Research supervision

While preparing a thesis, higher degree research candidates work with one or two supervisors on the development of their research project and the writing of their thesis. Where the student has two supervisors, the responsibility for the student may be split between them at the ratio of either 50-50 or 75-25. Supervisors are usually members of the academic staff of the Faculty. It is possible that an associate supervisor may be external to the Faculty, for example, in another faculty at Monash or in industry.

Part-time candidates should meet their supervisor(s) regularly, generally once a month, and full-time candidates, generally once every two weeks. At these meetings students have the opportunity to discuss the development and progress of their research projects. Research students are required to submit written work to their supervisor(s) regularly. PhD and masters by research students are required to present a research proposal to a panel at a seminar after the completion of their first year full-time (towards the end of two years if part-time). The panel consists of 3-4 academic staff of the faculty. If the members of the panel agree that the research project meets the criteria specified in the University confirmation documents, the research student moves from probationary to confirmed candidature. Students must satisfactorily complete the confirmation process in order to continue with their candidature.

In addition, students are expected to present at seminars about the progress of their research at the mid-point of their candidature and just prior to completion. Students are encouraged to begin writing early in their candidature to develop their writing capabilities. As the capacity to write well is integral to research practice, it makes sense to develop those skills from the beginning.

Research degree students are expected to attend and participate in research seminars held in the Faculty. Developing skills in discussing the research of others is an important aspect of research training. Formal and informal discussion with other students and with academic staff provides a good opportunity for developing these graduate attributes.

The University has a code of practice for supervision of doctoral and research masters candidates for students and supervisors. The code details the nature of the all-important supervisor-research student relationship that is characterised by reciprocal responsibilities: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/research/doctoral/chapter5b.html

If students experience difficulties with the supervision process and are unable to resolve them with their supervisor(s), they are encouraged to contact the Supervision Liaison Officer for advice. These consultations are held in strict confidence.