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Chapter 7: Thesis and examination matters
  

Chapter 7: Thesis and examination matters

7.12 Other components of assessment

7.12.1 Exhibition and performance components

7.12.1.1 PhD in the speciality of visual arts

The core assessment is an exhibition with supporting documentation. For further information, consult the Faculty of Art and Design.

7.12.1.2 PhD in the speciality of music composition

The assessable work includes musical compositions (at least 50% of which have been performed in public), a critical commentary and concert program notes.

7.12.1.3 PhD in the speciality of Creative Writing

The assessable work consists of a piece of creative writing and an accompanying exegesis.

7.12.1.4 Mandatory coursework component

Where a mandatory coursework component has been undertaken as an integral part of the degree structure (some MPhil and PhD programs, including PhD in the speciality of visual arts, the EdD, DPH, DPsych, DBA, DIT and SJD), this component must be completed successfully before the thesis is dispatched to the examiners for assessment. The nature and duration of such coursework will be notified to the examiners when they are sent the thesis.

7.12.1.5 DPsych practica component

Three practica comprising the equivalent of 125 days are a further component of assessment for the DPsych program.

7.12.1.6 DPH

A professional practice component is included in this program.

7.12.2 Oral examinations (regulation 22)

7.12.2.1 Clarification of an examination assessment only

In the case of the PhD and MPhil, although the regulations provide for the oral examination of candidates under certain conditions, for example to satisfy examiners that the candidate's knowledge is worthy of a doctorate or research masters degree and the work is the candidate's own, examiners and advisory panels should be aware of the potential difficulties of holding such examinations in some instances.

When on those rare occasions such an examination is required, it is conducted under arrangements made by the Research Graduate School Committee in consultation with the examiners and the advisory panel appointed to determine an examination outcome.

In these instances, the examining group will normally consist of one or both examiners and the head of the academic unit or a senior staff member (other than the supervisor) nominated by the head. If neither examiner is able to be present, then at least two members of academic staff are asked by the Committee to conduct the oral, one of whom shall normally be the head of the academic unit. In such cases, an examiner who wishes the oral to be held is asked to supply questions to be put to the candidate and a transcript and recording of the answers will be transmitted to the examiner(s) for comment.

The following guidelines are to be followed when, in special cases, an academic unit, with the approval of the relevant faculty, requires an oral examination (viva voce) as part of the assessment process:

  • The viva voce panel shall be chaired by the head of the academic unit or his/her nominee
  • The examinee's supervisor(s) may be present at the viva voce as an observer but may only participate in the proceedings when requested to do so by an examiner or examinee. He/she must not participate in the final deliberations of the oral panel
  • Both examiners must participate in the oral examination, either in person, by video conference, teleconference or other electronic means or by transmitting a set of questions to the panel in advance
  • An audio transcript or video recording of the viva voce shall be made available to examiners as required (as in the case of an examiner who is unable to attend)
  • The full written examiners' reports shall still be submitted on the standard form currently used for the purpose
  • In special circumstances approved by the Research Graduate School Committee, a second viva voce may be agreed to by the external examiners in the event that the examinee performs unsatisfactorily in the first. A second viva voce may be arranged before the examiners submit their final written reports
  • A report of the oral examination must be submitted to the Research Graduate School Committee on the standard form available for the purpose
  • Costs above the normal examiners' fees shall be met by the relevant academic unit or faculty.

7.12.3 Number of thesis copies required upon completion of examination

Please refer to sections 7.6.3 and 7.6.4

7.12.4 Award of degree

The Research Graduate School Steering Committee (which meets on a weekly basis) considers whether a candidate has satisfied the requirements for the degree and whether to approve its award. The result is notified as soon as possible after a decision is made by the committee. The award of degree is then noted at the monthly meeting of the Research Graduate School Committee. This is the body which has final responsibility for the award of degree.