1999 Information Technology Handbooks

Postgraduate studies

Masters and PhD by research
- Supervision
- Attendance requirements
Roles and responsibilities for the supervision of masters candidates
Coursework

Masters and PhD by research

Graduate students enrolled in a masters degree by coursework and research are required to complete a minor thesis or research project. The research component of a coursework degree is normally less than fifty per cent of the coursework requirements. A minor thesis should show wide reading and an understanding in an area related to the course of studies being taken for the degree.
Students enrolled in a masters degree by research or PhD undertake research into a topic of interest within a school of the faculty, under the supervision of an academic staff member. A research degree is defined as having a thesis or research component greater than 66 per cent of the course.
Masters by research students submit a major thesis which shows independence of thought and demonstrates the student's ability to carry out research in the field concerned.
There are a wide range of research interests pursued within the schools in the faculty. For information about research interests in a specific discipline, refer to the 'School information' section in this handbook or obtain a copy of the Research areas and interests booklet from any faculty office.

Supervision

Students undertaking a thesis pursue a course of research in a school of the faculty under the supervision of a member of academic staff from that school. In certain circumstances the school may appoint both a main supervisor and an associate supervisor. An associate supervisor need not be a full-time member of staff, but should be recognised in the field of research.

Attendance requirements

While specific requirements may vary among the different courses, graduate research students are expected to meet with their supervisor and attend the university on a regular basis, and to participate in any seminar programs that are conducted within the school.
The rules applying to attendance are laid out in the PhD regulations and in the faculty's information on research courses. However, full-time PhD candidates should note that as well as meeting the attendance requirements laid down in section 7.3.2 of the PhD regulations, the faculty requires PhD candidates to pursue their research on campus unless they negotiate other arrangements with their supervisor. In the case of overseas study, permission must also be obtained from the PhD and Scholarships committee.
Part-time PhD candidates are also required to meet the on-campus residency requirements of the university.
For more detailed information about major and minor theses, students should obtain a copy of the booklet titled Information for postgraduate students undertaking research from any faculty office.

Roles and responsibilities for the supervision of masters candidates

It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that:
(i) the candidate is appropriately qualified for admission to candidature;
(ii) the candidate appears to have the capacity required to undertake the course successfully;
(iii) the research project proposed is appropriate for the degree;
(iv) the school is the most appropriate one in which the research is to be undertaken;
(v) the project is feasible in terms of time, facilities, equipment, technical and resource staff, source material and funding for the expected duration of the research required for the masters degree;
It should be noted that the expected duration of candidature should usually be less than the period of candidature allowed under the regulations. It is generally suggested that a masters project should be designed to take approximately twelve to eighteen months of full-time equivalent candidature.
(vi) in determining the project, due recognition is given to the research interests and ability of the student;
(vii) the proposed supervisor is sufficiently expert and interested in the area of research to offer the candidate proper supervision;
(viii) a supervisor is not put in charge of more than five full-time equivalent students; where it is proposed that a supervisor undertakes supervision in excess of this number, the school must satisfy the faculty research committee that the additional supervisory load will still allow the supervisor to discharge the supervisor's responsibilities satisfactorily;
(ix) the work load of the supervisor is such as to allow sufficient time to give proper supervision to the candidate;
(x) proper supervision is provided and maintained throughout the research period;
(xi) if the supervisor is to be absent in excess of six (6) weeks an alternative supervisor is appointed;
(xii) joint supervisors or associate supervisors are appointed as required for interdisciplinary or highly specialised research projects, and supervisory responsibility is clearly designated and understood by both supervisor and candidates;
(xiii) an academic staff member within a school is appointed to act as a coordinator of graduate studies, to monitor the general progress and welfare of postgraduate candidates and act as ombudsman where necessary;
(xiv) written information is produced and distributed to all postgraduates by the school with details on requirements and procedures relating to all postgraduate matters administered at the school level including:

grievance procedures, whereby candidates may make representation to the head of school, dean, faculty research committee or university committee, if they believe that their work is not proceeding satisfactorily for reasons outside their control, especially in situations involving problems of supervision or unresolved conflicts between candidates and supervisors;
a statement on the facilities and resources available to postgraduates within the school and within the university, (eg library, computing and technical facilities, training in word processing, statistical advice, English language tuition);
guidelines on appeals procedures at school level, consistent with university policy on appeals procedures;
guidelines on authorship and intellectual property and the procedures for monitoring them within the school, consistent with university policy on these matters;
school/faculty policy on the timing and mode of presentation of those reports by which a candidate's progress is assessed;

(xv) mechanisms are in place to promote regular consultation between school staff and candidates, and which include:

orientation programs at the school or appropriate level for postgraduates and their supervisors, to clarify procedures, give advice and discuss the expectation of candidates and staff;
seminars on research procedures relevant to postgraduate-level research;
a regular program of graduate seminars in the school's research areas;
training workshops on occupational health and safety procedures;
seminars or appropriate training in ethical issues and procedures;

(xvi) postgraduates are encouraged to make submissions regarding the provision of adequate human and physical resources within the school;
(xvii) the candidate's research program is not unreasonably influenced or redirected by political, commercial or industrial factors.

Coursework

Graduate students undertaking graduate diplomas or masters degrees by coursework are required to complete a number of compulsory or core units.
In addition, students can normally select for a number of elective subjects taught within the school or faculty or, in some cases, taught by other faculties within the university.
Subjects are normally conducted as a series of lectures and tutorials. However, masters-level subjects may take the form of seminars presented by visiting lecturers, focusing on the lecturer's current area of interest.
Part-time evening classes are available for all postgraduate courses on the Caulfield campus. Classes at the Clayton campus are normally available during the day; however, classes for postgraduate courses in digital communications are held in the early evening.
At the Peninsula campus classes are available only during the day. However, the tutorial arrangements for the Graduate Diploma in Computing may be negotiated between the tutor and the students.