Schedule overview
1 Purpose
To establish the process, responsibilities and requirements for the submission of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Theses at the University.
2 Scope
This schedule must be read in conjunction with the HDR Thesis Examination Procedure and is subordinate to it.
3 Schedule
3.1 Examination of Thesis
All HDR Academic Programs offered by the University include a Thesis component. The HDR Thesis Examination Procedure sets out the requirements for the:
- examiner nomination;
- preparation of Thesis for examination;
- submission of Thesis to the examiners;
- Thesis examination criteria;
- grading of Thesis and result recommendation;
- notification of outcome;
- revisions and re-examination;
- completion of examination.
The full examination criteria for each HDR Award is set out in the UniSQ Handbook.
The requirements for the presentation of a Thesis are set out in the HDR Thesis Presentation Schedule.
3.2 Editing of Thesis
The HDR Supervisory Team is expected to provide editorial advice to the Student prior to the submission of the Thesis for examination. Students are permitted, under their own arrangements and at their own expense, to use additional editors in preparing their Thesis for examination. Students should discuss this with their Principal HDR Supervisor and provide any editor with a copy of this procedure before they commence work.
Editorial assistance is restricted to:
- proofreading: that is, detecting and correcting the presentation of the text to conform with standard usage and conventions (e.g. spelling, quotations, italics, lists, word usage, punctuation, graphs, charts, citations, references, heading hierarchies, symbols and equations, headers and footers, style of numbers, etc.); and
- the identification and provision of advice, with corrections and exemplars only, in matters of structure (the need to restructure and reword, deletions, additions); the conventions of grammar and syntax; use of clear language; logical connections among phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections; voice and tone; and how to avoid ambiguity, repetition and verbosity.
Normally material for editing should be supplied in hard copy, not electronic copy to ensure that the Student fully considers the editor's suggested revisions before making them.
When the Thesis has had the benefit of professional editorial advice then:
- The name of the editor and a brief description of the service rendered should be printed as part of the list of acknowledgements near the front of the work when it is to be presented for examination.
If the professional editor's current or former area of academic specialisation is similar to that of the Student, this too should be stated in the acknowledgements.
3.3 Submission of final Thesis
All HDR Programs will be awarded on the basis of the successful completion of the Thesis examination process as well as the successful completion of any required Coursework.
In order for the Award to be conferred, Students are required to submit a copy of their final Thesis in electronic format. An electronic copy as a single file, normally in PDF format, must be provided to the Graduate Research School.
Any additional requirements for graduation will be communicated in writing to the Student. Failure to submit all requested documentation by the due date may result in the Student's graduation being delayed.
The University Library will be responsible for submitting the Thesis to UniSQ ePrints.
3.4 Confidential Theses
Normally the final Thesis accepted for the Award of a UniSQ HDR will be placed on embargo for a minimum period of 12 months. This will allow Students to publish from their research before the Thesis enters the public domain. A Student may request a further extension to the embargo period, or make the research available immediately to the wider community by indicating on the HDR Thesis Submission Form.
3.5 Approval for conferral of Award
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) or nominee gives executive approval for the degree to be conferred by the University Council. Upon receiving executive approval, the Graduate Research School will issue a letter advising that the Student has satisfied the requirements of the Award Program. This letter will advise the student of any associated title (for example Doctor for PhD) that can be used from its receipt. The Student is entitled to use any associated title (for example Doctor for the PhD) on receipt of the letter. The Award will be conferred at the next graduation ceremony.
4 References
Nil.
5 Schedule Information
| Accountable Officer | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) |
| Responsible Officer | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) |
| Policy Type | University Procedure |
| Policy Suite | |
| Approved Date | 12/6/2018 |
| Effective Date | 12/6/2018 |
| Review Date | 10/11/2021 |
| Relevant Legislation | |
| Policy Exceptions | |
| Related Policies | Academic Programs and Courses Quality Policy Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy |
| Related Procedures | |
| Related forms, publications and websites | |
| Definitions | Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary |
| An approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award....moreAn approved Higher Education Award of the University, consisting of a combination of Courses the successful completion of an offering of which, together with any credit transfers and Exemptions in accordance with the relevant requirements, will fulfil the prescribed requirements for that particular Award. The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule. A person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University....moreA person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University. Higher Degree by Research (HDR) A Research Doctorate or Research Masters program for which at least two-thirds of the Student load for the program is required as research work....moreA Research Doctorate or Research Masters program for which at least two-thirds of the Student load for the program is required as research work. Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Student A Student enrolled in an HDR program....moreA Student enrolled in an HDR program. Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervisor A member of a Student's HDR Supervisory Team. An HDR Supervisor may hold the position of Principal HDR Supervisor or Associate Supervisor....moreA member of a Student's HDR Supervisory Team. An HDR Supervisor may hold the position of Principal HDR Supervisor or Associate Supervisor. A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled. A certificate issued by the Council of the University to signify that a Student has satisfied the requirements of a specific program and has graduated....moreA certificate issued by the Council of the University to signify that a Student has satisfied the requirements of a specific program and has graduated. Also known as a Standard Thesis, is the material outcomes of a program of research. It is also referred to as a 'dissertation'....moreAlso known as a Standard Thesis, is the material outcomes of a program of research. It is also referred to as a 'dissertation'. The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland. | |
| Definitions that relate to this schedule only | |
| Keywords | PhD, dissertation, thesis, doctoral |
| Record No | 15/858PL |