The purpose of the confirmation of candidature is to
- provide objective confirmation that the research direction is sound, the methodologies are appropriate, and the standard of writing is satisfactory
- grant candidates an opportunity to receive useful advice on their research questions, methods, and progress from a panel of experienced academics
- identify and address complications that may impede successful completion of the research project
- assess whether the candidature should continue
To receive Confirmation of Candidature, candidates must complete four tasks by the dates specified in the following table.
- candidates are granted twice the time for every month they are enrolled part-time
- candidates must complete HDR 50 to seek an extension on these tasks
| Masters by Research | PhD | |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision agreement--with form HDR14 | 2 months | 2 months |
| Epigeum – Research Integrity Modules, Second Edition Online Modules | 3 months | 3 months |
| Research proposal--with form HDR13 | 4 months | 6 months |
| Oral presentation--with form HDR16 | Within a 4 weeks after the proposal | Within a 4 weeks after the proposal |
Essential information
Please read through the information below to help you prepare for your confirmation of candidature
Supervision Agreement
The Supervision Agreement helps candidates and their supervisors define the boundaries of their working relationship and outlines the roles and expectations of the candidate, the principal supervisor, and the associate supervisors. Within two months of commencement
- submit the HDR14 Supervisor Agreement Form
- the Faculty or School HDR Administration office will then submit this form to the Office of Research and Innovation Office
Epigeum
Research Integrity, Second Edition is an online learning product designed to support new and early career researchers with the responsible conduct of research. The course provides a comprehensive overview of how researchers can meet their responsibilities and obligations, drawing on the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).
Starting with the key responsibilities of researchers in the first module, the course explores the fundamentals of planning, managing, recording and publishing research. The last module covers the wider responsibilities that researchers assume as they develop their careers, from taking on different roles to communicating their findings to the public.
There are eight core modules to complete. Log in details attached to your Confirmation of Enrolment email
Due:Within three (3) months of commencement
Research proposal
Within 6 months of commencement if enrolled in a PhD full time or 4 months of commencement if enrolled in a Master by Research full time
- candidates must submit a research proposal and HDR13
- once approved by the Faculty Dean, Director, or delegate, the College or School will submit this work to the Office of Research and Innovation Office
For more information on how to write your Research Proposal, please refer here
Oral presentation
Within four weeks of submitting the research proposal, candidates should complete an oral presentation. The audience will usually comprise
- a panel of three academics to evaluate progress using form HDR16
- the supervisors
- other people the candidate invites
As a guide, we recommend that
- PhD presentations should last 30 to 45 mins plus question time
- Masters by Research presentations should last 20 to 30 mins plus question time
- topics should include an overview, literature review, methods, timeline, and risks as well as other sections depending on the purpose of your presentation
Preparation before the oral presentation
Step 1: Your principal supervisor should nominate 3 panel members to assess the confirmation
Step 2: Nominate a day, time, and venue. Your Faculty or School HDR Admin staff can book the venues and invite the audience
Step 3: Send a brief biography, abstract, and photo to your principal supervisor
Step 4: Your principal supervisor must submit HDR13, the research proposal, abstract and photo two weeks before the presentation--usually to the College or School HDR Admin staff, who then distribute this information to ORI at research.degrees@cdu.edu.au
Step 5: Skim the criteria on HDR16 to understand how the presentation will be assessed.
Step 6: Practice your presentation with you supervisors or other peers to seek feedback
HDR Candidate Profile
Congratulations on completing your confirmation of candidature!
As a part of the CDU research community, it is important for you to have your public profile to help you promote your research and networking.
Please fill out the form below if you would like to add your profile to Charles Darwin University's Research Webportal.