Forms
Application
These forms are for prospective HDR Candidates to enquire and to submit an application for a Higher Degree by Research.
Applicants applying for a PhD@WORK will be additionally required to complete the following two forms as part of their application:
Prospective candidates for a Higher Degree by Research may use this checklist to ensure all necessary documents for an application for a Higher Degree by Research are gathered in preparation for submitting the application online.
Advisors of candidates with a scholarship application are required to complete the Primary Advisor Statement.
This agreement is required to be completed by all Primary Advisors who are on a fixed term contract at JCU which is due to expire within 2/3 calendar years of being placed on Research Masters/Doctorate application (APP-FORM-01 Supplementary form for Higher Degree by Research Applications.
The purpose of this agreement is to ensure continuity of supervision for a HDR Candidate in the event that the Primary Advisor who is on a fixed term contract does not have their contract renewed.
This is a risk assessment form for Higher Degree by Research applicants from countries with a United Nations Sanction and/or an Australian Autonomous Sanction regime. The sanctions are Australian Federal law and substantial fines and penalties, including prison time apply for a breach of the sanctions. The sanctions regimes are managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and there are specific sanctions in place for each country. See https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/about-sanctions for the current list of countries with sanctions.
Applicants or candidates for Higher Degree by Research Programs offered by the University may apply to the Graduate Research School for recognition of prior learning for components of the JCU Higher Degree by Research.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may apply to applicants transferring their Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidature from another university to JCU, or to current JCU candidates transferring between HDR courses. JCU MPhil graduates who begin a JCU PhD within two years of graduation may also apply for RPL for the Fixed Component of their PhD studies.
Supporting evidence, such as certificates or statements, must be provided to support the request.
This form should be completed for candidates who will have advisors from two or more Colleges. This form indicates the arrangements for this agreement in relation to support of the candidate and the division of EFTSL in calculating resource allocation and costs. This form should be completed with the candidate’s initial application or shortly thereafter, or in the case of an existing student whose arrangements are being altered, as soon as possible.
Candidature Commencement
The following forms are for commencing Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.
The aim of this agreement is to enable the candidate and their advisory panel to maintain a productive relationship throughout candidature by having a living document that can be revisited as required to ensure it reflects relevant shared understandings of key expectations of the candidature. More information on this milestone can be found at My Milestones.
The Indicators for Success in Higher Degree Research have been developed for the information and use of Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates at James Cook University. Each HDR candidate needs to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes to prepare and submit a body of work that complies with the standards of their College and the University. In order for this development to occur, candidates need to be independent learners, who take responsibility for their work.
These Indicators will help the HDR candidate to prepare for and work towards the submission of their thesis. Each of the Indicators is activity-based. However, each of these activities presupposes underlying knowledge and skills that will help the candidate complete their thesis successfully.
It should be noted that not every candidate will, or should, choose to complete every activity. It should be stressed that each HDR candidate should review these indicators in light of their own circumstances, and in conjunction with their advisors, to ascertain exactly what personal development is needed to promote the successful completion of their thesis. It should also be noted that the order of each Indicator does not necessarily indicate chronological order, or relative importance of the activity.
Candidature Progression and Milestone Management
This Progress Report it is recommended that everyone experiencing delays due to exceptional circumstances complete this report so that there is a record of delays.
The HDR Progress Report enables you and your Advisory Panel to reflect on your progress and to plan the remainder of candidature.
This document has been set up to assist candidates in preparing the text for their Confirmation of Candidature Research Proposal.
The work must be developed with your Advisory Panel. The final version approved by your Advisory Panel is to be attached to the COC-Seminar Request form by the candidate.
This form is used to assess the Confirmation Proposal, Literature Review (if required) and Seminar Presentation.
Candidates are required to complete this form prior to the Confirmation seminar. Please see My Milestones page form more information on the milestone requirements.
Access the Confirmation of Candidature Assessment form via MyStudent
This form is used to assess the seminar (if required), written work and professional development activities for the Mid-candidature Review. Candidates are required to submit a Seminar Booking form to register readiness for this milestone.
Candidates are not required to complete this form and will not be able to access it in the forms tile in MyStudent. More information on the Milestone can be found at My Milestones. The Candidature Committee will complete this form and advise the HDR candidate of the recommendation of the Mid-candidature Review Milestone.
Access to Mid-Candidature Review Assessment form
The Pre-Completion Evaluation Milestone is an event that is designed to identify the capacity of candidates to successfully complete their thesis and make it ready for examination. This milestone should be a presentation of the candidate’s work in progress to an expert committee, their peers, and others interested in their research field.
Candidates are not required to complete this form and will not be able to access it in the forms tile in MyStudent. More information on the Milestone can be found at My Milestones. The Candidature Committee will complete this form after the seminar and advise the HDR candidate of the recommendation of the Pre-Completion Review Milestone.
Access to Pre-Completion Assessment form
This form is to be submitted 3 weeks for Confirmation of Candidature and Mid Candidature and 4 weeks for Pre-Completion Evaluation, complete and submit this seminar form with assistance from your advisors, ensuring you provide all required information. When the form has been submitted, the Graduate Research School will contact you to finalise your seminar booking.
Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination
These forms are for HDR Candidates that have past the mid-candidature and are planning for pre-completion.
Advisors are to use this form to nominate examiners for your candidate's thesis examination.
Research Masters Degree: one (1) external examiner and one (1) internal examiner is required (both examiners can be external).
Doctoral Degree: at least two (2) external examiners are required (and is usual at JCU), but up to three (3) examiners may be used.
A replacement examiner must also be nominated at the same time as the other examiners but their availability need not be confirmed at this time. Advisors are required to upload a copy of the correspondence of the examiner's acceptance to examine the thesis.
This form is to be submitted to the Graduate Research School with your Higher Degree by Research thesis for examination and is required before the research thesis can be sent for examination.
Candidate submits their thesis using the Thesis Submission Form in the MyStudent Portal.
A guide to the Oral Examination has been prepared to assist you in this milestone. Download the Oral Examiantion information Guide Here.
Intent and Scope: To outline how James Cook University Library receives and deposits theses into the University’s institutional repository, ResearchOnline@JCU and the conditions of access to online theses, including Candidate responsibilities throughout the process.
It is a requirement that James Cook University PhD, Professional Doctorate and Masters by Research theses are received by the Library for deposit to ResearchOnline@JCU
Variations of Candidature Forms
Use the following forms to submit a Variation to Candidature request. These forms apply to changes to your HDR enrolment or candidature. Access available through MyStudent on forms tile.
- Request a break or extend HDR candidature, scholarship, or fee exemption Use this form to apply for leave, extend candidature or milestone due dates.
- Request change between full-time or part-time or campus location
- Request change to thesis title and advisory panel Use this form to Add or Remove Advisors and/or change Thesis Title
- Request to add or remove HDR coursework subjects
- Request change to HDR course (Information on when to use this form is available at Manage My Candidature)
- Request to withdraw from HDR course
Industry Engagement & Internship
A research internship is a position with a research end-user where a student undertakes research and development (R&D) activities related to their research degree. It can take the form of an independent 3-6 month research project or be integrated into your PhD through employment or other activities.
Research internships offer numerous benefits, including the opportunity to enhance your technical and research skills, apply your knowledge in new ways, and expand your professional network. These internships provide hands-on experience, allowing you to work on real-world projects with industry leaders, improving both academic and career prospects.
By participating, you'll develop key research qualities, gain valuable on-the-job learning, and boost employability. You'll also strengthen professional connections, explore various research fields, and improve your expertise in a practical setting.
Key benefits include:
- Developing research skills and competencies
- Expanding industry exposure and networks
- Enhancing your technical and professional abilities
- Gaining practical experience and improving employability
- Building connections for future career opportunities
An industry internship is an invaluable step towards your professional and academic growth!
HDR Research Internship for more information.
If you have any questions, email placements@jcu.edu.au.