Compulsory stages of the PhD
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
ENROL
REGISTER
Suspension of
study
Change of
supervisor
PROGRESS REPORTS
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every
6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every
6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every
6
months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every
6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every
6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
(every 6 months)
SUBMIT
ORAL EXAMINATION
Change from
part-time to fulltime study
Study away from
Christchurch
Extension to
submission date
ENROL
Application Form:
 The
starting point – when the student becomes
a PhD candidate!!
Establishes:
 the proposed senior supervisor
 the initial research topic
 expectations over frequency of meeting
with supervisor
 that there are suitable resources available to
support the proposed area of research
REGISTER
Registration Form and Research Proposal:
 Submitted 6 months post enrolment.
To confirm:
 the composition of the student’s supervisory team
(minimum of 2 active supervisors!)
 the endorsement of the student’s research
proposal – the proposal must have been approved
by the student’s department (through the appropriate
processes) prior to submission to PG Office.
 that resources are available to support the project
 Registration form includes
Supervisor Agreement:
 establishment of expectations:
- roles of each supervision
- frequency of meetings
- expectations over publications
- issues related to intellectual property
This should be a “living document” that can be revisited
through the tenure of the PhD
PROGRESS REPORTS
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
(every 6 months)
 Submitted every 6 months:
 to report on achievements over past six months
 to facilitate planning of upcoming (6 month)
milestones and aims
 to identify any issues for discussion (with
supervisors; PG coordinators; PG Office; DPGR)
 Effectiveness depends on:
 taking seriously the process of reflection and
planning
 candid responses from all (students; supervisors;
PG Coordinators)
 a willingness to discuss and address any issues that
arise through the process of reflection and planning
SUBMIT
Student’s tasks:
 ensure they are enroled (or in month of grace) and
that fees are up-to-date
 submit at the Postgraduate Office:
 PDF copy of the thesis
 the completed “Use of Thesis” Form
 International Students – contact Enrolments to
discuss your visa situation
 agree with (or raise concerns about) the
nominated examiners
Senior Supervisor’s tasks:
 complete the supervisor’s certificate
 complete the examiners’ nomination form (and
pass to HoD/S and student for sign-off)
 inform the student of the names of the nominated
examiners
Head of Department/School’s tasks:

sign off on nomination of examiners
ORAL EXAM
Purpose:
 part of the formal examination process for awarding a
PhD
 opportunity to discuss thesis with knowledgeable
experts (examiners):
 clarification of points raised in reports
 establishment of amendments required
Structure:
 present is an oral chair (usually senior academic from
host department), oral examiner and senior supervisor
 student can invite support person(s)
 lasts 1-2 hours
 a week beforehand student (and supervisor) given
written reports from examiners
Outcome:
 examiners make a recommendation to DPGR
 student is typically informed of the recommendation
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Change of
supervisor
Suspension of
study
Study outside
Christchurch
Extension to
submission date
 how long is the request for?
 reasons for the request?
 support from senior
supervisor and department
 reason for the request?
 support from senior
supervisor and department
 evidence of mechanisms
for ongoing supervision