Course code

59602

Faculty

Science and Engineering

Pre-requisites

Completion of a bachelor degree with Honours class I or IIA, provided that the Dean of Graduate Research Studies, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate for the field of study being selected; or

Completion of the Master of Astronomy and has obtained at least a Credit average for the 12 credit points of Research Preparation; or

Other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the faculty as equivalent to the above.

Confirmation of candidature

The candidate shall apply to have their candidature confirmed:

• normally within the first six months of enrolment for a full-time candidate; or

• normally within the first 12 months of enrolment for a part-time candidate.

The candidature shall orally, or by electronic communication, present a seminar on the doctoral work. The candidate’s Supervisory Committee, which includes the Head of School, Head of Discipline and candidate’s Research Student Monitor (or their nominees), must attend the seminar and meet after the seminar to discuss the outcome.

The candidate shall present seven days before the seminar, to the Chair of the Higher Degrees by Research Sub-Committee (HDRS-C), through the Principal Supervisor and the Head of the School, a 2000 word project proposal including the aims, methodology, budget, timeline, progress to date and any other academic and/or artistic issues arising from the program of work, together with a second piece of substantive written work, usually a literature review.

The seminar presentation and the proposal shall be reported upon by the members of the Supervisory Committee in a combined report to the HDRS-C.

In considering the reports on the seminar presentation the HDRS-C may interview the candidate, and if appropriate, any member(s) of the Supervisory Committee, and any other relevant person.

The HDRS-C may make suggestions to the candidate as to how the research might be improved and may seek independent peer review. The Principal Supervisor and the Head of the School shall also be informed of such suggestions. The advice provided need not necessarily be accepted by the candidate.

The HDRS-C shall then approve one of the following:

• confirmation of candidature;

• confirmation of candidature together with additional specified work requirements;

• reconsideration of candidature within six months of the initial presentation subject to work undertaken to the satisfaction of the HDRS-C;

• candidature for Doctoral studies be replaced by candidature for Masters studies with the provision that the applicant may re-present the seminar within six months of the initial presentation; or

• termination of candidature.

The decision of the HDRS-C shall be conveyed in writing to the candidate within 14 days of the date of the decision together with advice of the candidate’s right of appeal according to the University’s appeal procedures for Doctoral degrees.

Maximum time to complete

10 years

Minimum EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) to complete

2 EFTSL

Additional course rules

A candidate must maintain regular contact with the School as required by the candidate’s Principal Supervisor.

Appointment of Supervisors

A candidate admitted to the Doctor of Astronomy shall be assigned a Principal Supervisor who shall be a member of staff of the University and on the Register of Supervisors of the University.

At least one co- or associate supervisor, who is on the Register of Supervisors, will be appointed because of his or her professional experience and special knowledge of the candidates intended program of study. Additional associate supervisors need not be staff members of this university, but should have appropriate expertise and professional experience.

Progression requirements

Must successfully complete AS5011 and AS5012 before attempting PD7605

Thesis requirements

A candidate shall complete a research thesis and/or portfolio, normally of a maximum of 50,000 words, in a bound volume.

The thesis may include any of the following: dissertation, research papers, publications, all on a unified topic.

Published contributions may be submitted to support or to form part or all of the thesis, provided that they have not been submitted to support or to form part or all of a thesis for another academic qualification.

The original, plus three copies of the thesis, shall be submitted to the Graduate Research School.

Examination

The HDRS-C, on the recommendation of the examiners, may require the candidate to undertake a written or an oral examination, or both, on the topic of the research thesis.

Appeal procedures

As per the University appeals procedure for Doctor of Philosophy. See University Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy.

Eligibility

Subjects in related disciplines, and at the graduate level, may be allowed as advanced standing towards the Doctor of Astronomy.

Other restrictions

Advanced standing is granted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Studies on advice from the Head of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Inclusion of majors on testamur

Not applicable – this course does not have majors