Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Detailed Program Information

Academic Year
2025

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University’s policies (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies) and the Research Student Handbook (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research/current-students/handbook). The Research Student Handbook explains the procedures to be followed by students and contains guidelines on research and supervision for research degrees offered by the University. All students must comply with both the Academic Program Rules and the procedures detailed in the Research Student Handbook.

1

Academic standing

1.1

The academic standing required for acceptance as a candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy in the University shall be:

  1. a relevant Honours degree of Bachelor of the University of Adelaide that contains a research component deemed appropriate by the University and in which the candidate has achieved at least a IIA standard
    or
  2. a relevant Master by Research degree of the University of Adelaide
    or
  3. a relevant Master by Coursework degree of the University of Adelaide containing a minimum of 12 credit points by research, with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or higher and a GPA of 6.0 or higher in the Research Component.
1.2A person who holds a qualification of another university as specified in 1.1 above, or equivalent thereof, may be accepted as a candidate provided that the program of study undertaken and the academic standard reached are equivalent to those required of a candidate who is a graduate of the University of Adelaide.
1.3The University may accept as a candidate a graduate who does not qualify under Academic Program Rules 1.1 or 1.2 but who has demonstrated an outstanding level of academic achievement and is experienced in research as evidenced by significant research publications or written reports on research work done by the applicant.
1.4Applicants for a Doctor of Philosophy must satisfy the minimum English language proficiency requirement as set by the University.

2

Credit for work previously completed

2.1At the time of application, the University may grant credit in the program for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy for research undertaken in another program in the University or in another university or tertiary institution.
2.2

In consideration for acceptance under Academic Program Rule 2.1, the University must be satisfied that

  1. the person is of such academic standing as would be required of other candidates for the degree
    and
  2. the work for which credit is granted is both relevant and of a satisfactory standard.
2.3Any credit granted for work undertaken within a higher degree by research program will reduce the RTP and candidature expiry dates, whilst any credit granted for work undertaken within a coursework program will reduce the candidature expiry date only. Where the candidate is a scholarship holder, the scholarship expiry date(s) will be reduced in parallel with the candidature expiry date.
2.4Any application for credit must be approved by the Adelaide Graduate Research School to permit for the relevant adjustments to be made.

3

Enrolment

3.1

A person shall not be enrolled as a candidate for the degree unless:

  1. the applicant’s proposed research topic is acceptable to the University and the School / Discipline responsible for the supervision of the candidate’s work
  2. there are available at least two supervisors able to provide supervision of the proposed candidacy throughout its likely duration. The principal supervisor shall be a member of the academic staff of the School / Discipline of the University in which the candidate is enrolled
    and
  3. suitable resources and facilities are available (either in the University or, by arrangement acceptable to the Faculty, elsewhere) for the proposed research to be undertaken.
3.2

Each candidate (including those on remote candidature) will be enrolled on a provisional basis until they have satisfactorily completed:

  1. the first 12 months of the degree or half-time equivalent
    and
  2. the major review of progress, or, where applicable, the extended major review of progress.
3.3

Unless permitted by the Dean of Graduate Studies, a candidate may not enrol concurrently in another academic program with the exception of candidates enrolled in:

  1. Master of Psychology (Clinical)
  2. Master of Psychology (Health)
  3. Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors).
3.4Except with the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a candidate who is permitted to enrol concurrently in another academic program and who is granted leave must intermit all academic programs in which they are enrolled.

4

Duration of candidature and mode of study

4.1A candidate may proceed to the degree by full-time study or, if the Head of the School / Discipline concerned is satisfied that the candidate has adequate time to pursue supervised research under the control of the University, by half-time study.
4.2

Except in circumstances approved by the University, the work for the degree shall be completed and the thesis submitted:

  1. in the case of a full-time candidate, not less than 2 years and not more than 4 years from the date of commencement of candidature
  2. in the case of a half-time candidate, not less than 4 years and not more than 8 years from the date of commencement of candidature
  3. in the case of a candidate granted credit under Academic Program Rule 2.1 the candidature shall normally expire
    1. in the case of a full-time candidate, not less than 1 year and not more than 4 years from the date the candidate commenced work in the other program
      or
    2. in the case of a half-time candidate, not less than 2 years and not more than 8 years from the date the candidate commenced work in the other program.

5

Work for the degree

5.1A candidate shall pursue an approved program of study and research under the control of the University and under the general guidance of supervisors appointed by the University whilst at all times abiding by the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and associated policies of the University of Adelaide.
5.2    A minimum of 120 hours of transferable skills development shall be completed during candidature.
5.3A research proposal must be agreed preferably within three, but no later than six months (or half-time equivalent) from the commencement of research.
5.4The product of candidature will be a thesis that represents a significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline and which has been prepared in accordance with the University's Specifications for Thesis for the current year.
5.5All work presented in the thesis (including any publications) must have been undertaken during the period of candidature.
5.6The thesis will comprise 100% of the assessable content of the degree.
5.7

Irrespective of the format of the thesis, its content, in part or in total, must not have been accepted for any other degree in the name of the candidate at the University of Adelaide or other academic institution, except in the case of the following programs when enrolled concurrently:

  1. Master of Psychology (Clinical)
  2. Master of Psychology (Health)
  3. Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors).
5.8The candidate shall present the context and importance of the research at a School / Discipline seminar prior to thesis submission.
5.9The candidate may elect to participate in an approved internship during candidature. Internships commenced must be completed to the satisfaction of the partner institution and the University, except in exceptional circumstances.

6

Academic Progress Milestones

6.1Each candidate's academic progress will be formally reviewed at least once every twelve months.
6.2Each candidate will complete a series of milestones, the core content and timing of which will be in accordance with the details and schedule specified in the Research Student Handbook; Schools may include additional discipline specific requirements.
6.3

Milestones will normally include:

  1. the Adelaide Graduate Research School induction program and area induction
  2. the core component of the structured program, including, the completion and presentation of the research proposal
  3. a major review of progress
  4. annual reviews of progress in each calendar year following the year of enrolment
  5. minor reviews of progress in each calendar year following the year of enrolment (remote candidates only)
  6. a pre-submission review
    and
  7. the development component of the structured program, including at a minimum any courses, activities and skills training deemed necessary by the School / Discipline. Where completion of courses, up to the value of 15 units, is required by the School / Discipline, or desired by the candidate, the courses will not be formally enrolled in or assessed, or, will be completed on a non-award basis.
6.4Candidates whose provisional candidature is extended following a major review of progress (for up to six months in total) will undergo an extended major review at the end of this period.
6.5The major review of progress referred to in 6.3c above will recommend confirmation of Doctor of Philosophy candidature, change to a Master by Research, or a further period of conditional candidature not exceeding 6 months, or termination.
6.6Candidates granted a further period of conditional enrolment will undergo an extended major review at the end of this time period. No further periods of conditional enrolment will be permitted.
6.7Milestones may be varied from time to time by approval of the Research Education and Development Committee.
6.8

Re-enrolment and the continuation of scholarship payments (where applicable) are conditional upon:

  1. satisfactory progress being achieved in all reviews of progress undertaken in the preceding year
    and
  2. completion of all required milestones.
6.9A University of Adelaide Master by Research candidate who is qualified and permitted by the University to transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy will be deemed to have completed academic progress milestones 6.3a–c and transfer will confirm candidature in the degree.

7

Remote candidature

7.1Initial enrolment as a remote candidate may be permitted on academic grounds where the School / Discipline concerned can ensure the provision of external supervision, facilities and affiliation to the satisfaction of the University.
7.2Unless otherwise exempted, a remote candidate will be required to complete a period(s) of residence in the University of Adelaide as determined by the University in consultation with the School / Discipline concerned.
7.3Notwithstanding Academic Program Rule 7.2, a remote candidate will normally be required to undertake his / her candidature in an internal attendance mode until such time as the Core Component of the Structured Program has been completed.
7.4In accordance with Academic Program Rule 4.1, a remote candidate may proceed to the degree either by full-time or half-time study.
7.5On the recommendation of the School / Discipline, the University at any time may permit an enrolled candidate to enrol as a remote candidate subject to the conditions specified in Academic Program Rules 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 above.
7.6A remote candidate may be permitted to convert to an internal mode of attendance at any time and shall be subject to the conditions normally applied.
7.7Notwithstanding Academic Program Rules 7.1–7.4 above, remote candidates are also required to abide by the other Academic Program Rules and guidelines for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

8

Joint candidature

8.1Enrolment as a joint candidate may be permitted where a program of cooperation has been formally agreed between the University of Adelaide and another institution for jointly awarded degrees.
8.2When it is proposed that the candidate spend the majority of candidature away from Adelaide, the University must approve conditions as in Academic Program Rule 7.1.
8.3Upon successful completion of the work for the degree, the badges of both institutions may appear on the testamur awarded.
8.4Candidates for a jointly awarded degree may be bound by special rules and conditions as detailed in the agreement between the University of Adelaide and the partner institution.

9

Absence from the University

 Except for remote candidates, the University may, on the recommendation of the School / Discipline concerned, permit a candidate to pursue away from the University work connected with the research for the degree. Such permission may only be granted under special circumstances during provisional candidature.

10

Leave of absence

10.1Subject to Academic Program Rule 10.2, a candidate whose work is interrupted for a period of time may be granted cumulative leave by the University of up to 12 months. If an application for leave is approved, the minimum and maximum periods specified in Academic Program Rule 4.2 will be adjusted accordingly, by adding the length of the approved leave.
10.2

Except in exceptional circumstances, candidates may not take leave:

  1. during the three months immediately prior to their candidature expiry date
    or
  2. during an extension of candidature
    or
  3. during a candidature that has been reactivated for 12 months, following determination by the University that the candidate be not awarded the degree but be permitted to re-submit the thesis in a revised form.
10.3In exceptional circumstances, the University may grant a candidate cumulative leave in excess of 12 months. Where a candidate is granted this exceptional leave, the University will endeavour to ensure, but cannot guarantee, that appropriate supervision and resources will be available to support the candidate on return from leave.
10.4

In some fields of study, time plays a critical role in the currency of the research. In such cases, the research project may no longer be current following leave and the University may not be able to secure supervision in an area where currency is compromised. Additionally, the University may not be able to accommodate an amendment to the research project. Under these circumstances, continuation of candidature may not be possible and the only options will be:

  1. withdrawal by the candidate
    or
  2. termination of candidature by the University.
10.5The candidature of a student who takes leave from the University without approval will be suspended immediately, on notification of the Adelaide Graduate Research School.
10.6A candidate granted leave must inform the Adelaide Graduate Research School in writing of resumption of candidature within 2 weeks of the approved date of return.
10.7A candidate seeking to extend a period of leave must apply in writing for an extension of leave at least 1 week prior to the originally approved date of return.

11

Withdrawal from candidature

 A student may withdraw from candidature at any time. Candidature may be reinstated at a future date without academic consequences, subject to the continuing currency of the research undertaken prior to withdrawal and the currency of the research skills of the candidate. The approval of the Head of School and the ongoing availability of appropriate supervision and resources are also required.

12

Suspension of candidature

12.1

Candidature may be suspended for failure to comply with any formal requirement of candidature, including:

  1. failing to abide by the responsibilities of research candidates as detailed in the Research Student Handbook
  2. failing to undertake a required review of progress by the due date or extended due date
  3. failing to respond to any University correspondence sent to the nominated mailing address or campus email address by the requested date of response
  4. failing to accept reasonable offers of supervision facilitated by the University
  5. taking leave without prior approval
  6. failing to return from leave on the agreed date
  7. failing to notify the Adelaide Graduate Research School of return from leave within 2 weeks of return
    and
  8. non-payment of University fees and charges.
12.2

Reinstatement of a suspended candidature will only be permitted with the approval of the Head of School where:

  1. the reason for the suspension has been addressed as specified in the Research Student Handbook
  2. the research undertaken prior to suspension remains current
    and
  3. appropriate supervision and resources are available to support the reinstated candidature.

13

Termination of candidature

13.1The University may review the progress of a candidate at any time during the program of candidature and, if the candidate's progress is unsatisfactory, may terminate the candidature.
13.2The University may terminate the candidature following a 12 month period of suspension for any of the reasons outlined in Academic Program Rule 12 above.
13.3Candidature may be terminated when the University, at its sole discretion reserves the right to decline to appoint a supervisor where to do so would not be appropriate. Without limiting this discretion above the University may consider the following in making a determination: supervisory eligibility and capacity, the quality of the research project and compliance with the responsibilities of research candidates as detailed in the Research Student Handbook.
13.4A terminated candidature may only be reinstated following a successful appeal.

14

Extension of candidature

 A candidate may be granted by the University one extension of candidature only of 12 months beyond the maximum period specified in Academic Program Rule 4. If the thesis has not been submitted by the end of the extended period the candidature will lapse.

15

Completion of thesis outside University

 A candidate who has completed the equivalent of 2 years of full-time work under the control of the University, who has completed the experimental work (where appropriate) and whose progress is sufficiently well advanced to permit the satisfactory completion of the thesis outside the University, may be granted permission by the University to complete the writing-up of the thesis outside the University. If such permission is granted the candidate will be allowed either 12 months or until the end of candidature, whichever is the lesser, to submit the thesis. If the thesis has not been submitted by the end of the writing-up period the candidature will lapse.

16

Lapsed candidature

16.1Candidature shall be deemed to have lapsed on the candidature expiry date where the candidate has not submitted for examination the thesis required under Academic Program Rule 5.3.
16.2A candidature, which has lapsed for not more than 12 months, may be resumed if the completed thesis, which has not departed from the field of study that was being pursued before the candidature lapsed, is subsequently submitted to the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School. The thesis will only be accepted for examination if the School / Discipline certifies that it is satisfactory to that School / Discipline.
16.3Approval of the University is required for the resumption of a lapsed candidature under any other conditions and will be contingent on the Academic Program Rules for the year of submission being applied for the examination of the thesis.

17

Intention to submit thesis

 A candidate shall notify the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School, in writing, approximately 3 months before they expect to submit the thesis required under Academic Program Rule 18.1. A summary of the thesis, together with the proposed thesis title and abstract, shall be submitted prior to submission of the thesis.

18

Submission and examination of the thesis

18.1On completion of the approved program of study and research, a candidate shall submit a thesis for examination in accordance with the University’s Specifications for Thesis for the current year.
18.2The University recognises that a thesis may be prepared in a variety of formats that are influenced by the Discipline or field of study. Approved thesis formats are detailed in the University’s Specifications for Thesis. Candidates should consult their supervisor(s) before selecting an appropriate format.
18.3The Head of School / Discipline shall certify that the thesis is worthy of examination.
18.4

Examiners of the Doctor of Philosophy thesis will assess whether the candidate has produced a thesis that:

  1. displays original and critical thought
  2. is a significant contribution to knowledge
  3. relates the topic of research to the broader framework of the Discipline within which it falls
    and
  4. is clearly, accurately and cogently written and suitably illustrated and documented.
18.5Where required by the University, an oral examination will be undertaken to determine the outcome of the examination.

19

Appointment of examiners

19.1Candidates shall have the right, prior to the commencement of the examination process, to identify people they do not wish to examine their thesis. Any such objections should be submitted to the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School, at the same time as the notification of intention to submit required under Academic Program Rule 17. Such objections do not serve as a veto.
19.2Taking account of any objections raised under Academic Program Rule 19.1 and the recommendations of the Head of the relevant School / Discipline the University shall appoint two examiners who are external to the University. At least one examiner shall be an academic member or affiliate of a tertiary institution.
19.3The candidate’s supervisors shall not be eligible to act as examiners.
19.4The examiners shall be requested to report in English and in such form as the University will determine and to recommend one of the alternatives listed in Academic Program Rule 20.1.
19.5After consideration of the reports of the examiners, the University may appoint a third external examiner and / or an external arbitrator.

20

Examination results

20.1

After consideration of the reports of the examiners and such other information as it thinks fit, the University shall determine that:

  1. the candidate be awarded the degree unconditionally
    or
  2. the candidate be awarded the degree subject to the amendments specified in the examiners' reports
    or
  3. the candidate be not awarded the degree but be permitted to re-submit the thesis in a revised form
    or
  4. the candidate be not awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
20.2In the case of a thesis presented for re-examination as provided for in Academic Program Rule 20.1(3), the thesis, as far as possible, will be assessed by the original examiners.
20.3A thesis submitted for re-examination must be presented in the same format as the thesis presented for the original examination.
20.4A thesis presented for re-examination will not be submitted for further re-examination.

21

Thesis amendments following examination

21.1

The time limits for revision of the thesis are:

  1. 3 months where the examination result is to award the degree subject to the amendments specified in the examiners' reports (see Academic Program Rule 20.1(2))
    and
  2. 12 months where the examination result is not to award the degree but to permit resubmission of the thesis in a revised form (see Academic Program Rule 20.1(3)).
21.2Candidates who require additional time to complete revisions must apply to the Dean of Graduate Studies for permission, stating the reasons for the request. The request should be endorsed by the principal supervisor and the Head of School / Discipline or the Postgraduate Coordinator.

22

Deposit of thesis

 Such number of copies of a thesis and any other material on which the degree is awarded shall be deposited in the University Library or elsewhere as determined by the University. Unless otherwise determined by the University, the thesis shall be available for public access.

23

Availability of thesis

 A candidate who does not wish to allow the thesis to be publicly accessible when it is deposited in the Library under Academic Program Rule 22 shall make a written application to the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School, at the same time as the notification of intention to submit under Academic Program Rule 17. The withholding of such permission and the period of time involved shall be determined by the University.

24

Graduation

 Subject to Chapter 89 of the Statutes, candidates who have satisfied the requirements for any award of the University shall be admitted to that award.

25

Posthumous award

 If a person dies after completing, or in the opinion of the University, substantially completing the requirements of the award, the University may confer the award posthumously.

26

Revoking the award

 

If the University is satisfied that, when the Doctorate was conferred on a person, the person

  1. did not possess the relevant qualifications,
    or
  2. had not completed the necessary requirements,

the Vice-Chancellor and President with authority devolved to him / her by Council may revoke the award. Upon revocation, the person is taken never to have received the award.

27

Return of documents

 If requested by the Dean of Graduate Studies, the recipient of a Doctorate must deliver to the University the documents certifying or evidencing the award.

28

General

 When, in the opinion of the University, special circumstances exist, the University, on the recommendation of the relevant School / Discipline in each case, may vary any of the provisions in Academic Program Rules 1–27 above.

 

Published on: 29 November, 2024 | 11:25:55

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