Doctor of Philosophy (Quantitative Marine Science)

A Doctor of Philosophy is a course of supervised research and professional development conducted over 3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time), culminating in the examination of a thesis or creative equivalent, by at least two external examiners.

PhD Candidature is structured around a series of milestones:

1. Draft Research Plan
2. Confirmation of Candidature
3. Annual Reviews of Progress
4. Thesis or creative equivalent submission for examination no later than 48 months equivalent full-time enrolment

Draft Research Plan

A Draft Research Plan for the PhD is to be prepared for review

Confirmation of Candidature

The purpose of Confirmation of Candidature is to assess:

• The students academic preparedness and whether they have developed a clearly defined, coherent and feasible research project and whether they have documented this adequately in your research plan
• Whether they have met coursework requirements as specified in the letter of offer (2 units of the graduate certificate)-Whether other specific requirements (e.g. obtaining ethics approval) have been met
• The suitability of the supervisory team to support the student to completion-Whether the students oral and written skills are sufficient for undertaking a Higher Degree by Research
• The likelihood of the student completing their Higher Degree by Research within the maximum degree period

Annual Reviews of Progress

Following successful Confirmation of Candidature, your progress will be formally reviewed every 12 calendar months through candidature until submission. The purpose of the annual review will be to make an assessment of:

• The students academic performance consistent with your research plan
• The adequacy of research infrastructure and resources (including the supervisory team relationship) needed to complete your research project within the maximum degree period

Thesis or creative equivalent submission for examination no later than 48 months equivalent full-time enrolment

1. Abstract: Approximately eight weeks prior to submitting the thesis/exegesis for examination the student will need to upload their abstract in IGrad, which will initiate a request to the supervisory team and Head of School to nominate examiners
2. Thesis Submission: Before the maximum expiry date of candidature, the student will need to submit their thesis in IGrad for examination.
3. Examiner Reports: The Dean of Graduate Research will determine whether the thesis should be accepted, rejected or whether revisions are required.