PhD coursework requirements

Introduction

A new structure for the PhD program in the University of Sydney Business School has come into effect for all students commencing their candidature from semester 1, 2009. The two key additions to the program are compulsory coursework and the formal defence of a thesis proposal.

Coursework. All students must complete 6 units of coursework which includes Research Design. The Postgraduate Coordinator together with the Supervisor will decide which courses are most relevant for a student based on their previous academic record and the area of research they intend to pursue. All students must complete a qualitative methods unit and a quantitative methods unit. The remaining five units will focus on methodological training and/or content which will assist the student in approaching research in their area of interest and allow for a general understanding and appreciation of a variety of research methods.

Six general descriptions of the content of the units of study have been provided by the Business School. The descriptions should be used as general guides to the type of unit that will assist the student in his or her approach to research. The Business School will offer basic research design, an introductory qualitative and quantitative methods units which will meet the needs of the students in some, but not all cases. Disciplines may wish to offer units for HDR students, but alternatively must find existing units in the Business School, in the broader university offerings, or outside of the University of Sydney, which will best fit the requirements of a specific student. For instance, many CEMS partner schools offer PhD block units (less than a week). Please see the CEMS website for further information.

The Postgraduate Coordinator together with the Supervisor may give credits for up to 3 units. Students do not need to apply for credit this will be assessed automatically as part of the application process.

Research Thesis Proposal Defence. All students must formally defend their thesis proposal. The goal is to ensure that the proposed research is worthwhile, meaningful, viable and feasible, and can be completed within the timeframe and resource constraints of the program. Students will prepare a document to the satisfaction of their supervisory team. The document will be assessed by at least two academic selected by the Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator. The student will present the proposal to the assessors and academic members of the discipline. Read more on a specific policy.

Discipline specific details are available from the relevant Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator.

Business School and University policy

Business School policy and procedures

Read more on the the Policy detailing the Proposal Defence.

Steps to follow for enrolment in coursework:

Student

1. Return your acceptance of offer form to the Business School Research Unit. Upon receipt, the Research Unit will contact you to schedule your in person enrolment (generally held in the week before the start of semester).
2. Enrol in the Research Unit Induction program - this is an important part of your candidature. The agenda for the program will be emailed to you once your enrolment has been scheduled.
3. Discuss which units of study (UoS) you will be enrolling in what semester/year with your supervisor. Refer to your offer letter for information about any mandatory units, and make sure you are enrolled in Research Design course in your first semester of study (unless you have been granted an exemption). Ensure that this is done by the enrolment census dates
4. Your supervisor will arrange for you to be enrolled in the chosen University of Sydney units. It is your responsibility to check you are accurately enrolled by the census date each semester.

If you plan to study a UOS at an institution other than the University of Sydney as part of your candidature:

1. Please note that if you undertake a UOS at an external institution, you will be liable for all associated expenses. Please note students (if eligible) can apply for PRSS funding to assist with this cost.
2. Submit an application for Unit/s of Study to be Undertaken Externally, including course outlines and assessment details, to your supervisor and the postgraduate research coordinator (PGRC) for approval before enrolling at the other institution. Your supervisor and PGRC will forward the approval to the Research Unit for processing at the University of Sydney.
3. Once you have completed the UOS, please provide the Research Unit with either the original or certified copy of your transcript so this can be recorded against your candidature.

The rules

• Enrolment in undergraduate units is not acceptable unless a case for enrolment is accepted by the Director of Doctoral Studies.
• Credit cannot be granted after the student has commenced his/her candidature
• Credit can be granted for a maximum of 3 units
• Research Design is mandatory for all commencing students and should be taken in the first semester of their candidature unless a case for exception is accepted by the Director of Doctoral Studies.
• Variation of candidature cannot be processed after the census dates: Semester 1 - 31st March and Semester 2 - 31st August
• Students are ultimately responsible for their enrolment. Students can check their enrolment status through My Uni
• All students must complete at least one Quantitative and Qualitative Methods unit unless credit is granted.
• Students can enrol in a maximum of 4 units of study in any one semester.
• Mandatory coursework should be taken within the first two years of a student's candidature unless a case for enrolment is accepted by the Director of Doctoral Studies.
• A limit of 2 semesters' suspension over the entire candidature is permitted however requests for suspension beyond 2 semesters will be granted at the discretion of the Director of Doctoral Studies
• All accepted applications must have both a primary and secondary supervisor assigned to them OR be accompanied by a letter stating why there is no secondary supervisor.
• Full-Time candidature cannot be held by students currently employed in a full-time position (internal or external to the University of Sydney).