Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
- Academic Integrity
- Academic Misconduct Rules
- Admissions, Enrolment and Academic Progress Rules
- Code of Conduct
- Conducting Research with Integrity
Your research journey is structured around six milestones, marking key stages from commencement to thesis examination. Meeting the minimum requirements for each milestone by the specified deadline ensures you're on track for a successful completion of your HDR program within the expected timeframe.
As a new HDR candidate, Milestone 1 focuses on familiarising you with your course and its requirements at ECU, as well as relevant state, national, and legislative regulations pertaining to your research and HDR studies. It also ensures you're aware of the support, professional development opportunities, and your responsibilities within your course offered by the University.
In Milestone 1 (M1), you are required to complete the following (minimum requirements):
For M1 to be recorded as Achieved, you will need to complete the following steps:
Milestone 1 must be completed within the specified timeframes from the start of your HDR course (full-time or equivalent part-time):
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Milestone 2 marks a crucial phase in your research journey, where you refine and assess your proposed project. You must demonstrate clarity, originality, and relevance in your research question, while ensuring your design and methods are suitable, ethical, and feasible. Presenting your research proposal to a panel of reviewers allows you to receive valuable feedback and guidance to further develop your research plan.
In Milestone 2 (M2), you will need to complete or achieve the following (minimum requirements):
For M2 to be recorded as Achieved, you will need to complete the following steps:
Milestone 2 must be completed within the specified timeframes from the start of your HDR course (full-time or equivalent part-time):
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
In Milestone 3, you'll focus on obtaining ethics and governance approvals for your research, ensuring compliance with the University's ethical standards and legal requirements. This milestone also involves conducting a thorough risk assessment to address any potential challenges or hazards. If your research involves overseas or multi-institutional aspects, additional approvals may be needed. Prior to commencing your research, it's imperative to consult with your supervisor and the Research Ethics Team.
In Milestone 3 (M3), you will need to complete or achieve the following (minimum requirements);
For M3 to be recorded as Achieved, you will need to complete the following steps:
Milestone 3 must be completed within the specified timeframes from the start of your HDR course (full-time or equivalent part-time):
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Milestone 4 aims to assess your progress towards course completion and ensure you have sufficient support to finalise your research. Your Principal Supervisor and Associate Dean Research will evaluate your accomplishments, challenges, and plans for the remaining candidature period. You may also be required to present your work to the HDR Progression Committee.
In Milestone 4 (M4), you will need to complete or achieve the following (minimum requirements);
For M4 to be recorded as Achieved, you will need to complete the following steps:
Milestone 4 must be completed within the specified timeframes from the start of your HDR course (full-time or equivalent part-time):
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Milestone 5 ensures your thesis meets the requirements for the relevant award and is ready for examination. You'll prepare your thesis according to guidelines and nominate examiners before submission, as outlined in Milestone 6.
In Milestone 5 (M5), you will need to complete or achieve the following (minimum requirements);
For any Milestone 5 enquiries, email Research Assessments at researchassessments@ecu.edu.au.
Milestone 5 must be completed within the specified timeframes from the start of your HDR course (full-time or equivalent part-time):
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Milestone 6 is the final stage of your research degree, where you complete and submit your thesis after the examination.
To complete Milestone 6, amendments to your thesis must adhere to deadlines specified in Guideline: HDR Thesis Examination. Milestone 6, will be dependent on the outcome of your initial thesis submission, more information can also be found on the After Examination webpage.
For any Milestone 6 enquiries, email Research Assessments at researchassessments@ecu.edu.au.
Refer to Guideline: HDR Thesis Examination.
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Candidates seeking a milestone extension must apply at least 14 days prior to the due date of the milestone. A Candidate who receives a milestone extension will be placed on a Red Progression Status and required to enter a Progression Plan. You will not be permitted to go on intermission during the extension period, unless the Associate Dean (Research) determines otherwise.
Candidates will only be permitted to two extensions during any one milestone, and up to three extensions maximum over the entire enrolment/candidature.
Complete your Extension Milestone form
Refer to Guideline: HDR Thesis Examination.
For extension requests to the Milestone deadline, refer to Guideline: HDR Milestones, under Extensions section.
Refer to the Candidature and enrolment management webpage for information on requesting an extension to milestone 5.