COURSE CURRICULUM

A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised postgraduate research program that enables candidates to undertake original and independent research leading to the production of a thesis, or in some disciplines, a thesis accompanied by an exegesis. The program is designed to develop advanced research capability, critical thinking, and scholarly expertise while contributing new knowledge to a specific academic or professional field. Throughout the Master by Research candidature, students are required to complete a series of formal milestones that support research training and assess progression at different stages of the program. These milestones function as structured program requirements and periodic evaluations, providing candidates with regular opportunities for feedback, guidance, and reflection on their research development and achievement of the University’s Research Graduate Attributes. Distributed across the duration of candidature, milestones help ensure consistent academic progress, effective project management, and successful completion of research objectives. In addition to standard HDR milestones, some candidates may also be responsible for meeting project-specific obligations such as progress reporting to external funding providers, complying with scholarship conditions outlined in official documentation, or completing coursework requirements where applicable. Candidates are advised to discuss potential coursework and research expectations with their proposed supervisor before applying.