Doctor of Philosophy Candidates

Doctor of Philosophy timeline - what you need to do at each stage of your degree

Your progress through your candidature is monitored and documented by a series of formal progress reports and compulsory milestones. This regular reporting provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress, your supervision, the resources available to you and obstacles that could impact your candidature and completion targets.

  • 6 Weeks - Candidate and Advisor agreement is to be completed.
  • 6 Months - Confirmation of Candidature is due.
  • 1 Year - First Progress Report due (April or October).
  • 1.5 Years - Second Progress Report due (April or October).
  • 1.5 - 2 Years - The Mid-Candidature Review.

The fixed components of Professional Development need to be completed in the first six months. 40 hours of Professional Development or 10 points Leadership & Initiative must be completed in the first two years.

  • 2.5 Years - Third Progress Report due (April or October).
  • 3.25 Years - Pre-Completion seminar.
  • 3.5 Years - Thesis submission due.
  • 3.5 - 4 Years - Thesis examination.
  • 4 Years - Degree awarded.

PhD Milestone Information Guide

SkillsJCU - Professional Development for HDR Candidates