Variation of Program

Change in Personal Details

These items will be actioned by Student Administration upon receipt. There is no approval process, the University community is informed of changes via the networked student record system.

Supporting documentation
Official record of name change such as marriage certificate (certified copy), and deed poll certificate (certified copy).

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Leave of Absence from Candidature

Candidates may apply for a maximum of two sessions leave in any one candidature. Leave may be sought at times when you are not able to progress in your study because of some personal or professional difficulty such as illness.

Candidature is recorded in whole sessions. Candidates should apply for leave well before the census days of the two main research sessions, that is, by the end of March for session one or the end of August for session two. You should allow sufficient time for processing and approval of your application.

Supporting documentation
Please attach medical certificates, if relevant, and seek your supervisor's endorsement.

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Variation of Thesis Title

Your thesis title is recorded on the student record system. Candidates may refine their topic and this should be officially recorded so that our files accurately reflect your work. Major changes that indicate a substantial shift in direction will be questioned. Please note that your original amount of time still holds regardless of a topic change.

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Change of Supervisor or Co-Supervisor

Your principal supervisor is your most important link with the University. If there is a need for different expertise or you are having any difficulties with this relationship, the first person to consult is the Research Co-ordinator of your school or centre. If your supervisor is the Research Co-ordinator, consult the Head of School or Centre Director. A change of principal supervisor is a matter requiring careful assessment and is ultimately the decision of the College Associate Dean, Research, who will make a determination after discussion with all those involved. A change of principal supervisor may appear to be an easy fix for a range of problems but is not always the best response to difficulties.

Sometimes it is a good idea to change panel membership as additional expertise is required or members are unable to continue in the role.

To change panel membership a “Variation of program” must be completed, signed by the relinquishing and new members and endorsed by the College Associate Dean, Research.

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Change of Mode

You may change between full and part time enrolment if necessary, for example cessation of scholarship and the need to find part time work. International candidates are not permitted to enrol part time, this is an Australian Government visa requirement. Under normal circumstances scholarship holders must be enrolled full time.

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Extension of Candidature

Candidates may apply for an extension of time if they are unable to complete by the maximum period of candidature. The application must be in writing and include:

• an explanation of the delay
• an explanation of how the problem will be addressed
• a revised timeline
• written support of the supervisory panel 
• written endorsement by the school/research centre to carry an unfunded candidature
• written support of the College Associate Dean, Research

Extensions are granted for a maximum period of one session. Candidates are considered to have completed when they have lodged a thesis and completed the Thesis Lodgement Form (PDF, 38Kb) with the Office of the Academic Registrar.

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Variation Form

If you need to apply for a variation to research candidature, please use the Variation of Candidature Form (PDF, 60Kb).

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