Candidate’s Name: ____________________ Enrolment Date __________ Confirmation Panel date: __________
University of New England
Confirmation of Candidature Proforma for
Higher Degree Research Awards
There are 3 parts to this form. Part 1 is to be completed by the Candidate, Part 2 by
the Principal Supervisor and Part 3 by the Chair of the Confirmation Panel. The form
is to be completed within 6 months of the student commencing full-time
candidature and within 12 months for part-time candidature for students in 3 year
programs, after work on their thesis or portfolio has begun.
Confirmation of Candidature Guidelines and Procedures can be found online at:
www.une.edu.au/research/research-services/higher-degree-research/currentresearch-students#confirmation
Part 1. To be completed by the candidate
1. Candidate’s details
Name:
Student number:
Award
Study mode
PhD:
PDIP:
EdD:
Masters:
Internal:
External:
Full-time:
Part-time:
School:
Enrolment date:
Date of panel review:
2. Provisional title of thesis1
3. Supervisors
Principal supervisor:
Co-supervisor/s:
“Thesis” refers to various types of examinable outputs including a standard dissertation, an exegesis, an
Innovation Project Portfolio or a Non-traditional Research Output (NTRO). NTRO types may include the
following creative works: Original Creative Works; Live Performance of Creative Works; Recorded /
Rendered Creative Works; or, Curated or Produced Substantial Public Exhibitions and Events.
1
Part 2. To be completed by the principal supervisor
5. Quality of the research proposal
Is the overall research proposal feasible?
Are the aims of the overall research proposal achievable and
appropriate?
Is the overall research proposal indicative of significant research?
Is the overall research proposal original work?
Is the scope of the research appropriate for the degree?
Are the research design and methods appropriate to the project?
Does the candidate demonstrate a sound knowledge of the field of
research?
Is the draft thesis outline appropriate, given the stage of research?
Are draft timelines appropriate and achievable?
If relevant, has statistical advice been sought and the approach
planned?
Have IP issues been identified and addressed?
Have ethical issues associated with the research been considered?
Overall research proposal accepted?
If relevant, please indicate below what conditions have been applied.
Comments:
Yes: No:
6. Critical review of recent work in the field
Yes:
No:
Has the candidate employed robust strategies in the sourcing and
identification of relevant literature?
Does the candidate’s literature review demonstrate an adequate
understanding of the research area?
Is the preliminary literature review or annotated bibliography
complete or well developed?
Has the candidate demonstrated a gap in the literature or area of
neglect that indicates the need for the study?
Comments:
7. Presentation of proposed research
Has an oral presentation such as a seminar or conference
presentation been given?
Comments:
Yes: No:
8. Ethics, safety and general requirements
Has the Research Degree Supervision Agreement form
been completed and submitted to Research Services
Has an induction been completed?
Have all safety courses and site inductions been
undertaken?
Please indicate the status of the Ethics application:
a) human ethics application has been approved
b) animal ethics application has been approved
c) ethics application is awaiting C. of C. feedback
Has the candidate received the appropriate training in lab
& field equipment?
If ‘No’ on any of the above, is the student aware of the
required processes and timeframes for gaining approval?
Comments:
Yes:
No:
N/A:
Part 3. To be completed by the chair of the confirmation panel (or delegate)
9. Are the responses to questions from the
Confirmation Panel satisfactory?
Yes:
No:
Comments:
10. Resource implications
Laboratory access is appropriate
Adequate infrastructure and funding is available
If relevant, has a provisional budget been submitted?
Adequate technical support is available
Other resources are needed:
(If ‘Yes’ please provide details below)
Further training or assistance required:
(If ‘Yes’ please provide details below)
Comments:
Yes: No: N/A:
11. Data retention and management
Yes:
No:
Please confirm that data storage provisions meet the guidelines as outlined in
the UNE Code of Conduct for Research, Section 2.1:
www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/37185/codeofconductresearch.pdf
and under ‘Management of Research Data and Primary Materials’ in the
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007):
www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/r39.pdf
If ‘no’, please comment:
12. Outcome
Result:
Confirmed (without conditions):
Confirmed with conditions and a timeline:
(Please nominate due date for each condition and Final Due Date)
Candidature is asked to redo confirmation:
(Please nominate date for reconvening of Panel within two months)
Candidature Not Confirmed and candidature is terminated:
Research Services Only*
Letter received from Panel advising that Conditions have been met
Comments: (If the candidate has been asked to meet additional requirements
please specify each requirement the due dates)
13. Names and signatures of panel members
By signing this form, all parties acknowledge that they are bound
by confidentiality, and agree to maintain the confidentiality of the
Confirmation of Candidature meeting
Name of confirmation panel chair:
Position (e.g. HDR coordinator):
Signature:
Date:
Name of principal supervisor:
Signature:
Date:
Name of panel member no. 3:
Signature:
Date:
Name of panel member no. 4:
Signature:
Date:
Name of representative from
candidate’s disciplinary area:
Signature:
Date:
(Optional)
Name of representative present
at the invitation of the candidate:
Signature:
Date:
14. Indication of receipt by the candidate:
Candidate’s Signature:
Date:
The candidate and School should attach to this form a copy of the
research proposal, research plan and timetable and retain a full
copy for their records.
This completed proforma and attachments must be forwarded to
Research Services for inclusion in the candidate’s student record.