Skip to content
Curtin University
Research

Guidelines for research students

Information for candidates

General information

Rules, guidelines and associated documentation

Please review the following important resources that will assist you in the completion of your higher degree by research:

Your supervisory relationship

When you first become acquainted with your supervisor it is vital that you discuss your proposed topic with your supervisor and ensure that you are both satisfied with it. This early clarification can prevent future difficulties. You should also discuss your expectations of the supervisory role (see the Guidelines for Establishing the Supervisory Relationship [.pdf - 42kB]), as well as listening to your supervisor's expectations of your role as a student, and establish a thorough common understanding about these expectations. For additional information about clarification of student and supervisor roles see the section in these guidelines concerning the supervisory relationship.

You should be able to seek discussion and advice where there is a genuine problem, after first having made attempts to sort it out. Many candidates find that it is best to present both the problem and potential solutions and discuss these, rather than relying on someone else, such as your supervisor, to come up with the solutions.

Establish regular meetings with your supervisor and prepare for them with relevant written material and possibly an agenda outlining the format the meeting should take. Take notes during the meeting and make a list of the outcomes of the meeting in conjunction with your supervisor so that you are both clear on what has been achieved and what is to be the focus of the next meeting. It is preferable to set up the next meeting at the conclusion of the current one as this will allow your supervisor time to consider the agreed focus of the next meeting, and to read any material you have presented.

Always present work to your supervisor and others in a legible format - preferably typed with double spacing to allow room for comments.

Follow advice given by your supervisor. If you disagree with it, ensure that you discuss the reasons why. If the disagreement cannot be resolved, you may wish to seek further guidance from members of your Interim Thesis Committee/Thesis Committee.

Your degree progress

Become familiar with the stages and processes from admission through enrolment and candidacy, to examination and graduation, which are outlined in these guidelines.

Apply yourself diligently and to the best of your ability to the successful completion of your degree.  It is very important that you prepare a timeline for this period to complete the program within the required time limits.

Conform to the University's Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research and Rule 11: Degree of Master by Research, including the disciplinary provisions.

Advise your supervisor as soon as possible of any problems that are impeding, or may impede, your progress. These should also be recorded on your annual progress report to verify any delays in your progress.

Doing your research

During your degree you will review the literature and current research in your area, conduct your experiments, collect your data and analyse your results before producing your thesis.

Please take advantage of the various courses and workshops offered by your enrolling area, your faculty and the University to help you in these tasks, e.g. the Curtin University Library, the The Learning Centre or the Curtin University Postgraduate Students' Association (CUPSA). Workshops/courses offered in the past have included "Endnote" (bibliography software), "Handling Long Documents" (Word), qualitative and quantitative statistics/statistical software, "Writing your Literature Review", "Questionnaire Design", "Thesis Structure", "Mastering Research Resources" and computer literacy skills. Keep a lookout for useful workshops and let your supervisor know of your needs.

It is important that you be able to work independently without the need for someone else to set goals and closely monitor your progress. Time management is a crucial skill to be practised if you are to graduate within the expected time. If you have difficulties in this area, it is important that you seek assistance both in compiling a timetable and sticking to it. This assistance may come from several sources, depending on your preference, (e.g. your Interim Thesis Committee/Thesis Committee or University Counselling Services). If you experience problems at any time during your research, which are likely to disrupt your timetable, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

Make and maintain contacts with other postgraduate candidates, academics and people relevant to your area of research to help prevent feelings of isolation. Fellow postgraduates, and/or the Curtin University Postgraduate Students' Association (CUPSA) can be a great source of support for all types of problems specific to this type of education.

Back to top

Identifying potential problems and finding solutions

Identification of potential problems

The University has identified the following problems which commonly impede the progress of research candidates. Being alert to the possibility of a problem in one or more of these areas may assist you to avoid it.

Problems with the research

Problems with the supervisory relationship

Problems with resources

Problems with isolation

Finding solutions

Normally, and in the first instance, you should discuss any problems that may arise during your research with your supervisor.

If you do not want to approach your supervisor with a certain problem, or your supervisor cannot help you, or you are having a problem with your supervisor then you may also seek guidance from the Chairperson of your Thesis Committee, the Postgraduate Coordinator or the Head of Enrolling Area.

There are a number of people and services at Curtin that you can turn to for assistance:

Back to top

Complaints and grievance resolution procedures

Generally speaking, it is in your best interests to resolve any problem that arises as quickly and carefully as possible. The manner in which a problem or dispute is resolved can have ongoing consequences with regard to the ease with which you can continue to conduct your research. To this end the University has developed a Grievance Resolution Policy in accordance with Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research and Rule 11: Degree of Master by Research, Section 15. These identify the appropriate channels and procedures for airing complaints and resolving disputes.

If you have a complaint or grievance regarding supervision or other matters affecting candidature (not including the examination process or termination of enrolment), then you should approach the following people in the order listed. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate that you have made a reasonable effort to resolve the issue at each earlier level of this hierarchy before assistance can be granted.

  1. Supervisor
  2. Chairperson of the Thesis Committee
  3. Head of Enrolling Area (or the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor where the Head of Enrolling Area is a member of your Interim Thesis Committee or Thesis Committee)
  4. Faculty Graduate Studies Committee
  5. Dean, Graduate Studies

All complaints and grievances will be considered in accordance with the University's Complaints Mechanism and Grievance Resolution Policy and utilise appropriate Complaints Management Processes.

The Professional Standards and Conduct Unit can assist if you have any concerns or need clarification/advice/support in relation to the lodgement of management of a complaint. You may also wish to contact the Curtin University Postgraduate Students' Association (CUPSA) for additional confidential advice.

Back to top