Research & Research Study

The Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC) approved on 4 August 2006, for immediate implementation, that Out of Time candidates should remain enrolled until they submit their thesis subject to academic progress requirements. Out of Time candidature occurs when a higher degree research candidate has reached or exceeded their maximum period of candidature. Please read The maximum period of candidature of the Doctoral Degree Rules and Rules for the Degree of Master by Research (PDF).

Provisions for applying for extensions are now removed and candidates are no longer required to complete formal application requests to remain enrolled. Candidates are expected to be working towards submission of their thesis or to withdraw from the degree. Candidates who withdraw have no further rights to access the library, divisional research facilities or supervisory support.

Macquarie Postgraduate Rule 3 of the Doctoral and Master by Research Rules provides that if a candidate withdraws, they must reapply for admission if they wish to return at a later date. If a candidate is re-admitted after withdrawal or discontinuance, a period of enrolment sufficient for satisfactory completion of the thesis and submission is to be determined by the Dean of Division.

Fee-paying candidates are liable for tuition fees as long as they remain enrolled and if re-admitted after withdrawal will pay the required fee for the additional period of candidature.

Each quarter, a list containing the names of currently enrolled candidates whose maximum date had already expired or is due to expire within the next three months will be circulated to Divisions for action and management. Divisions will be required to indicate to HDRO within two (2) weeks an estimated thesis completion date which will become the new expected maximum submission date for candidates on the list.

The process for the implementation of this new policy is as follows:

1. HDRO distributes quarterly the list of candidates within this category to Division administrators: in March, June, September and December;
2. Division Supervisors, in consultation with their students, nominate a revised thesis submission date in the space provided;
3. Dean of Division (or nominee) endorses the revised thesis submission dates in the space provided;
4. HDRC returns the revised list to HDRO within two (2) weeks of receipt;
5. HDRO updates student record with the revised thesis submission date.