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3.3 Probationary candidature

All doctoral and masters candidates commencing from 1 January 2010 are admitted to probationary candidature. Confirmation of candidature is subject to demonstration of satisfactory progress in the probationay period.

3.3.1 Probationary period for PhD candidature

The requirements, timeline and guidelines for confirmation of doctoral candidature are available at Chapter 2.10 of the Doctoral and MPhil Handbook.

3.3.2 Probationary period for masters candidature

100% Research masters degrees

Candidates who commenced a 100% research masters degree from 1 January 2010 must undergo a probationary period of 6 months full-time (or 12 months part-time) candidature.

Full-time candidates will receive notice of their confirmation due date following 3 months of candidature. They will be expected to meet the confirmation requirements (see Chapter 4.7.3) before their 6-month probationary period ceases.

Part-time candidates will receive notice of their confirmation due date following 6 months of candidature. They will be expected to meet the confirmation requirements (see Chapter 4.7.3) before ther 12-month probationary period ceases.

66% Research masters degrees

Candidates who commenced a 66% research masters degree (ie masters by research and coursework) from 1 January 2010 must undergo a probationary period of 9 months full-time (or 18 months part-time) candidature.

Full-time candidates will receive notice of their confirmation due date following 6 months of  candidature. They will be expected to meet the confirmation requirements (see Chapter 4.7.3) before their 9-month probationary period  ceases.

Part-time candidates will receive notice of their confirmation due date following 12 months of candidature. They will be expected to meet the confirmation requirements (see Chapter 4.7.3) before their 18-month probationary period ceases.

Degree

Mode of Enrolment

Period of probation

100% research masters

Master of Arts
Master of Bioethics
Master of Environmental Science
Master of Arts (Creative Writing)
Master of Arts (Music Composition)
Master of Arts (Theatre Performance)


Full-time

Part-time

6 months

12 months

66% research masters

Master of Arts by Research and Coursework
Master of Environmental Science
Master of Arts (Music Performance)

Full-time

Part-time

9 months

18 months

PhD  

Full-time

Part-time

12 months

24 months

Confirmation requirements can be found in Section 4.7.3. Confirmation of candidature requirements.

3.3.3 Candidates planning an upgrade to PhD

The confirmation of masters candidature can be deferred if, at the time of confirmation of candidature is due, the academic unit believes that the applicant is likely to upgrade from masters to a PhD degree. The upgrade process is normally undertaken after 9 months full-time, or 18 months part-time, enrolment.

If an upgrade is likely, the supervisor should make a recommendation to the Arts Research Graduate School to defer the confirmation due-date. Please note that this recommendation does not enable the candidate to automatically upgrade to PhD at the appropriate time but is rather a recommendation to defer the confirmation based on current progress.

If the upgrade to PhD is not expected to occur immediately following 9 months enrolment, the confirmation of masters candidature should take place as originally expected. The process to upgrade to PhD can occur at a later date. Maximum deferral of confirmation  is 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time) candidature.

Information on the process and requirements for upgrading to PhD is available at this link.