Managing Your Candidature

The overarching requirements of your degree are set out in the program rules. It is important that you are aware of the requirements and your responsibilities. The Specifications for Thesis outline what is required to be included in your thesis and how it should be formatted. The program rules and specifications for thesis should be read in conjunction with the Research Student Handbook.

From the time of commencing your candidature until your degree is awarded or your program discontinued, you will have a panel of supervisors comprising a principal and at least one co- or external supervisor, appointed by your head of school. As time passes and your project evolves you may find that you need to change supervisors which is done using the following forms as appropriate:

Change of supervisor details

Application for principal supervisor from outside students school/discipline.

In rare circumstances a current HDR student may supervise another HDR student. Review the guidelines and if appropriate submit a student agreement form to the Adelaide Graduate Research School.

Life happens. You may get sick, take a holiday, have a baby or need to be on a jury during your candidature. Check out the ‘Making changes to your candidature’ section of the Research Student Handbook for the rules governing how much leave you can take and when, and in particular what scholarship holders and international students need to be aware of.

Remember you must let the Adelaide Graduate Research School know when you return from leave so your candidature and scholarship, if applicable, can restart. The forms you will need are:

• Leave of absence application (domestic)
• Leave of absence application (international)
• Return from leave of absence

Study away is intended for when you wish to attend a conference, undertake fieldwork, research or study towards your research degree while located outside the University for a limited period of time, not normally exceeding 12 months in total. Check out the ‘Making changes to your candidature’ section of the Research Student Handbook for the rules governing how much Study Away you can take and when, and in particular what scholarship holders and international students need to be aware of.

Having an approved Study Away application means that you will be covered by the University’s Travel Insurance.  We strongly encourage you to read the product disclosure statement to ensure that you understand what is covered and what benefits are available to you.  As part of your Study Away application you will need to register with Study Overseas so that the University has a record of where and when you are travelling.  If there are any significant events, such as an earthquake or terrorist attack, we then have a record of where you are located and can contact you to check on your welfare.

It is also important to regularly check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website in the lead up to your departure and while you are away.  The site gives a comprehensive outline of all the potential health and safety issues in the countries you will be travelling to.  Knowing that there has been recent civil unrest and protests, that bag snatching or drink spiking is an issue, and what vaccinations you may need, is useful so that you can plan your trip and activities accordingly.

If something does go wrong while you are travelling there is emergency assistance available through the University’s travel insurance, contact ITDS for password resets (best during Adelaide business hours) and contact your supervisors and the Adelaide Graduate Research School who may also be able to help.

Please note: Students should apply for Study Away at least 10 working days in advance; 15 working days in advance is required for international students.

• Study Away application (formerly Study Leave)

After you have commenced your research, you may find that there is a need to change your research topic. Changes will only be processed where there is a significant change to your topic.
 

Domestic Students
An application to change your research topic description should be made on the following 'Changing your Research Topic’ form
Change of research topic - domestic
 

International Students
International students are strongly encouraged to request a change of research topic only when it is absolutely necessary. The approval process for such requests can range from 20 days to 4 months, and in some cases, may take even longer. Students are not permitted to commence work on the new research topic until formal approval has been granted by the University and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Note: Minor word changes to more clearly reflect the nature of the Proposed Project are an administrative matter that can be handled at thesis submission time and NOT through a change of research topic request.

Steps to request a Change of Research Topic:

1. The student requesting the change must organise a meeting with their principal supervisor to discuss the change of research topic.
    
2. The student's principal supervisor must then initiate the change of topic via the Smartsheet change of topic dashboard (restricted access to supervisors only): Smartsheet link
   Note: You will receive a automated email with instructions on how to submit the required details for the proposed new topic.
    
3. An email will be sent to the student and their principal supervisor informing them whether the Change of Research Topic has been provisionally endorsed by the Office of the CSO.
    
4. If the Change of Research Topic is provisionally endorsed, the student must follow the instructions detailed in the provisional endorsement email.

Note: If the Change of Research Topic is NOT endorsed, the student must continue to work on their original research topic.  Failure to do say may violate their visa conditions.

International Student Change of Research Topic Process Flow Chart

As you work on your research you will find that your research and needs will evolve.

The following forms will assist you with making the required changes.

• Change of Research Topic
• Change attendance status (full-time or half-time)
• Change faculty / school / discipline
• Remote candidature application
• Change attendance mode (internal or remote)
• Write up outside application

During your research you will generate new or build on existing Intellectual property. It is important that you are aware of the your rights and obligations under University policy and if needed the process for embargoing your thesis.  Further information is on our intellectual property and embargo page.

Enrolled in a masters and want to upgrade to a PhD? Enrolled in a PhD and want to transfer to a masters? The forms you will need are:

• Upgrade to PhD application
• Transfer to Masters application

Enrolling in a Joint PhD allows you to spend time conducting research at a partner university and receive a jointly-badged PhD. Further information can be found on the jointly awarded PhDs page.

For some students, not everything will go to plan with their research and you may need extra time to complete your thesis. As you get towards the end of your scholarship or candidature and if you have documented academic delays you can apply for an extension. Check out the ‘Making changes to your candidature’ section of the Research Student Handbook for more information on extensions. The forms you will need are:

• Extension of scholarship
• Extension of candidature

A PhD or masters by research is a challenging program to undertake.  Sometimes things don’t go to plan. You are encouraged to discuss your concerns with your supervisors, postgraduate coordinator, Head of School or the Adelaide Graduate Research School. The Research Student Handbook is a valuable resource and you are encouraged to review the sections on 'Unsatisfactory Academic Progress', and 'Grievances, Complaints and Problems During Candidature'. There are other University services that you should be aware of including:

• The student grievance resolution process
• Education and welfare officers
• Counselling support

If you have decided that a research degree is not for you a withdrawal form will need to be submitted to the Adelaide Graduate Research School. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your intentions and reasons for withdrawal with your supervisors and Postgraduate Coordinator, Head of School or the Adelaide Graduate Research School first. Also consider speaking with an education welfare officer or someone from the counselling team. Other options such as a leave of absence or transfer to another program may be possible.