Graduate Research Information

Information about your PhD including confirmation, reviews, changes, and other assistance

Overview

Confirmation and progress reviews are emailed to all students (at their official student email address) at least 3 months prior to their due date. These need to be submitted after they have been completed and signed by your supervisors and advisory panel and by the PhD Director (on behalf of the Head of Department).

Students need to ensure that they attach all of the required documentation, including their summary of progress and timeline to completion.

  • Due dates

    If you are unable to submit your review before the due date because you have not been able to meet with your supervisors and advisory panel, you may be able to extend your review due date by up to 2 weeks. To do this, your supervisor will need to email us on buseco-gradresearch@unimelb.edu.au to request an extension and state the reason that the form cannot be submitted.

    This will not extend your candidature or thesis submission date.

    Failure to submit your confirmation or progress review may result in an 'Absent without Leave' status being added to your transcript or termination of your enrolment.

  • Extensions to probationary candidature (confirmation)

    Extensions to probationary candidature of up to 6 months can be approved by the Faculty.

    Extending your probationary candidature will not extend your thesis submission date.

    If you require an extension, please email us at buseco-gradresearch@unimelb.edu.au for more information. It is expected that all students completing coursework as a part of their PhD will extend their probationary candidature.

  • Extensions to candidature (final submission)

    If you have completed 3 years of candidature and are not ready to submit your thesis, you must submit your Progress Review form with a request to extend your candidature. Extensions are not granted automatically, even if you have previously extended your probationary candidature. Students enrolled in the PhD are eligible for two extensions of up to 6 months to candidature.

    To extend your candidature, your supervisors, advisory panel and the PhD Director (on behalf of the Head of Department) need to recommend extension to candidature on the Progress Review form.

    If your candidature was confirmed on or before 31 December 2017, you are eligible to apply for a third 6 month extension to candidature and also lapsed candidature, also known as ‘lapse’, if you are unable to submit your thesis by the expected work submission date. A period of ‘lapse’ allows you more time to submit your thesis.

    More information can be found on the Finishing on Time section of the Graduate Research Hub.

  • Fees

    Students who do not submit their Progress Review requesting an extension to their candidature before their expected submission date will become liable for fees. These are calculated per day for each day that the thesis is not submitted.

  • Completion

    PREREQUISITES FOR SUBMISSION

    • Before you submit your thesis, it's important that you discuss your submission with your supervisors. Please note that you must submit your thesis prior to your maximum submission date (your expected thesis submission date).  You can check your expected thesis submission date through my.unimelb.
    • You must present your research findings at a completion seminar prior to submission and meet the eligibility requirements to submit.
    • You are encouraged  to use iThenticate to check for any potential instances of problematic matching text and/or weak referencing practice before submitting your thesis for examination. The iThenticate similarity report will compare your thesis against a database of published research literature which you can discuss with your supervisor/s.

    For details see the Graduate Research Training Policy.

    COMPLETION SEMINAR

    You must present your research findings at a public completion seminar in the six months prior to submission. It's an important milestone of your candidature. During the seminar you should present the objectives, methods, findings and significance of your research.

    This is your opportunity to receive constructive feedback from an expert audience prior to submission and it provides you with further experience in developing your arguments effectively. It confirms that you understand your research, and illustrates that you have the necessary skills in oral presentations and other research attributes expected of graduate researchers at the University.

    Detailed information on completion seminar requirements is available in the Graduate Research Training Policy.

  • How to submit your thesis

    Your thesis should be submitted electronically via the University's Thesis Examination System.

    1. Prior to submission, or prior to your performance or exhibition of a creative component of your thesis, register your intention to submit by logging into the Thesis Examination System (TES). About 2 months prior to your submission is the ideal time for this. Please note that you must submit your thesis prior to your maximum submission date, which is listed in my.unimelb as your expected submission date. Registering your intention to submit begins the process of the selection of examiners.  You will need to provide a brief (80-word) overview of your research question, methods and results which will be sent to potential examiners.
    2. Once you have confirmation from your supervisors that the final version of your thesis is ready for submission, log into TES. You will be asked to:

    After you have submitted your thesis, notifications will be sent to your principal supervisor and Chair of Examiners to confirm that the thesis is ready for examination.  Once your thesis is sent to your principal supervisor for endorsement an updated thesis will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

    More information

    • Read the FAQs on using the Thesis Examination System
    • If you are not currently enrolled but have approval for late submission (or are lapsed) you may find you are not able to access University systems such as the Thesis Examination System. To request reinstatement of your IT access to submit via TES, please email the Examinations Office.
  • Support

    If you are experiencing difficulties during your candidature that may affect your ability to progress, you may want to follow these steps.

    1. Talk to your supervisor
    2. Make a student advice appointment with your local graduate research administrator
    3. Consider making changes to your candidature (eg take leave or change to part time)
    4. Review University managed online resources:
    5. Review external online resources
    6. Access University support services
  • Subject changes

    Students enrolling in coursework as a part of their Graduate Research degree must discuss their subject selection with the PhD Director for their Department. Subject changes cannot be processed after the second week of the relevant semester and should be organised as early as possible.

    Students apply to add or drop subjects using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

  • Change of supervisor or department

    Students apply to change supervisor using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal. It is important to discuss proposed supervisor changes with your principal supervisor, the PhD Director for the Department and your proposed supervisor. If there is a problem and you do not feel comfortable with this, please contact the Research Unit.

    Applications to change department require a hard copy 'Application for Change of Department' form. Students considering a change of Department must discuss this with their supervisors, PhD Director and the Research Unit.

  • Change of study rate

    Students wishing to change between full-time and part-time study may do so after discussion with their supervisors. Supervisors are required to approve the change and must be satisfied that you have adequate time to continue your research and make good progress.

    Scholarship holders will need to consider the terms of their scholarship before applying to change their study rate as many scholarships are not available to part-time students. International students will also need to consider the requirements of their visa before submitting an application.

    Applications for change of study rate can be submitted using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

  • Leave

    Leave of Absence

    Leave may be granted for a number of reasons, including illness, family responsibilities and job opportunities. The minimum period approved is usually 2 weeks, with a maximum period of 12 months being approved at any one time.

    Parental Leave

    This is a separate form of leave and covers maternity leave, partner leave and adoption leave for up to 12 months. This type of leave does not change your entitlement to any other type of leave.

    Leave and Coursework

    Students who are currently enrolled in the coursework component of their Graduate Research degree should note that leave of absence will result in coursework subjects being withdrawn. If this occurs after the subject census date (usually end of March and end of August) the subject may appear on your transcript as 'withdrawn' or 'failed' depending on the date of leave.

    Applying for Leave

    Applications for leave of absence are submitted using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

    Returning from Leave

    Students must submit a return from leave of absence within 5 days of their actual return and within 28 days of the end of their approved leave. Failure to do so does not extend a leave of absence and may result in an 'Absent without Leave' status being added to University transcripts or termination of enrolment.

    Notification of return from leave is submitted using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

    International Students

    Students should note that their student visa may be affected by leave of absence. Students may be permitted to remain in Australia where their leave application is based on compassionate or compelling circumstances, such as illness or maternity leave; however other reasons for leave may result in COE and visa cancellation. The University is required to notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) of any leave of absence.

    Recreation Leave

    All Graduate Research students are entitled to 4 weeks of recreation leave each year. This is organised with supervisors and the department and does not require an application via the Student Portal. Study away

    Students planning to study or research away from the University must submit an application to Study Away. Study away is not normally approved for periods longer than 12 months, and students away for more than 3 months are required to obtain an external supervisor in the location where they will be travelling. Students on study away are required to maintain regular contact with their supervisors and must submit any Progress Reports that are due while they are away.

  • Studying away

    Applying for Study Away

    Students can apply to Study Away using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

    The application must include a Guideline Form for Off Campus Travel and Work Policy, a detailed itinerary and full contact details. A risk assessment form, ethics approval and permission from the Academic Registrar may also be required.

    It is very strongly recommended that students visit the Study Away website before submitting an application.

    Returning from Study Away

    Students must submit a return from study away within 5 days of their return. Failure to do so does not extend a study away and may result in an 'Absent without Leave' status being added to University transcripts or termination of enrolment.

    Notification of return from study away is submitted using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

  • Withdrawing or transferring

    Students who are unable to complete their Graduate Research program may submit an application to withdraw via the Student Portal. It is strongly recommended that you discuss this with your supervisor and the Research Unit before submitting the application, as students can in some cases transfer from the PhD into a Masters program to take out a qualification.

    Applications to withdraw can be submitted using 'Track and submit candidature variation applications' in the Manage My Enrolment (RHD Candidatures) section of the Student Portal.

The Research Data Laboratory

The Faculty maintains a Research Data Laboratory for research students and staff on level 3 of 198 Berkeley Street. Information about the Laboratory, including a list of available databases, can be found on the Faculty's research pages for researchers.

The University Library

The University of Melbourne has a Business, Economics and Education library, the Giblin Eunson Library, located on the ground floor of the ICT Building.

Research students are able to make an appointment with library staff to discuss the best sources of information, effective use of databases and searching strategies and the purchase of new materials to support current research. Further information about this service and to book a research consultation can be found on the Library website.

library.unimelb.edu.au

Research training and professional development

The Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) offers a range of programs to assist graduate research students with their research and research promotion skills. Programs include UpSkills, the 3 Minute Thesis Competition (3MT), as well as the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Learning and Leadership.

melbourne-cshe.unimelb.edu.au

Ethics

Graduate Research students who are planning to conduct research that involves people or information about people (or organisations) must submit an application for human research ethics approval to the Faculty Human Ethics Advisory Committee (FHEAC).

submission dates

Graduate Research scholarships

Departmental scholarships are available to graduate students.

research scholarships

The Graduate Research Hub

Current graduate research students benefit from services and advice on their candidature offered through the University’s Graduate Research Hub. Step-by-step guides, resources and detailed information are available on this site for all aspects of candidature, from helping you get started, to managing your enrolment and through to submitting your thesis.

The Melbourne Business School

The Melbourne Business School’s Academic Programs team provides dedicated research training administrative support to students and academic staff. This includes managing candidature processes from admission through to thesis submission. The team can assist with queries about:

  • academic progress
  • campus life
  • candidature management (including enrolment, leave, extensions)
  • study abroad/exchange/conference and fieldwork travel
  • scholarship and travel funding
  • internships and industry engagement opportunities for graduate researchers

Functions and Events:

Annual Graduate Research Welcome and Orientation

The Melbourne Business School hosts a Graduate Research Welcome and Orientation event for commencing and current graduate researchers as well as a range of events throughout the year. These events provide graduate research candidates with opportunities to develop networks, maintain friendships and keep students informed of developments across all departments and disciplines.

Thesis Boot Camp

In 2016, the Melbourne Business School launched the first of an annual Business and Economics Thesis Boot Camp for graduate research students. The camp creates dedicated time and space for graduate researchers to make significant progress on the first draft of their thesis manuscript. Like dissertation boot camps in the US, and patterned on the Thesis Boot Camp launched by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research in 2012, the camp helps students learn to write more productively by providing four critical elements: 1) space with minimal distractions; 2) a structured writing regimen/routine; 3) peer mentoring and facilitation; and 4) expert writing consultants, motivational speakers and a range of activities designed to support and sustain intensive periods of productivity.

Annual End-of-Year and Holiday Celebration

The Melbourne Business School hosts an end-of-year event for graduate researchers in conjunction with the FBE PhD Students Society to celebrate the festive season and acknowledge student achievements throughout the year.

Workshops and Seminars

The Melbourne Business School hosts a wide range of occasional and regular workshops and seminars throughout the year specifically designed for graduate researchers, including discipline-specific academic skills workshops and academic career seminars.

The Research Data Laboratory

The Faculty maintains a Research Data Laboratory for research students and staff on level 3 of 198 Berkeley Street. Information about the Laboratory, including a list of available databases, can be found on the Faculty's research pages for researchers.

The Centre for the Study of Higher Education

The CSHE provides outstanding professional development for graduate researchers through a wide range of programs. More information about these programs can be found under the For Graduate Researchers section on the CSHE website.

Ethics

Graduate Research students who are planning to conduct research that involves people or information about people (or organisations) must submit an application for human research ethics approval to the Faculty Human Ethics Advisory Group (FHEAG).

Committee Secretary, Research Support Unit

Address
Level 3, 45 Barry Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053
Email
fbe-research@unimelb.edu.au

Scholarships, Studentships and Prizes

FBE Doctoral Program Scholarship:

The Faculty of Business and Economics Doctoral Program Scholarship (FBE-DPS) was established to support its domestic and international research students.

The Faculty awards approximately 30 commencing scholarships per year.

The benefits of the FBE Doctoral Program Scholarship vary depending on a student’s circumstance and may include one or more of the following:

  • A fortnightly living allowance, a relocation allowance for students moving to Melbourne from interstate or from outside Australia, and limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate Awards benefits
  • Full fee remission (international students only)
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership (international students only)

More information

For more detailed information about the Melbourne Research Scholarship, please refer to the Graduate Research Scholarships Terms and Conditions.

If you have any further questions about the FBE Doctoral Program S, please do not hesitate to contact the MBS graduate research team.

FBE-GRATS (FBE Graduate Research Abroad Travelling Scholarship):

FBE-GRATS is a travel funding scholarship that supports PhD and Masters by Research students for research-related activities that will enhance their thesis, including:

  • Interviews
  • Data collection
  • Archives or library resources
  • Interstate or Overseas Summer school attendance
  • Short-term fieldwork (less than 3 months)
  • Travel overseas or within Australia to present at a conference

Students may apply more than once to the scheme, but will only be funded up to a combined total of $4000 over the course of their candidature.

There are two application rounds per year.

Guidelines Application form

Peter Brownell Scholarship:

The Peter Brownell PhD Scholarship was established by friends and associates of the late Peter Brownell, Professor of Accounting from 1991 until 1997. There is one scholarship available each year. In 2015, it was valued at approximately AUS$10,000. It is payable in two instalments.

The scholarship is awarded to a second year PhD student in Accounting for the duration of one year.

Contact the FBE Scholarships Office for further details.

Kilmany Scholarship:

The Scholarship is for PhD candidates in the Doctoral Program in Economics to undertake research in the area of Economics or Econometrics.

Contact the MBS graduate research team for details.

Henry Buck Scholarship:

This scholarship is open to competition annually among students enrolled in the course for

the degree of doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Contact the MBS graduate research team for details.

Wilfred Prest Travelling Fellowship:

The Fellowship is open to students or graduates of the University who undertake postgraduate studies in the field of Economics at an overseas university or research institution. The Fellowship is valued at $10,512.27. An extension of the Fellowship may be granted for a further term of one year.

Contact the FBE Scholarships Office for further details.

Chancellor’s Prize for Best Thesis:

Every year, the University seeks nominations for the prize from Faculty deans. The Award consists of a medal for desk display. Six awards per year will be made. A seventh award may be awarded to an Indigenous PhD student.

Eligibility

All PhD students awarded the degree in the previous year are eligible to be nominated by their Department. Students are not able to apply for this prize themselves.

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