Chapter 4: Changes to candidature

4.7 Transfers

4.7.1 Transfer from part-time and full-time doctoral and MPhil candidature

On the recommendation of the head of the academic unit, doctoral and MPhil candidates may be permitted to alter their enrolment status from full-time to part-time or from part-time to full-time.

The head will be asked to confirm that the candidate will be able to:

• undertake work on the research project for a minimum of four days a week (full-time enrolment) or two days a week (part-time enrolment)
• maintain an appropriate level of contact with the supervisor and academic unit
• attend the University frequently and on a regular basis
• attend courses, seminars, workshops etc as specified by the head, and
• undertake the equivalent of six months’ full-time study within the University (including its research stations, teaching hospitals and affiliated institutions) during the candidature.

Applications should be made on the relevant form, obtainable from Monash Research Graduate School.

4.7.2 Transfer from one department/faculty to another

PhD and MPhil candidates may, under certain circumstances, such as a major change in the direction of research or change in the availability of supervision, be permitted to transfer from one department and/or faculty to another during the course of the candidature. In such instances, the candidate must apply for approval from the Research Graduate School Committee.

Where a change of department does not involve a change of faculty, the candidate should submit a change in supervision form. This form incorporates a change in department section for completion by the new department and the relinquishing department. There would need to be clear documentary evidence that appropriate facilities and supervision would be available, if the transfer were to be approved.

Where a change of both department and faculty is involved, a new PhD or MPhil application should be submitted together with a memorandum from the relinquishing department agreeing to the transfer.

If a candidate transfers to another department and faculty, the original start date and end date of candidature will normally apply. However, the accepting department may make a case for amending the end date of candidature where a substantial change in research direction is to occur.

4.7.3 Transfer from doctoral program to masters program

Doctoral candidates may, under certain circumstances, transfer their research to a masters program. Candidates should first discuss this option with their supervisor and head of department. If a transfer to masters is recommended, the candidate must contact their faculty office and apply to be formally admitted into the masters program. The candidate should also advise the Monash Research Graduate School of their intention to transfer to the masters program by completing a ‘Withdrawal from doctoral candidature’ form.

Where a doctoral candidate transfers to a research masters program, the candidate shall be required to complete the masters degree in which he/she enrols before seeking readmission to a doctoral degree.

(Candidates upgrading from masters by research to PhD are directed to section 2.3.1 of this handbook.)