Policy

Research Training - Policy

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1.0    Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the requirements for research training to meet educational standards for higher degrees by research as specified by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This policy applies to all candidates enrolled in a higher degree by research (HDR) program at The University of Queensland (UQ).

2.0    Principles and Key Requirements

  1. A HDR program comprises systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and specialised research skills.

  2. A candidate must complete a HDR program comprised of at least two thirds research and research training, where graduates demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline or area of professional practice.

  3. Volume of Learning:

    1. An MPhil is a minimum of one year and maximum of two years full-time equivalent (FTE) in duration.

    2. A PhD is typically a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years FTE in duration.

    3. A professional doctorate (research) is typically three to four years FTE in duration, the exact duration of which is specified in the program rules.

    4. The Dean of the UQ Graduate School may approve a shortened program following a request from the enrolling Academic Organisational Unit (AOU) that addresses the criteria listed in the Higher Degree by Research Admission Procedures.

3.0    Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

3.1    Dean of the UQ Graduate School

The Dean of the UQ Graduate School (or their delegate) is responsible for the governance and procedures for HDR programs at UQ and decides on the admission, enrolment conditions, examination outcome, and recommends conferral of the degree to the Provost.

3.2    Head of Academic Organisational Unit (AOU)

The Head of the enrolling AOU (Head of School, Institute Director, or equivalent) who has responsibility for AOU resourcing, approves cohort level course requirements if required.

3.3    Principal Advisors

Principal Advisors are approved UQ staff members who take primary academic responsibility for the candidate during their candidature.

The detailed academic role, accountabilities and eligibility for principal advisors are specified in the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy.

3.4    Advisors

Advisors are suitably qualified persons who provide expertise related to the candidate’s research and are available to provide advice throughout candidature.

The detailed academic role, accountabilities and eligibility for advisors are specified in the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy.

4.0   Monitoring, Review and Assurance

Review of, and compliance with, this policy is overseen by the Dean of the UQ Graduate School, and the Academic Board's Higher Degree by Research Committee.

5.0   Recording and Reporting

All application and program enrolment transactions and activities are recorded within UQ’s student system.

All student records including final outcome, applications and UQ decisions are filed in the student’s personal record in UQ’s digital student record system.

6.0   Appendix

Definitions, Terms, and Acronyms

Enrolling AOU – an Academic Organisational Unit of UQ that directly enrols HDR candidates.

MPhil  Master of Philosophy.

PhD – Doctor of Philosophy.

Professional Doctorate (research) (PDRes) – a professional doctorate administered by the UQ Graduate School where at least two thirds of the program is research.

Custodians
Dean, Graduate School

Procedures

Research Training - Procedures

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1.0    Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines what is considered additional components of research training and the processes that must be followed when incorporating additional components into a higher degree by research (HDR) program at The University of Queensland (UQ). This procedure applies to candidates enrolled in a HDR program at UQ and UQ staff. The procedure should be read in conjunction with UQ’s Research Training Policy.

2.0    Process and Key Controls

  1. Management of HDR programs at UQ is overseen by the UQ Graduate School.

  2. The incorporation of additional components into a HDR program must not contravene Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements.

  3. The inclusion of required additional components for a cohort of HDR candidates is not permitted without approval from the Dean of the UQ Graduate School. 

3.0    Key Requirements

3.1    Additional components

Advanced coursework and other structured learning components (additional components) can be incorporated into an individual candidate’s development plan within their HDR program enrolment. This procedure outlines the processes governing their use by individuals or Academic Organisational Units (AOU).

Additional components of research training during a HDR program may include (but are not limited to):

  • enrolment in relevant courses and workshops

  • training in specialist research skills

  • industry placements

  • laboratory rotations.

3.2    Enrolment in approved courses

When enrolling in approved courses within a HDR program:

  • the candidate does not incur any fee liability for the courses;

  • the approved courses must be completed to a satisfactory standard prior to the award of the HDR;

  • the total units of additional courses must not contravene the AQF stipulation for the appropriate component of research in the HDR program; and

  • the credit for courses undertaken as part of the HDR program cannot be transferred to other UQ programs including a Higher Doctorate, Bachelor Honours, Postgraduate Coursework, or any other degree that does not lead to a HDR Program.

3.3    Approval for required additional components

To obtain approval to require additional research training components systematically for a cohort of HDR candidates, the Head of the enrolling AOU must submit a proposal to the Dean of the UQ Graduate School that:

  • identifies the required research training components;

  • identifies the timeframe for completion of the components during candidature, and the standard of performance; and

  • describes the academic benefit to the students that justifies inclusion of these components systematically in the research training provided by the AOU.

4.0    Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

4.1    Dean of the UQ Graduate School

The Dean of the UQ Graduate School (or their delegate) is responsible for the governance and procedures of HDR programs at UQ and decides on the admission, enrolment conditions, examination outcome, and recommends the conferral of the degree to the Provost.

4.2    Head of Academic Organisational Unit (AOU)

The Head of the enrolling AOU (Head of School, Institute Director, or equivalent) who has responsibility for AOU resourcing, approves cohort level course requirements if required.

4.3    Principal Advisors

Principal Advisors are approved UQ staff members that take primary academic responsibility for the candidate during their candidature.

The detailed academic role, accountabilities and eligibility for principal advisors are specified in the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy.

4.4    Advisors

Advisors are suitably qualified persons who provide expertise related to the candidate’s research and are available to provide advice throughout candidature.

The detailed academic role, accountabilities and eligibility for advisors are specified in the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy.

5.0    Monitoring, Review and Assurance

Review of, and compliance with, this procedure is overseen by the Dean of the UQ Graduate School and the Academic Board's Higher Degree by Research Committee.

6.0    Recording and Reporting

All thesis examination transactions, activities and approvals are recorded within UQ’s student system.

All student records including final outcome, applications and UQ decisions are filed in the student’s electronic record.

7.0    Appendix

7.1    Definitions, terms and acronyms

Enrolling AOU – an Academic Organisational Unit of UQ that directly enrols HDR candidates.

MPhil – Master of Philosophy.

PhD Doctor of Philosophy.

Professional Doctorate (research) (PDRes) – a professional doctorate administered by the UQ Graduate School where at least two thirds of the program is research.

Custodians
Dean, Graduate School
Custodians
Dean, Graduate School