1. PhD PROPOSAL AND SUPERVISORY AGREEMENT FORM
Compulsory Stages
of Candidature
ENROL
Optional Stages
PhD PROPOSAL AND SUPERVISORY AGREEMENT FORM
Suspension of study
PhD CONFIRMATION
Change of supervisor/topic/department
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
Study away from Christchurch
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
Change between full-time and part-time study
Extension to submission date
THESIS SUBMIISSION
ORAL EXAMINATION

2. proposed senior supervisor proposed research topic
ENROL
Further information is available on the “enrolment and fees” link on this webpage
Application Form:
The starting point – when you become a PhD candidate
Establishes:
proposed senior supervisor
proposed research topic
expectations over frequency of meeting with proposed supervisor
that there are suitable resources available to support the proposed area of research

3. PhD PROPOSAL AND SUPERVISORY AGREEMENT FORM
Further information is available on the “PhD Proposal and Supervisory Agreement” link on this website
Form submitted 6 months post enrolment.
Includes:
the composition of your supervisory team (minimum of 2 active supervisors!)
supervisor and department endorsement of your research proposal
that resources are available to support the project
Supervisor Agreement:
establishment of expectations:
- roles of each supervision
- frequency of meetings
- expectations over publications
issues related to intellectual property
This is a VERY important document that sets up the process of student-supervisor interaction and completion should be given a lot of thought and attention

4. PhD CONFIRMATION PROCESS
Further information is available on the “PhD Confirmation” link on this website
Comprises:
submission of a written report
completion of an oral presentation (with questions)
evaluation (with written and oral feedback), including from at least one person not a member of the candidate’s supervisory team
The written report should include:
A relevant literature review (or equivalent) that sets the student’s research in the context of previous work in the field;
A description of proposed research, including planned methodology and data analysis techniques;
A report of process to date (including any data collected);
A timeline for completion of the thesis.   
Exact timing and requirements of the confirmation process may vary between departments/schools – please check with your supervisor and/or Postgraduate Coordinator

5. PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS REPORTS
(every 6 months)
Further information is available on the “Progress Reports” link on this website
Submitted every 6 months:
to report on achievements over past six months
to facilitate planning of upcoming (6 month) milestones and aims
to identify any issues for discussion (with supervisors; PG coordinators; PG Office; DPGR)
Effectiveness depends on:
taking seriously the process of reflection and planning
candid responses from all (students; supervisors; PG Coordinators)
a willingness to discuss and address any issues that arise through the process of reflection and planning

6. THESIS SUBMISSION
Further information is available on the “Thesis submission for examination” link on this website
Candidate’s tasks:
submission of thesis to PG Office (electronic submission)
completion of thesis use form
ensure that you are enrolled and your fees are up-to-date
international students should confirm their visa status
Senior Supervisor’s tasks:
complete the relevant sections of the supervisor’s certificate and examiners’ nomination form (and pass to PG Coordinator for sign-off)
inform the student of the names of the nominated examiners
Postgraduate Coordinator’s tasks:
complete the relevant sections of the supervisor’s certificate and examiners’ nomination form (and submit to PG Office)

7. ORAL EXAMINATION
Further Information is available on the “The Oral Examination Information Sheet” available on this website
Purpose:
part of the formal examination process for awarding a PhD
opportunity to discuss thesis with knowledgeable experts (examiners):
clarification of points raised in reports
establishment of amendments required
Structure:
present is an oral chair (usually senior academic from host department), oral examiner and senior supervisor
student can invite support person(s)
lasts 1-2 hours
a week beforehand student (and supervisor) given written reports from examiners
Outcome:
examiners make a recommendation to DPGR
student is typically informed of the recommendation

8. OPTIONAL STAGES
A variety of changes are possible during the tenure of your
PhD candidature. Further details about how to apply for
Consideration of any of these changes can be found on the
“Changes to your PhD” link on this website. For each there is
an application form that must be completed and submitted to the
Postgraduate Office
Suspension of study
Change of supervisor/topic/department
Change between full-time and part-time study
Study away from Christchurch
Extension to submission date