and Principal Supervisors must be involved at all times in the processes of reporting a candidates progress and candidates must have access to the Principal Supervisors reports. Where candidates wish to lodge a confidential report they must forward it to the Chair of the FRC. 6.3.3 In cases where specific action or strategies via the major reviews or progress reports have been identified to enhance a candidates progress or research training, the candidate will be advised by FRC. 6.4 OTHER PROGRESS MATTERS Responsibility for addressing factors affecting a candidates progress resides with the candidate, the Principal Supervisor and Associate Supervisor/s, FRC and Bond University Higher Degrees Research Committee (TLR 8.04 Code of Good Practice for Supervision of Postgraduate Research Students Policy). Factors involved in a candidates progress should be regularly reviewed and assessed and addressed by all parties and include the following:

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 13

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

identification of evident problems and strategies for dealing with them; research program key milestones and any difficulties faced; resources and other support factors; changes to candidature extension; conversion.

7.
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CANDIDATE

complying with the Universitys policies and procedures for the HDR in which they are enrolled; maintaining regular contact with the Principal Supervisor as agreed under the Supervisor Student Agreement Form; discussing problems or difficulties initially with the Principal Supervisor and in their absence, the Faculty Associate Dean/Director of Research when these arise; maintaining progress and achieving milestones as agreed at candidature progress reviews; providing progress report input and participating in progress review procedures; adhering to required ethical policies and ethical clearance obtained in relation to research program; adhering to University policies and procedures on intellectual property and commercialisation issues and limitations on communications which have been entered into contractually; accessing and participating in university-wide and Faculty specific research enhancement and skills building activities; maintaining up-to-date contact details for the Principal Supervisor, the Faculty and the University ensuring research conduct complies with and follows accepted academic standards; updating all approvals to changes to candidature, scholarship, leave, study load, change to supervision arrangements, have followed prescribed processes and all formal notifications have been made on appropriate forms and with all required documentation.

Candidates must be responsible for:

7.1 STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT: SUPERVISOR AND HDR STUDENT All commencing HDR students are required to discuss and sign the Supervisor Student Agreement Form with their supervisors and to submit one copy to the Faculty Associate Dean Research/Director of Research and BUGSR.

8. RESEARCH SUPERVISION
All research supervisors must be accredited and ensure that they access and update their knowledge and understanding of changes to University and Faculty research training policies and procedures. Deans, Associate Deans Research/Directors of Research and FRCs must monitor supervisory loads so that these are appropriate and research candidates are well supported. For this purpose accredited means that there is a Faculty register for all current supervisors and that all new staff who might be eligible to act as either Principal or Associate Supervisor are on this register. 8.1 APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORS 8.1.1 Principal Supervisors and Associate Supervisors will be nominated and notified of their supervisory responsibilities by the Dean and their appointments will be confirmed by Academic Senate. The Principal Supervisor will be responsible for the overall supervisory team during the candidates research program and will ensure that research reporting milestones and progress reviews are completed. 8.1.2 The University may approve the appointment of an external associate supervisor on the basis of his/her expertise and recognized scholarship in the specific field selected for the candidates research program. 8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERVISORS A Principal Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring all administrative and policy related processes governing the candidates supervision and progress are maintained. Where a co-supervisor or associate supervisor has been appointed, he/she will provide support and assistance with these responsibilities. The Principal Supervisor will:
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 14

(i) ensure that policy and procedures of the University are maintained and followed; (ii) maintain all required processes and procedures relating to a candidates progress reporting; (iii) adhere to the principles outlined in the Code of Good Practice for Supervision of Postgraduate Research Students; (iv) FRCs and Faculty Associate Deans Research/Directors of Research will ensure each Principal Supervisor has sufficient capacity and availability to maintain sound supervisory responsibilities; (v) Principal and Associate Supervisors should have appropriate capacity in the areas of the candidates theoretical and methodological topic and research program. Where specific or one-off additional expertise is required the Principal Supervisor should seek FRC approval to appoint an external associate supervisor for a limited duration; (vi) where the Principal Supervisor is, or expects to be absent for periods on more than two months, he/she must advise the FRC which will appoint a replacement of acting supervisor for that period of absence; (vii) In cases where the Principal Supervisor leaves the University, the FRC will, in consultation and agreement with the candidate, within a month, appoint a permanent replacement or acting replacement. 8.3 CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION AS RESEARCH SUPERVISOR All supervisors of HDR students must be nominated by the Dean and the FRC and approved by Academic Senate. Responsibility for the appointment of the Supervisory team Principal Supervisor, Associate Supervisor and additional expert assistant supervisors will belong to FRCs and will require the subsequent approval of the BUHDRC. Criteria for appointment as research supervisor will include the following: (i) (ii) (iii) the degree of the Principal Supervisor should be equal to or higher than the research degree being undertaken by the candidate; normally the Principal Supervisor and Associate Supervisor should have one years experience of research supervision; normally the Principal Supervisors research activity and productivity should be well documented in terms of HDR completions, HERDC refereed publications and/or award of external competitive research funding over the past five years; FRCs should maintain sound records and updates of the Faculty supervisor register; where a Principal Supervisor is enrolled in a research higher degree the FRC must ensure that no conflict of interest is likely to apply; should concerns about the supervisory practices of a specific supervisor be raised, it will be the responsibility of the FRC and Dean to resolve any matters in the first instance and report to BUHDRC for further resolution should this be required. fIRST supervisor training

(iv) (v) (vi)

(vii)

8.4 MAXIMUM SUPERVISORY LOAD The maximum load for a Principal Supervisor will be 7EFTSL (that is: 7 full time candidates or equivalent) with a maximum of 10 candidates at any one time. 8.5 SUPERVISOR TRAINING The Research Committee has approved fIRST for on-line training. This training is required by everyone who is about to supervise his/her first HDR student and is to be strongly encouraged by the Deans for all other supervisors and will be considered in the PDR process. The fIRST training program should be completed by all supervisors unless given exemption by the Dean of the Faculty. 8.6 CHANGE OF SUPERVISOR During a HDR students candidature a change of supervisor may be considered appropriate. Written application must be made to the relevant FRC using the Change of Supervisor Form which must be signed by the candidate and the existing and potential supervisors. The FRC will consider the justification outlined and forward its recommendation to the BUHDRC for final approval.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 15

9. EXAMINATION
9.1. CONDUCT OF EXAMINATION The following principles describe the major milestones and processes relating to the examination of the thesis or examinable research material. Further detailed supporting guidelines should be consulted in the Guidelines for Examiners. 9.2 SELECTION OF EXAMINERS 9.2.1 The Faculty Associate Dean Research/Director of Research will, in consultation with the supervisors of a HDR candidate, normally nominate five external examiners from which three examiners will be selected and may include one internal examiner and for examination of a Masters by Research, will normally nominate three examiners of which two will be selected and may include one internal examiner. Faculty recommendations must be forwarded to the Dean then BUHDRC for approval. 9.2.2 Selection and approval of examiners should be made at least two months prior to the expected date of submission of the thesis or examinable material. 9.2.3 Examination of a thesis or examinable material will be made by the examiners endorsed by the Chair of the BUHDRC. 9.2.4 Normally, examiners will have a degree equivalent to that under examination. However, in exceptional circumstances, one of the three examiners may be appointed on the basis of outstanding scholarly and academic achievement or expertise in the field. 9.2.5 It is the responsibility of supervisors and candidates to disclose any close working relationship with a nominated examiner, or where co- publication has occurred prior to or during the period of candidature. 9.2.6 Prior to the selection of examiners candidates have the right to indicate any examiners they wish to be excluded and in such circumstances, the candidate must provide written justification for this request to the Faculty Associate Dean Research /Director of Research. 9.3 COMMUNICATION WITH EXAMINERS 9.3.1 The Chair of the BUHDRC will request the HDR Officer in BUGSR to contact prospective examiners to seek their availability during the expected period following submission of the thesis or examinable material. 9.3.2 Confidentiality of the examiners and the examination process must be maintained throughout the examination process. 9.3.3 All communication with examiners must be directed through the BUGSR office. No other communication can be made with the examiners after appointment. Examiners are normally required to return the Examiners Report Form on the thesis/examinable material submitted for examination within 8 weeks. 9.4 PANELS OF EXAMINERS 9.4.1 The Examination Panel will comprise three independent examiners selected from five nominated and submitted for approval, one of whom may be an internal examiner. 9.4.2 The Masters by Research Examination Panel will comprise two independent examiners, one of whom may be internal, selected from three nominated and submitted for approval. 9.5 FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION FOR EXAMINATION 9.5.1 HDR candidates must submit a thesis or other examinable material according to the format and presentation requirements outlined in the Presentation Guidelines for Thesis and Examinable Material. 9.5.2 The examinable outcome may be submitted according to the formats specified in the Presentation Guidelines for Thesis and Examinable Material for a thesis or creative work plus exegesis, as agreed by the candidate, the supervisors and FRC.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 16

9.6 SUBMISSION OF EXAMINABLE OUTCOME 9.6.1 Approval for submission of the thesis or other examinable material must be provided initially by the candidates supervisors and recommended by the Chair of the FRC using the Notification to Submit for Examination of Thesis Form. 9.6.2 By signing the Notification to Submit for Examination of Thesis Form, the candidates supervisors and the Chair of the FRC confirm that the thesis or examinable material is of an appropriate academic standard for the degree to which it is to be submitted and examined and that it has met the presentation standards required by the University. 9.7 EDITING Candidates must obtain prior written approval from their supervisors and the Associate Dean Research/Director of Research to use a professional editor or proof reader. It is the responsibility of the supervisors to ensure that any professional editorial assistance does not alter or impact upon the scholarship or intellectual content of the candidates thesis or other examinable material. Candidates who use professional editorial assistance must comply with all requirements outlined in the Presentation Guidelines for Thesis and Examinable Material. 9.8 SUBMISSION FOR EXAMINATION The thesis or other examinable material must be submitted in accordance with the Presentation Guidelines for Thesis and Examinable Material and candidates must complete a Notification to Submit for Examination of Thesis form prior to lodgment. 9.9 COST OF PRODUCTION OF EXAMINABLE OUTCOME Costs associated with the final presentation format of the thesis or other examinable material are normally the responsibility of the candidate. Candidates awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) or Australian Postgraduate Award Industry (APAI) are eligible for a thesis allowance and other scholarship holders should consult the specific scholarship Conditions of Award to determine whether financial assistance is available. 9.10 GUIDELINES FOR EXAMINERS The University will provide all examiners with a copy of the Universitys Guidelines for Examiners for assessment of theses or other examinable material. 9.11 DURATION OF EXAMINATION 9.11.1 The Chair of the Higher Degree Research Committee will recommend commencement of the examination process for theses or other examinable material submitted by all HDR students. 9.11.2 Normally, the thesis or other examinable material will be assessed with these timeframes: 1. One week from submission of examinable material to dispatch to examiners; 2. Eight weeks from receipt by examiners to return of examiners reports to the FRC; 3. Two weeks from receipt of examiners report to be considered and actioned by the FRC; 4. Two weeks from receipt of final submission of examiners reports to notification of official result to the candidate. 9.12 NOTIFICATION OF OUTCOME The examiners reports will be submitted to the Chair of the BUHDRC for consideration. The examiners reports will be forwarded to supervisors and the Associate Dean Research/Director of Research by BUGSR as soon as these are received. 9.12.1 The supervisors will meet the candidate to discuss the examiners reports and work with the candidate to undertake the required amendments and advise the FRC and BUGSR when these have been completed according to 9.13.2 and 9.13.3.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 17

9.12.2 In the case of 9.13.4 the supervisors will meet with the candidate to identify actions required for resubmission and re-examination. 9.13 EXAMINATION OUTCOMES Examiners will make recommendations on whether the thesis or other examinable material is to be passed according to the following categories: 1. Pass - without further examination or amendment; and that the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree; 2. Pass with minor amendments when all amendments are completed to the satisfaction of the supervisors and the Dean; the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree; 3. Pass with major amendments when all amendments are completed to the satisfaction of the supervisors and the Dean; the thesis be accepted as satisfactory for the award of the degree; 4. Not passed: work to be substantially revised and resubmitted for re-examination within twelve months; 5. In exceptional cases relating to doctoral candidates, and where recommended by both external examiners, a thesis or other examinable material may be awarded a Pass at the level of a Masters by Research; 6. Fail. 9.14 RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICTING OUTCOMES 9.14.1 Where there is major disparity between both examiners, the FRC will recommend to the Chair of the Higher Degree Research Committee that an adjudicator/examiner be appointed . 9.14.2 In the case of minor dissension between examiners reports, the FRC will make a detailed submission with recommendations to the Chair of the Higher Degrees Research Committee based on the substantive assessments of both examiners (refer to the University Handbook Part 1 Awards Regulations, for grading matrix). 9.15 TIMEFRAME FOR COMPLETING AMENDMENTS BASED ON EXAMINER RECOMMENDATIONS Candidates are required to ensure examiners recommendations are undertaken and completed within the following time-frames: 9.15.1 Pass without further examination or amendment: must be completed within one month of notification of the examiners assessments. 9.15.2 Pass with minor amendments completed to the satisfaction of the supervisors and the FRC must be completed within three months of notification of the examiners assessments. 9.15.3 Pass with major amendments completed to the satisfaction of the supervisors and FRC must be completed within six months of notification of the examiners assessments. Normally the candidature of HDR students who do not adhere to these timeframes will be terminated. However, in exceptional circumstances and one month prior to the deadline, a candidate must submit a detailed written request to the Associate Dean/Director of Research together with written support from the supervisors requesting an extension. 9.16 CONFIDENTIALITY AND EMBARGO ON EXAMINABLE OUTCOME Normally once the Degree associated with the HDR candidature has been awarded, public access to the thesis or other examinable material will be available within the Bond University Library unless a statement to the contrary is received from the candidate. Confidentiality 9.16.1 Confidentiality of the thesis or other examinable material may be related to a research project undertaken with access to an external organisations sensitive data or other material. In such cases appropriate confidentiality agreements must be completed at the beginning of candidature and such agreement will specify issues of embargo and period of withholding the thesis or other examinable material.
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 18

9.16.2 Confidentiality of the thesis or other examinable material may be contractually specified where a candidate undertakes a research project funded by an external funding agency where the project is bound by contractual confidentiality agreements. Embargo 9.16.3 During the course of a candidates research program where unexpected research outcomes involve potential confidentiality issues, the candidate together with the supervisors must submit a request to the FRC for subsequent decision and recommendation from the BUHDRC. 9.16.4 Where other circumstances such as an issue of indigenous cultural sensitivity warrants restricted access the BUHDR will forward a recommendation for approval by the Vice-Chancellor/Senate. Limited access and restrictions may be imposed on the thesis or other examinable material and the candidate must sign the appropriate access form. 9.17 FINAL SUBMISSION Candidates are required to submit the thesis or other examinable material in the presentation format specified in Presentation Guidelines for Thesis and Examinable Material. 9.18 AWARD OF DEGREE 9.18.1 Once the BUHDRC has recommended that the candidate has qualified for the award of the Higher Degree by Research, the Committee will advise BUGSR to advise the candidate and other appropriate persons that the candidate is eligible to graduate. 9.18.2 Doctoral candidates may use the doctoral title (Doctor or Dr) after receipt of notification from the BUHDRC that the thesis or other examinable material has been passed and the candidate has met all requisite conditions for the award of the degree.

10. PUBLICATION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION

Candidates are strongly encouraged and supported to prepare components of their research for publication prior to submission of the thesis or examinable material. In cases where a candidate has published research findings, specific references must be included within the thesis or examinable material and must adhere to the Universitys Code of Conduct for Research and the Guidelines on Authorship and the Retention of Research Data.

11. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The right exists for any candidate to have a complaint relating to HDR matters raised and for this to be resolved. 11.1 In the first instance, a candidate should seek resolution to a complaint at an informal Faculty level and should approach the Associate Dean/Director Research. 11.2 If the candidates initial complaint has not or cannot be satisfactorily resolved a formal complaint must be made following the Universitys Grievance Procedures and Guidelines (Bond University Handbook Part 3 ).

12. TERMINATION
The University may terminate candidature on any of the following grounds: 1. serious breach of the University Code of Conduct for Research Policy; 2. serious breach of academic integrity as described in the University Code of Conduct for Research; 3. serious breach of the University Code of Student Conduct; 4. failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in the University Policy on Ethics involving Humans or Animals; 5. failure to attain minimum milestones as required during each Progress Reporting Stage; 6. significant breaches of other University regulations such as Health and Safety;
TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1) Page 19

7. significant breaches of government legislation; 8. attaining the period of maximum candidature without submission or notification of intent to submit or without approval for an extension of candidature; 9. outstanding debt for accumulated University fees; 10. failure to seek formal approval for extension of candidature.

13. APPEALS
A candidate who wishes to appeal on the grounds of a fail result at examination must follow the formal Higher Degree Research Appeals processes.

TLR 5.09 BU Postgraduate Research Studies Policy and Procedures (Issue 1)

Page 20