Welcome from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) with overall responsibility for Higher Degree Research students, I am very pleased to introduce this guide which gives an overview of HDR candidature and supervision at Macquarie University. We value our higher degree postgraduate student body as a key human resource asset to the University and recognise the vital contribution our research students make to the University and the nation. We strive continuously to improve mechanisms that positively assist graduate research students to complete their programs successfully with the highest quality outcomes.
The Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC) is a dedicated representative group with responsibility for policy development and implementation for all matters relating to higher degree research students. The committee has initiated new directions in the management of HDR education and training which go hand in hand with efficient administration and academic decision making. These new directions include a comprehensive HDR Feedback Program for commencing and continuing candidates and the implementation of new reporting and support frameworks to assist students to complete their studies successfully and on time.
The Dean Higher Degree Research has specific responsibility for chairing the Programs and Examination Sub-Committee of HDRC, framing the academic support programs and processes for HDR students, pastoral care for HDR students, including liaison with the academic Divisions and the Macquarie University Postgraduate Representative Association (MUPRA), and above all, ensuring the quality of the outcome for postgraduate research students and the University. The Dean is responsible for the Central Commencement Program, which addresses issues of research supervision and student support systems, which all commencing HDR students are required to undertake.
The Higher Degree Research Office (HDRO) offers specialised support for postgraduate research students. As well as managing Australian domestic and international HDR student admissions, the Office administers all higher degree research scholarships, including Australian Postgraduate Awards, International Postgraduate Research Scholarships and the MQRES scholarship scheme supported directly by the University. HDRO is also responsible for managing student progression including annual reports and the examination process.
I wish you the very best in your studies.
Jim Piper