Compulsory Stages
of Candidature
ENROL
Optional Stages
PhD PROPOSAL AND
SUPERVISORY
AGREEMENT FORM
Suspension of
study
PhD CONFIRMATION
Change of
supervisor/topic/
department
PROGRESS REPORTS
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
PROGRESS
REPORTS
(every 6 months)
Study away from
Christchurch
THESIS SUBMIISSION
ORAL EXAMINATION
Change between
full-time and
part-time study
Extension to
submission date
ENROL
Further information is available on the
“enrolment and fees” link on this
webpage
Application Form:
 The starting point – when you become a PhD
candidate
Establishes:
 proposed senior supervisor
 proposed research topic
 expectations over frequency of meeting
with proposed supervisor
 that there are suitable resources available to
support the proposed area of research
PhD PROPOSAL AND
SUPERVISORY
AGREEMENT FORM
Further information is available on the “PhD Proposal
and Supervisory Agreement” link on this website
Form submitted 6 months post enrolment.
Includes:
 the composition of your supervisory team (minimum
of 2 active supervisors!)
 supervisor and department endorsement of your
research proposal
 that resources are available to support the project
Supervisor Agreement:
 establishment of expectations:
- roles of each supervision
- frequency of meetings
- expectations over publications
- issues related to intellectual property
This is a VERY important document that sets up the
process of student-supervisor interaction and completion
should be given a lot of thought and attention
PhD CONFIRMATION
PROCESS
Further information is available on the “PhD
Confirmation” link on this website
Comprises:
 submission of a written report
 completion of an oral presentation (with questions)
 evaluation (with written and oral feedback), including from
at least one person not a member of the candidate’s
supervisory team
The written report should include:
 A relevant literature review (or equivalent) that sets the
student’s research in the context of previous work in the
field;
 A description of proposed research, including planned
methodology and data analysis techniques;
 A report of process to date (including any data collected);
 A timeline for completion of the thesis.
Exact timing and requirements of the confirmation process
may vary between departments/schools – please check
with your supervisor and/or Postgraduate Coordinator
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)
Further information is available on the “Progress
Reports” link on this website
 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
THESIS SUBMISSION
Further information is available on the “Thesis
submission for examination” link on this website
Candidate’s tasks:
 submission of thesis to PG Office (electronic
submission)
 completion of thesis use form
 ensure that you are enrolled and your fees are up-todate
 international students should confirm their visa status
Senior Supervisor’s tasks:
 complete the relevant sections of the supervisor’s
certificate and examiners’ nomination form (and pass to
PG Coordinator for sign-off)
 inform the student of the names of the nominated
examiners
Postgraduate Coordinator’s tasks:
complete the relevant sections of the supervisor’s
certificate and examiners’ nomination form (and submit to
PG Office)
 inform the student of the names of the nominated
examiners
ORAL EXAMINATION
Further Information is available on the “The Oral
Examination Information Sheet” available on this website
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 STAGES
A variety of changes are possible during the tenure of your
PhD candidature. Further details about how to apply for
Consideration of any of these changes can be found on the
“Changes to your PhD” link on this website. For each there is
an application form that must be completed and submitted to the
Postgraduate Office
Suspension of
study
Change of
supervisor/topic/
department
Change between
full-time and
part-time study
Study away from
Christchurch
Extension to
submission date