Melbourne School of Graduate Research

Introduction

The PhD degree

Definition

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

In scope, the thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of its subject.

It is written succinctly, in good English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The length of the thesis varies with each discipline with 80,000 words being the norm. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the RHD Committee.

In some disciplines, such as the creative arts, the thesis may instead take the form of performance and/or corpus of creative work plus a dissertation which addresses, elucidates and contextualises the work. The creative work and dissertation will be examined as an integrated whole. For PhD Music Composition the dissertation may either address an approved research topic independent of the creative work, or address the creative work itself, forming with the folio a complementary mutually reinforcing part of a single project. The thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields.

It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations.

It makes a distinct contribution to knowledge.

Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts.

It demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context.

It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research "apprenticeship" is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

The Melbourne Experience and graduate attributes

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

Doctoral degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research and encourage the acquisition of a wide range of advanced and transferable skills. In addition, professional doctoral studies provide advanced training designed to enhance professional knowledge in a specialist area.

The University expects its doctoral graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

History of the degree

The use of the title 'doctor' seems to have originated at the University of Bologna in the early twelfth century, but the master's degree is the older of these two higher degrees. Nor did the doctorate begin as the senior degree of the two. In medieval times the titles of 'master', 'doctor' and 'professor' were roughly equal in status. English teachers of law were doctors, those of theology masters. It was in Germany that the doctorate came to acquire special status as a research degree, and it was from Germany that the degree was taken to the United States. Yale was the first American university to adopt it, in 1860, and other American universities soon followed suit.

With the PhD well established in the United States and on the Continent, existing English research qualifications such as the Cambridge Certificate for Research came to appear inadequate, and the PhD was seen, even in England, as the hallmark of respectability in research. Nevertheless, it was not until the first two or three years after the First World War that the degree as it was known in Europe and the United States was adopted in England. The University of Oxford led the way, followed shortly after by the University of Cambridge.

Australian universities adopted the degree after the Second World War, the PhD being introduced to the University of Melbourne in 1947.

Structure of PhD

A candidate for the PhD degree must be an enrolled student in this University and is required to carry out research at the University for a specified period under the direct supervision of one or more members of the academic staff. The degree may be undertaken in any department of the University.

In different fields of study there may be other academic or statutory requirements to be met by the University eg. industrial health and safety competencies, animal welfare and AEEC competencies.

All candidates for PhD will be examined on the basis of a thesis. A candidate has one or more research supervisors who, in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.

There may be other components of the study and/or assessment in the progress of the candidate.
For example:

(a) A candidate may be required to supplement the research program by attendance at or formal enrolment in additional subjects, if these are considered a necessary adjunct to the course.

(b) The PhD with coursework component is currently available for candidates in the Department of Economics, the Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, the Department of Accounting and the Centre of Financial Studies and certain Departments of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Candidates undertaking such a course are required in the first year (full-time) of probationary candidature to enrol in a number of coursework subjects and commence work on their thesis during probationary candidature. Confirmation of candidature is approved on the basis of successful completion of the coursework subjects and an approved thesis proposal (refer Confirmation of candidature).
The decision towards the degree is entirely based on the examination of the thesis. Examiners of the thesis are informed that the candidate has undertaken a course of study by thesis and coursework component, and that the thesis may be shorter than one presented by a candidate pursuing the degree by research alone, but should be comparable in research quality.
PhD programs with a coursework component are approved by the RHD Committee and the Academic Board. The specific program for the probationary year for each student should be established at the time of enrolment.

(c) Candidates submitting theses in the creative arts may prepare a thesis which consists of creative work plus dissertation. The creative work may take the form of performance, exhibition or other format (refer section on the Format of the thesis).

(d) Candidates in the School of Behavioural Science may be selected for a Master of Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy degree. All degree requirements for the PhD remain the same with the exception that candidates present for confirmation of the PhD after the second year of full-time enrolment. Candidates undertake a major research thesis to be assessed for examination of the PhD.

(e) Candidates in the Faculty of Education may be selected for a Master of Educational Psychology/ Doctor of Philosophy degree. All degree requirements for the PhD remain the same.

(f) Under the Cotutelle program, candidates are supervised jointly by academics from The University of Melbourne and a nominated French institution, spending at least 30% of the total maximum time limit (or one year) in each university. Each student's program takes place under a reciprocal agreement between the two institutions, which sets out the terms for joint supervision and examination. The candidate pays fees at one institution only. If successful, the candidate will be awarded a single doctoral degree with testamurs from both institutions each of which will contain the following expresssion "awarded under a Cotutelle agreement between the University of Melbourne and the [name of French institution]". The prime intent of Cotutelle arrangements is that they form part of an ongoing or developing cooperative research collaboration between a department or research group in this University and one French institute that is of a higher order than occurs during a student exchange.

Legislation and prescriptions

The PhD degree is governed in particular by the following:

The full texts are printed in Appendix B of this publication for your convenience and are a guide only. Please check for approved updates at the web address: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ExecServ/Statutes.

The statutes and regulations of Council are set out in full in the University Calendarand are binding on all enrolled students as members of the University.

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research

Research is central to the University's identity and aspirations, and underpins both learning and knowledge transfer. The Melbourne School of Graduate Research works closely with staff from a range of departments, faculties and services across the University to deliver a high quality research training program.

The SGR is responsible for the administration of the University's approximately 3,500 PhDs and for Masters by Research students in Science. SGR receives and approves PhD and Masters by Research students in Science applications and manages the policies and processes relating to confirmation, changes to candidature and progress through the degree. The School also conducts the examination process for all PhD and Masters by Research Science students.

SGR undertakes a range of policy development and performance monitoring initiatives to maintain and improve the University's reputation for excellence in research training. Academic Board (including the Research Higher Degrees Committee and Graduate Research Scholarships Committee) are important structures through which the broader academic community provides direction in research training.

In addition, SGR provides a range of quality services and academically enriching programs that encourage our students to interact with their colleagues, staff, industry and the community and acquire practical skills and respected attributes for their future careers.

You can read more about the range of services and programs offered through SGR as listed below.

Academic Enrichment Programs

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research offers a wide range of academic skills, professional and leadership programs and workshops each semester. These include orientation and induction sessions, short courses and seminars, and Postgraduate Essentials, a suite of online programs for commencing and completing PhD candidates. A full list of programs and new initiatives, such as the Global Research Ethics and Integrity Module, can be found on the Opportunities, Programs and Services section.

Orientation
SGR hosts a comprehensive orientation program to welcome new graduate research students to the University. At the centre of each semester's program is a half-day briefing introducing students to the nature of graduate research and providing a valuable opportunity to meet and network with candidates from across the University.

Academic Orientation Program for International Postgraduate Students (AOPIPS)
AOPIPS recognises and extends the high competency levels of international graduates and provides a solid introduction to the academic expectations of the University of Melbourne. It assists international graduate students with the transition to living and learning in a new and often different cultural environment and provides academic, social and cultural support to enrich the postgraduate experience.

Postgraduate Essentials
Postgraduate Essentials: Strategies for a Successful Start to your PhD is an award-winning, on-line, interactive course that provides PhD candidates with practical information and research skills, while creating an opportunity to network with other students and university advisers. The thirteen-week course is highly recommended for all commencing PhD candidates.
Postgraduate Essentials: Completion and Beyond - the sequel to Strategies for a Successful Start - is tailor-made for the final twelve months of PhD candidature. The course assists candidates with writing and editing, submission and examination, maintaining momentum and planning for life beyond the thesis.

UpSkills
The UpSkills program is a suite of short courses and seminars specifically designed to support graduate students during their study. The courses and seminars cover a variety of topics, including communication and presentation skills, academic and writing skills, computer/IT skills, critical thinking skills, and research skills. Highlights of the 2008 program include a series of eResearch workshops and the Graduate Skills Seminar Series, a series of free lunchtime seminars on skill-based issues such as navigating the literature review, effective communication and acknowledging sources. The UpSkills booklet and calendar are sent to all graduates at the start of each semester, and are also available online.

The PhD colloquia
The PhD Colloquia is hosted by SGR on Thursday lunchtimes. This is an interdisciplinary forum in which graduate researchers and senior academics explore what it means to be a scholar at this University.

Academic Program for International Postgraduates (APIPS)
APIPS focuses on key skills required for successful study at a graduate level, addressing many of the common issues shared by international and ESL students. These courses and seminars are highly recommended by all faculties and all international graduate students are encouraged to attend.

Advanced Leadership & Professional Skills Program (ALPS)
Developed specifically for graduate students, the Advanced Leadership and Professional Skills (ALPS) program provides graduates with a professional skills base that is transferable across research, industry and the public sector, thus increasing their employability. Courses cover topics such as leadership and professional development, setting up your own consultancy, publishing academic research for a general audience, and the use of multimedia in academia and beyond.

Commercialisation Training Scheme
The Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS)/Graduate Certificate in Commercialisation for Research Students for select local graduates focuses on the skills needed to move research based ideas, inventions and innovations to commercial viability.

Academic Activity Grant (AAG) Scheme
The SGR AAG Scheme facilitates graduate student involvement in a range of academic and cultural activities that will enhance and complement their experience of graduate study at the University of Melbourne. SGR Academic Activity Grants aim to provide encouragement and financial support for individuals or groups of graduate students to organise academic activities such as conferences, visiting speakers, exhibitions, recitals and seminars.

Writing Centre
The School of Graduate Research is home to the University's Writing Centre for Scholars and Researchers. Unique to Melbourne, this program aims to assist PhD students who are nearing the end of their research to communicate their ideas to an audience outside the academy. This could be in the form of the traditional thesis-to-book conversion or, equally, the outcome could be a magazine or newspaper article, an exhibition or even a documentary for the screen. The Centre runs a twice-yearly, six month program which includes a generalist beginners' workshop Writing for readers, a more specific advanced program geared towards specific outcomes, Preparing for publication, and an individual assistance program which may take the form of a mentorship, editorial assistance or even a stipend to assist with writing time. Interested students should visit the Writing Centre site or call (03) 8344 4722 for more information.

Research resources

Graduate library Research Consultant
SGR has a dedicated Graduate Library Research Consultant who runs workshops and seminars on how to make the most of the library's services and resources, including how to conduct literature reviews, identifying critical databases for your research, developing effective search strategies, customising the bibliographic software package EndNote, and contacting information experts to help you with your research queries. Individual appointments with the Research Consultant can be made by calling 8344 8466. See http://www.gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/programs/research/index.html.

Joint Academic Scholarships Online Network (JASON)
JASON is a national database of graduate scholarships sponsored by a consortium of Australian Universities. SGR hosts the JASON office in recognition of our commitment to Australia's graduate research training community. The public website is available at: http://www.jason.edu.au
The database includes scholarships offered by Australian and overseas universities, Federal and State Governments, foundations and private sector organisations. As such, it provides a valuable service both to students looking for scholarships and to the organisations awarding them.
JASON contains scholarships for graduate research degrees, and course work. JASON covers international scholarships which may be tenured in Australia (for international students) and abroad (for Australian students) and national scholarships for study within Australia (for local and international students). JASON is a very valuable resource which is used widely by the university and student communities across Australia and overseas.

The Graduate Centre
Located in the heritage-listed 1888 Building, the Graduate Centre is jointly administered by the School of Graduate Research and the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA). It houses meeting rooms, study spaces, social facilities and computer labs for graduate students, all of which are complemented by the beautifully landscaped surrounding gardens and courtyards. A full overview of Graduate Centre Facilities can be found here.

24-hour Access to the Graduate Centre
All graduate students can access the Graduate Centre 24 hours a day using their student ID card as a swipe card. During the Graduate Centre opening hours (Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 6:20pm) students can enter the building without having to use a swipe card.

Computing & publishing facilities
The Graduate Centre contains two computing labs, a PC-only lab (Room 154, First Floor) and a lab containing both PCs and Macs (Room 127, First Floor). Both these labs have internet access and are intended for use by graduates researching and writing their theses. The Graduate Presentation & Publishing Centre (GPPC, G23 Ground Floor) caters for publishing the needs of graduate students. Word processing, text and photo scanning, image manipulation, and desk-top publishing are all supported.

Printing Facilities
Student printing in the Graduate Centre can be done in the GPPC or in the UMPA Print Room. The Print Room (Room G22, Ground Floor, West Wing) provides a range of services, including laser and digital printing in black and white or colour, photocopying in black and white or colour, transparencies, thesis/report binding and a fax service. Archival/acid-free paper is also available. The Print Room is open 9.30am-5.00pm on Monday, and 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday to Friday. UMPA staff are on hand to assist with the facilities.

Study Carrels
Study carrels providing study space for up to 68 graduate students are available in the Graduate Centre. Each carrel is equipped with a computer, telephone, ample shelving, lockable cupboards and filing drawers. There is also a wheelchair-accessible study carrel with adjustable desks. Carrels are allocated for an initial six months on a time-share or room-share basis, with priority given to students writing up their theses. Although the carrels are in high demand, occupant turnover means places continually become available through the year, and all graduate students are eligible to apply for one of these spaces. UMPA administers the carrels on behalf of the Graduate Centre. Carrel applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered by the Carrel Allocation Committee each month.

Wireless Access
The Melbourne University Wireless network (MUWIRELESS) service provides access to the University of Melbourne network for graduate students who have a laptop computer with a wireless network card. MUWIRELESS can be accessed in certain areas of the Graduate Centre, including the graduate lounge, Ross McKay Courtyard, General Study room 153 and the Loft.

The Loft
The Loft is a space for graduates to meet, study or just relax. Located, as the name might suggest, at the very top of the Graduate Centre, the Loft consists of a lounge/social/discussion space, two meeting sections and separate work table areas with power point access. There is also a mini kitchen with a refrigerator and tea/coffee set up, as well as and internal telephone, heating and cooling. The Loft is open to students from 8.00am-10.00pm weekdays and can be accessed through the first-floor door at the top of the main central staircase, between rooms 102 and 103.

Meeting Rooms
The Graduate Centre has a range of rooms suitable for meetings, discussion groups, running workshops and seminars or hosting small conferences. Bookings are organised on site for students, University departments and external groups.

Deep Dish Bar and Cafe
The Deep Dish Bar and Cafe engender a wonderful relaxed social atmosphere where staff and students can enjoy an informal chat over a coffee, mix work-related matters with a meal or participate in lively debate. Sheltered outdoor areas provide alfresco dining opportunities and a range of catering services are also available for anyone hosting functions in the Graduate Centre.

Infrastructure Support

The University of Melbourne has established guidelines on PhD candidature for departments, supervisors and candidates (refer to Appendix A: Guidelines on PhD candidature for departments, supervisors and candidates).

The Statement on Infrastructure Support for Postgraduate Research Students focuses on the responsibilities of departments regarding facilities and resources for postgraduate research students. The Statement can be viewed in full at http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/postgraduate/infrastructure.html.

Excerpt: 'High quality education of postgraduate research students requires that the University provide appropriate facilities and resources. Completion rates, submission times, satisfaction with the graduate research program and research outcomes are all closely related to infrastructure provision. Departments play a crucial role in ensuring that postgraduate research students are only admitted to higher degree candidature where there are appropriate facilities and resources to support their research studies. Departments must seek to provide optimal standards of resources for postgraduate research students'.

Students with disabilities

Many people are not aware that a wide range of medical conditions can be considered a disability. If your study is adversely affected by a chronic illness (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), mental health condition (such as depression or anxiety), learning disability (such as dyslexia), vision impairment, hearing impairment or physical impairment, you may be eligible for disability support. The University provides a range of services that can assist students with disabilities to participate fully in University activities. The Disability Liaison Unit has primary responsibility for identifying the impact of a disability on study and implementing appropriate support services across the University. Students with disabilities are encouraged to inform the University about the impact of their disability to assist in providing services responsive to their needs.

Given the self-directed research focus and context of Ph D study, many students with disabilities no longer require the disability services received at an undergraduate level. It is also common for the impact of a disability to change significantly or become evident (for the first time) for students who are undertaking a PhD. If you are unsure of what services are available, whether you should discuss or disclose your disability to your supervisor or how to effectively manage your disability during your candidature, you are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit for confidential advice.

Staff of the Unit are available by appointment to meet with students and discuss individual requirements. Documentation from a relevant health professional is required to receive services from the DLU. The DLU provides a confidential service for students and manages private and health information within the University's Privacy Policy. For further information please see: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/privacy/

Depending on the nature of and impact of your disability, the services the Disability Liaison Unit can provide include note-takers or Auslan interpreters for departmental seminar programs, production of reading materials in alternative format (Braille, e-text, audiotape, large print), participation assistance (eg in laboratories and libraries). In addition to these services the Disability Liaison Unit can also provide advice on the use of adaptive technologies (eg voice recognition software, screen readers, screen enlargers etc) and ergonomic furniture.

If you wish to know more about these services, please contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Richard Berry House
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
834 47068 Voice
8344 4369 TTY
DLU-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/index.html

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