Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 The Handbook for Doctoral and MPhil Degrees

The Handbook for Doctoral and MPhil Degrees is designed to assist candidates, supervisors and administrators with the regulations, procedures and protocols of doctoral and MPhil programs at Monash University. The handbook is organised as follows:

Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to the origin of doctoral degrees, the types of doctoral and MPhil degrees available at Monash University and the structures governing the academic and administrative management of these degrees.
Chapter 2 details admission to doctoral and MPhil candidature, including English language proficiency and transfer procedures.
Chapter 3 outlines conditions of candidature for the duration of research programs.
Chapter 4 identifies possible changes to candidature, including, for example, intermission, studying away, extension and withdrawal.
Chapter 5 lists supervision guidelines and a code of practice for supervision of doctoral and research masters candidates.
Chapter 6 provides a guide for postgraduate candidates and supervisors on intellectual property issues.
Chapter 7 explains thesis preparation and examination matters.
Chapter 8 outlines guidelines for doctoral and MPhil candidates on grievance and appeal, discipline and termination procedures.
Chapter 9 contains information on fees, scholarships and grants.
Chapter 10 describes the facilities and services available to research candidates.
Chapter 11 lists useful contact details and links to relevant web addresses.
The appendices to the handbook are:
(A) Doctorate and masters by research regulations
(B) Guidelines for accreditation of centres
(C) Intellectual property statute and regulations
(D) Confirmation procedure
(E) Research/employment overlap
(F) External candidature
(G) Cotutelle/joint/double badged programs and
(H) Professional Doctorate Guidelines/Minimum standards.

The handbook provides an interpretation of, and guidelines on, the doctorate and MPhil regulations, as well as associated procedures and policies, and, as such, complements the Monash University Calendar Research Graduate School Committee regulations. Candidates and their supervisors are advised that changes to these regulations occur periodically and that both candidates and their supervisors are responsible for reviewing these changes as listed on the Monash Research Graduate School website (see chapter 11 for contact details).