(1) This Procedure covers the criteria and requirements for admission and examination for all higher doctorate programs offered at The University of Queensland. (2) This Procedure applies to all prospective and currently enrolled candidates for a higher doctorate degree, as well as to staff of the University and external persons involved in relevant decision-making processes, such as external examiners. (3) An applicant is admitted and assessed based on the information submitted by the applicant. (4) Candidates admitted to a higher doctorate program who meet the requirements set out in this Procedure to the satisfaction of the Executive Dean will be recommended for conferral of the higher doctorate degree. (5) After considering the Executive Dean's recommendation and the advice of the President of the Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor on delegated authority from Senate will approve the conferral of the higher doctorate degree if they are satisfied that the candidate has completed the requirements for the award. (6) To be eligible to apply to be admitted to a higher doctorate program, an applicant must satisfy the minimum admission requirements set out in the schedule for the relevant higher doctorate (refer to the Higher Doctorate Admission Requirements Schedule). (7) A written application for enrolment as a candidate for a higher doctorate degree must be submitted to the faculty offering the relevant higher doctorate program and must include: (8) An applicant may be admitted as a candidate if in the opinion of the Executive Dean, upon consultation with the Faculty Higher Doctorate Committee (HDC), the applicant is suitably qualified in accordance with Clause 6 and the material submitted is of sufficient merit (refer to Clauses 6 to 8 of the Higher Doctorates Policy). (9) The applicant must be enrolled for the higher doctorate program immediately on receipt of confirmation of acceptance. (10) The Executive Dean shall set the conditions of enrolment for the candidate. (11) For Clause 10, the minimum period of enrolment for all higher doctorates is one (1) semester, after which material may be submitted for examination. (12) Candidates may withdraw voluntarily from the higher doctorate at any time. (13) The Executive Dean may withdraw a candidate if the candidature: (14) If the Executive Dean decides that candidature is to be withdrawn for any reason listed in Clause 13, the candidate will be issued with a notice of intention to withdraw and provided 10 working days to appeal the notice to the Executive Dean. (15) In cases where the candidate appeals and the appeal is dismissed by the Executive Dean, the candidate will be issued with a second notice of intention to withdraw and provided 20 working days to appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Committee (SSAC). The candidate’s enrolment will be maintained during the SSAC process. Candidates should refer to Academic Administrative Appeals by Students Policy prior to submitting an appeal to the SSAC. (16) If no appeal to the SSAC has been received within 20 working days, or if the appeal is dismissed by SSAC, a withdrawal of candidature will be processed and the candidate will be withdrawn from their program with no further appeal options available through the University. (17) In cases where the candidate appeals and the appeal is upheld, the Executive Dean may set conditions on enrolment. (18) If a candidate is withdrawn from a higher doctorate program for any reason, they must re-apply for admission. (19) The material submitted for examination must constitute an original and distinguished contribution to the relevant field that comprises: (20) Any additional material required by the faculty shall be identified in writing at the point of admission to the higher doctorate program. (21) The candidate must lodge examinable material to the faculty as a single submission that must include, in the following order: (22) The Executive Dean may reject a submission without reference to the examiners if the Executive Dean decides that the submission does not provide evidence of the candidate's qualifications for the award of the degree. (23) The faculty will provide written notification to the candidate of the intention to proceed with examination of the submission. (24) After consideration of nominations from the Faculty HDC, the Executive Dean will appoint at least three examiners, of whom at least two must be external to the University. Examiners shall be remunerated in accordance with PhD honorarium guidelines. (25) The examiners must determine the academic merit of the examination material submitted, and advise the Executive Dean whether the research: (26) Examiners may consult with each other, but each examiner must provide a written report separately to the Executive Dean. (27) Examiners may question the candidate, in writing through the secretary to the HDC, regarding any aspect of the material that requires clarification. The secretary will send a copy of the question and the candidate’s response to each examiner. (28) The Executive Dean may appoint an adjudicator if there is disagreement between the examiners, or if the Executive Dean considers this is warranted. (29) There is no provision for an oral examination. (30) After considering the examiners’ reports, the Executive Dean will make a determination on whether to recommend the conferral of the higher doctorate award. (31) The Executive Dean's recommendation must be submitted to the President of the Academic Board for executive endorsement, before final approval is sought from the Vice-Chancellor. (32) The Vice-Chancellor exercises delegated authority from Senate to approve the conferral of the higher doctorate degree to a candidate who has fulfilled the requirements of the Higher Doctorate Policy and this Procedure, on the executive endorsement of the President of the Academic Board, and recommendation from the Executive Dean. (33) The Executive Dean oversees admission, enrolment and examination of higher doctorate programs administered by their faculty and is responsible for: (34) The Executive Dean must appoint a standing Faculty Higher Doctorate Committee (HDC) of eminent researchers and qualified persons to provide guidance and advice in relation to: (35) The HDC will consult appropriate individuals with relevant expertise on matters as they arise. (36) The Faculty Board of Studies advises the Executive Dean on proposals for the introduction, amendment or discontinuation of programs administered by the Faculty, including higher doctorate programs. (37) Compliance with policy will be monitored through the following academic policies and processes: (38) This Policy is monitored by the President of the Academic Board and reviewed by the Academic Board and its committees. (39) The Faculties are responsible for the management of records generated from the administration and management of higher doctorate programs. Student records are maintained in UQ’s student administration system SI-net. (40) When required, the Executive Dean will provide relevant information and reports to the Academic Board and Vice-Chancellor to demonstrate and provide assurance that the objectives and outcomes of these procedures are being achieved.Higher Doctorates Procedure
Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
Section 2 - Process and Key Controls
Section 3 - Key Requirements
Application for Admission
Enrolment Requirements
Withdrawal from Candidature
Submission of Material for Examination
Examination of Material
Award of the Higher Doctorate Degree
Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Vice-Chancellor
Executive Deans
Higher Doctorate Committee
Faculty Board of Studies
Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance
Section 6 - Recording and Reporting
Records
Reports
Section 7 - Appendix
Definitions, Terms, Acronyms
Term
Definition
Applicant
a prospective candidate wishing to apply for admission into the program.
Candidate
an applicant admitted for examination.
Degree
an award at the bachelor, master or doctoral level.
Enrolment
enrolment in courses or programs approved by an authorised officer and after fees and charges have been paid.
Executive Dean
the Executive Dean of the faculty administering the award. For non-award students, the Executive Dean of the faculty administering the course.
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