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Progress reporting for Science postgraduate students

The Monash Research Graduate School (MRGS) and the Faculty of Science are committed to providing ongoing support to postgraduate research students, including opportunities to review progress in association with their supervisors and to inform relevant parties of any problems. This page outlines the respective university and faculty progress reporting requirements for students enrolled in the courses Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Science Preliminary.

  1. Overview of university / faculty progress reporting requirements
  2. Research Plan – Faculty of Science
  3. Annual Progress Report – Monash Research Graduate School
  4. Progress Report – Faculty of Science
  5. Additional school requirements
  6. Confirmation of candidature for PhD and MPhil students/ upgrade from masters to doctoral candidature

1. Overview of university / faculty progress reporting requirements

Course Faculty of Science Research Plan?

Due at end of first 3 months (full-time) / 6 months (part-time) 		MRGS Annual Progress Report?

Due August each year 		Faculty of Science Progress Report?

Due at end of first 12 months (full-time) / 24 months (part-time)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Yes Yes No
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Yes Yes No
Master of Science (MSc) Yes No Yes
Master of Science Preliminary Yes No No

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2. Research Plan – Faculty of Science

All new students enrolled in the courses Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Science Preliminary are required to submit to their school a detailed Research Plan (a minimum of 1500 words) and timetable at the end of the first three (3) months of equivalent full time candidature (or six (6) months part-time). This plan will identify specific aspects of the student's research program. It will include:

  • a preliminary literature review;
  • an outline of the applicable research methodology;
  • a summary of the equipment and facilities needed for the project; and
  • timelines and milestones for the project for the coming year.

This document will be reviewed by the postgraduate coordinator (or nominee) of the school in which the student is enrolled and used as part of the review of the progress of the student at the end of his or her first year. It will help to identify any problems early in the candidature and assist the student and supervisor to clarify any concerns relating to the research program.

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3. Annual Progress Report – Monash Research Graduate School

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students

All PhD and MPhil students are required to complete Monash Research Graduate School (MRGS) Annual Progress Reports. Students will be advised of this requirement by the MRGS in June or July of each year, with reports normally due in August.

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4. Progress Report – Faculty of Science

Master of Science (MSc) students

All MSc students will be required to complete a Faculty of Science Progress Report at the end of the first 12 months of equivalent full time candidature (or 24 months part-time). Students will be advised of this requirement by the Graduate Studies Officer within 9-12 months after the start of their research program. If this report raises concern, the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) will seek further information from the student and school.

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5. Additional school requirements

Please note that schools may have additional requirements to those described here. Students should contact their school if they have any queries in this regard.

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6. Confirmation of candidature for PhD and MPhil students/ upgrade from masters to doctoral candidature

Students and their supervisors should be aware of the MRGS requirements in respect of confirmation of PhD and MPhil candidature, and upgrade from masters to PhD candidature. Students who have confirmed their candidature are exempt from providing an MRGS Annual Progress Report in the same year if the confirmation has been finalised within three (3) months prior to the deadline for the report.

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Further information

Monash Research Graduate School, Confirmation of Doctoral/MPhil Candidature or Upgrade from Masters to Doctoral Candidature