Higher Degrees by Research Application

RMIT University

FACULTY OF ART, DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION

HIGHER DEGREE PROPOSAL FORM

TO BE USED BY:-

HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH CANDIDATES and

PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE CANDIDATES to make submission for confirmation of candidature by Faculty

This form should be typed and a footer included, giving date, file path and file name and name of the candidate)

(1) PERSONAL DETAILS:

Ms / Mr / Dr

Family Name:

Given Names:

Student Number:

(2)

DEGREE:Master of (Arts / Design / Technology)

Delete as appropriateOR

Doctor of Philosophy

Professional Doctorate

BY:Thesis ORProject

Delete as appropriate

Applies only to Master and PhD only

within the SCHOOL of:

(one of : - Fashion & Textiles, Art & Culture, Applied Communications, Creative Media, Printing)

TITLE OF THESIS/PROJECT:

SUMMARY OF THESIS/PROJECT:

SUPERVISORS AND CONSULTANTS (Please state affiliations):

Senior Supervisor:

Supervisor:

Consultant(s):

MODE OF PROGRAM: Delete as appropriate

FULL-TIME(Normal full-time commitment: 40+ hours per week)

PART-TIME(Normal part-time commitment: 20+ hours per week)

ENROLMENT DATE:

(Note: if you are applying to transfer from Masters to PhD candidature, the date of your first enrolment in your Master degree will become the enrolment date of your PhD.

PROPOSED SUBMISSION DATE:

3.THE RESEARCH PROGRAM:

3.1 Title:

3.2WHAT? Brief Description:

Please attach a brief (not more than one page) summary of the research program in language which is understandable to people outside the discipline area. Provide information regarding the location of the program, its scope and a clear description of the objectives of the research and the problem(s) to be investigated. Where appropriate, major references should be cited, to situate the research proposal within the current body of knowledge. In particular, state the research question(s) to be answered by the research program.

Applications to transfer from Master to PhD candidature should clearly state the following:
1.the current state of progress in the Master program
2.the proposed work which makes the program doctoral level in extent
3.the significant and original contribution to knowledge of fact and/or theory which makes the proposed program appropriate to PhD level.

3.3 WHY? Rationale for program:

Please attach a statement (not more than one page) on why it is important to undertake this program, in terms of the field of study involved and anticipated benefits to the community. What is the potential of the program to produce knowledge for some useful application? Where appropriate, major references should be cited, to situate the research proposal within the current body of knowledge.

3.4 HOW? Methods:

Please attach a description (not more than two pages) of the envisaged process for undertaking the program, including literature review, laboratory, fieldwork and any other major components and how these relate to the critical question(s). Include details of the proposed program sequence and time schedule: specify dates.

If the research program involves organisation(s) other than RMIT, a letter from the other organisation(s) should also be attached, stating support with respect to staff time and reasonable access to facilities.

3.5 Research Methods subject to be taken as part of the program:

A relevant research methods subject is a compulsory part of all higher degree by research programs. Candidates will normally enrol into the relevant subject during the first semester of their program. This requirement can only be waived where there is sufficient evidence that the candidate has studied or achieved competency in the components which make up the relevant research methods subject. Only the Faculty Board can waive this requirement.

Applying for Exemption YES NO Delete as appropriate

If Yes, attach evidence of previous studies or competency achieved

3.6 Other studies required to be completed as part of the program:

YES NO Delete as appropriate

(Time frame and details of any required preliminary or concurrent studies should be given)

4. ETHICS COMMITTEES

(Refer to Section 16.0 of the Policy and Procedures for Higher Degrees by Research

and web page

By completing and signing this form, you acknowledge the existence of RMIT’s ethics regulations/procedures and agree to comply with them.

Does this proposal require approval from one of RMIT’s Ethics Committees? (Candidates are obliged to check the current guidelines of the RMIT Human Research Ethics Committee/RMIT Animal Experimentation Committee). If subsequent research requires Ethics approval, this must be obtained.

YES NO Delete as appropriate

If YES, attach proof of submission.

5.INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

Excerpt from policy document follows :-

6.1 Subject to any employment relationship between the University and a student or any provision under

paragraph 6.2, any intellectual property created by a student is owned by that student.

6.2 Where a student contributes to the development of intellectual property as part of a research or other project involving other students or members of staff or uses existing University intellectual property, the contributors to the creation of the intellectual property associated with that project will be recognized. Where a student is involved in a project or specific commission in respect of which the University or any party to an agreement with the University has provided funds, equipment, facilities or supervision the University may require the student to be a party to an intellectual property and/or confidentiality agreement before commencement.

6.3 The University may require that public access to a thesis be restricted for a specified period to enable the student, the University and any outside funding bodies to benefit commercially from the results of a research project.

Please note that:- Advice should be sought from the appropriate Intellectual Property Committee if clarification is required. If there is an Intellectual Property agreement, details must be attached

6. TRANSFER FROM MASTERS DEGREE TO DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY CANDIDATURE:

(Refer to Regulation 5.1.4 - Degree of Doctor of Philosophy - Section 2(b))

The recommendation for transfer is based on: (a, b and c below must be completed)

A written recommendation from the supervisor that the quality of the candidate

and of the program are suitable for progression to PhD candidature.

and

Written presentation by applicant (underline the type of presentation made):

Reportor

Draft of Master thesis or

Draft paper for Publication or

Published paper

and

Seminar Presentation by Applicant or Oral Examination

7. CANDIDATE’S SIGNATURE Date:

APPROVAL SECTION (to be completed by Faculty)

8.Exemption (Waiver) from Research Methods subject recommended:

(Refer to 3.5 of this form)

Delete as appropriateYESNO

If YES, evidence of approval to be attached

9.Ethics Committee

Has approval been sought/granted from the appropriate ethics committee?

(Refer to Section 4 of this form)

Delete as appropriateYESNOT APPLICABLE

If YES, what was the classification

Delete as appropriateNR (no risk)MR (minimal risk)AR (at risk)

10. Intellectual Property

Is there an Intellectual Property agreement?

Delete as appropriateYESNO

If YES, details must be attached

11. COMMITTEE APPROVAL/ENDORSEMENT:

Faculty Higher Degrees and Graduate Studies Committee

......

(Signature of Secretary) (Date)

Faculty Board......

(Signature of Secretary) (Date)

Macintosh HD:Teaching 2000-3:Postgraduate:forms, issues 2001/2 students:proposal form.doc Date: 14/10/18 Originator: Fiona Nolan Page: 1 of 4