Queensland University of Technology CRICOS No J Research Students Centre CRICOS No 00213J Surviving Confirmation Semester 2 Gardens Point

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Program Research Students Centre TimeTopicSpeaker 1.00pmIntroductionSusan GassonResearch Training, Research Students Centre 1.05pmQUTs Confirmation ProcessResearch Students Centre 1.45pmSurviving Confirmation -The document -The seminar Dr Stephen Cox, Director Higher Degree Research Studies Postgraduate, QUT Business School 2.45pmQuestions and Conclusions

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Resources for QUTs HDR Candidates Research Students Centre Wiki Research Students Centre Training Events Registration Research Students Centre

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Housekeeping –Bathrooms –If there is an emergency. –Please turn off your mobile telephone! Research Students Centre

Queensland University of Technology CRICOS No J Research Students Centre The Confirmation Process At QUT Susan Gasson Manager Research Students Centre

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Outline of presentation The aim –Clarify the policy and procedure relating to confirmation –Provide some tips and tricks for success The outcomes –Increased knowledge of how to prepare for confirmation and make the most of this opportunity –Increased understanding of requirements and skills expected

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Confirmation PhD Policy Submit 12 months full time 24 months part time (PhD regulation) –A confirmation report shall incorporate a substantial literature review and shall provide evidence of the research capacity of the candidate including the rate of progress to this point. –A Confirmation Seminar open to the public evaluated by a Panel. –See PORTIA for individual dates Panel reports to RDC on –capacity and suitability to progress in the PhD program; –the studies continue to be within the aims and objectives and physical and human resources of the centre and/or the school; –articulation from a masters by research or a professional doctorate (research) (eligibility and prior load)

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Why do confirmation? To confirm with the University you know –What you are going to do –Why you are going to do it –How you will do it –When it will be complete, and –Who will care when it is complete Grad Caps: Writing, problem solving, research design, project management.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Confirm entry to PhD Confirmation requirements as for PhD Request for confirmation required through Faculty to RSC Demonstration of capacity to commence year 2 of PhD Candidature Timeline for completion Appropriate scoping of topic Appropriate supervisory arrangements

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre The Panel The aim of the Confirmation of Candidature process is to –Evaluate the quality of the candidate –Evaluate the quality of the proposed research. Aim is to provide constructive feedback and evaluation on the candidature. Panel members: –Principal Supervisor, –Head of School or their nominee, –Faculty representative. –Industry or external supervisors, funding body representatives, key project members etc as required

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Comments from the Panel The panel found the scope and general research approach to be sound and suitable for a PhD. Well planned. The literature review is thorough, results to date promising, publication targets achievable. Thorough and engaging, professional delivered and well-designed slides The project is innovative and addresses an emerging area of research – well-placed to make a significant contribution to their field.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Comments from the Panel One detail that is not discussed is access to resources required. To ensure timely completion these resources are essential. A brief paragraph to confirm infrastructure arrangements is needed. Student needs to focus more on defining the significance of the future research direction. I am concerned at the brevity of this report and the scope of the project particularly for a masters in transition to PhD.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Recommendation of the Panel the research program is of the standard required for the PhD program yes/no/not yet enrolment be confirmed as the progress is satisfactory the candidate transfer into the PhD program the candidate be placed Under Review until _________________(The Review Period conditions are attached) PhD enrolment be terminated as progress continues to be unsatisfactory (only if the candidates Review Period has expired) the candidate be accepted for enrolment in a Masters (Research) Credit on Transfer/Articulation (Approved Equivalent Full time semesters _______________)

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre RDC Evaluation confirm the candidature in the PhD and notify the candidate; or may require changes to the planned research program; or not to confirm the candidature immediately, place the candidate under review for up to three months. At the end of the Review Period, the faculty committee must advise the Research Degrees Committee whether the conditions of the review have been met. terminate the candidature with an offer of admission to the degree of masters by research, or terminate the candidature with no such offer.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Confirmation Document the area of study in which the candidate's course is located; any remaining coursework to be completed including an assessment plan; the nature of participation in scholarly activities of the centre, school, or faculty in which the study is being undertaken; the objectives of the program of research and investigation and its relationship to published research in the same field; the research methods to be followed; the mode of thesis presentation e.g. by publication, monograph or creative works. the title of the thesis; and a time-line for completion of the research program.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Online Form Process & Seminar Guidelines RSC Wiki –QUT Virtual form –Guidelines Plagiarism Avoiding it Faculty processes for Masters & Prof Doc

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Tips and Tricks –Scope Research questions – key words Appropriate method Limitations of proposed research Implications for further work –Significant and original contribution When it is done, who will care –Timeline for completion –Ethics – Clearance and pilot studies

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Research Students Centre Questions / comments Now you should feel more aware of: –What the confirmation process is for –The process for applying (the document, the seminar, the form, the approval process) Any questions?