Mid-Candidature Review

MID-CANDIDATURE REVIEW

All research higher degree candidates are required to undergo a mid-candidature review of their progress at 24-30 months for PhD and at 12-15 months for Master of Philosophy. Its purpose is to ensure the project is on track for completion within candidature duration, and that the candidate’s research and other professional skills are developing appropriately. It will also identify any resource needs.

The process: The advisory team will select and obtain the agreement of a reviewer external to the advisory team and arrange a time for the mid-candidature review panel to meet with the candidate. The panel will comprise the advisory team, the reviewer, and a representative of the RHD Committee (chair). The candidate will submit the following written work to the SPH RHD Administrative Officer at least two weeks before the date of the MCR review. S/he will distribute to the panel.

Written work

A coversheet used for school purposes
A brief summary setting out what has been completed and what remains to be done prior to submission (including a time-line).
Outline of thesis structure, including chapter headings.
Copy of confirmation feedback document
At least one of:

Completed or draft chapter (not the introduction chapter)
Journal papers, research poster, and/or conference presentations which are to be included in the thesis. If journal papers are included, the candidate and advisors must be able to justify that the candidate has contributed in a substantial way to the piece of work.

MCR Interview

The candidate will give a brief oral presentation (15-20 minutes) covering their progress, followed by a discussion. The presentation may also be part of a seminar series or conference, provided a copy is supplied to the panel and a member of the panel can attest to the quality. The presentation should provide the panel with an indication of the progress of the candidates work.

The panel and candidate will discuss any issues relating to progress of the research towards a satisfactory completion on time. The expected date of submission will be identified.

Written Feedback

The chair of the panel will

summarise the main points raised in relation to written materials, oral presentation and interview and summary recommendations and enter these on the SPH MCR proforma
complete sections 1-4 of the Milestone Attainment Form
email these to the RHD Administrative Officer

The RHD coordinator will forward the final recommendation to the Graduate School and the candidate will receive notification of the final outcome from the Graduate School.

Outcomes

The School may recommend

that the milestone has been achieved,
an extension of the due date (usually of up to 3 months FTE) for achieving the milestone, or
that the candidate has not achieved the milestone after more than one attempt and is liable for termination of candidature.

Candidates who do not achieve this milestone after 36 months (PhD) or 20 months (MPhil) of FTE candidature may be liable for termination of candidature:

Useful Links

Forms

SPH MCR Coversheet

Milestone Attainment Form

Extension of attainment of Milestone Form

Change of advisory Team Form

Recommendation on shared EFTSL

Termination of Candidature Form

Policy and Procedures

Graduate School

University Policy on Research Higher Degree candidature Progression and Development

Information for Advisors of International Research Higher Degree Students