Master of Philosophy

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (as amended) (the ‘HDR Rule’); the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy 2020, the Progress Planning and Review for Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015, the Resolutions of the Faculty, the Research Code of Conduct 2019, the Research Data Management Policy 2014, and the Thesis and Examination for Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015.

Additionally, the coursework components of this award course are subject to (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the ‘Coursework Rule’), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the ‘Coursework Policy’), the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

Part 1: Preliminary

1  Course codes

Part 2: Admission requirements

2  Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)  To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(a) a bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Sydney, with grades equivalent to first or second class honours; or a master's degree by coursework from the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Sydney.

(2)  The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Faculty Research Education Committee, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

3  Application for admission to candidature

(1)  An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:

(a) satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;

(b) a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Head of the Department in which the work is to be undertaken; and

(c) a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use.

(2)  In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4  Credit transfer

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 3: Candidature

5  Appointment of supervisor

The Associate Dean will appoint a research supervisor and auxiliary supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy 2020.

6  Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7  Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8  Degree requirements

(1)  To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(a) complete any specified probationary requirements; and

(b) where applicable, complete any prescribed unit/s of study as determined in the relevant Faculty milestones statement, and/or any other studies as required by the progress evaluation panel of the research project; 

(c) conduct research on an approved topic; and

(d) write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9  The thesis

A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10  Probation

(1)  A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

(2)  In the probationary period each candidate must:

(a) complete a specified research methods unit of study;

(b) develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Head of School; and

(c) demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

11  Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12  Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice.

13  Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

14  Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15  Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16  Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the Progress Planning and Review for Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015.

Part 6: Examination

17  Examination of the thesis

(1)  Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with standards prescribed by the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015, except that:

(a) the Faculty Research Education Committee will act instead of the HDR Examinations Sub-Committee in determining the results of the examination.

(2)  The thesis will be graded by the examiners and a 'Thesis grade' will be recorded on the academic transcript.

18  Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

19  Transitional provisions

(1)  These resolutions apply to commencing and continuing students after 1 January 2024.