It is essential that examiners are familiar with and adhere to the regulations and expectations outlined in Charles Sturt University’s Higher Degree by Research Policy and Procedure, as well as the relevant course handbook, to ensure a fair, consistent, and academically rigorous assessment.
The purpose of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Charles Sturt University is to produce graduates capable of conducting independent research at a high level of originality and quality.
Candidates for the PhD degree complete a course of advanced study and
supervised research, on the completion of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of their work. This thesis should be a substantial and original contribution to the subject concerned. This thesis is the sole requirement for awarding the degree, and success or failure is determined by the examination of this thesis alone.
For detailed course and subject objectives, refer to the applicable course handbook:
A PhD candidate should be able to demonstrate the ability to uncover new knowledge either through the discovery of new facts, the development of new or modified theories, the development of new interpretive arguments or frameworks, innovative data-based critical analyses, the development of new methodologies or the reinterpretation of established ideas and/or known data.
A successful candidate for a PhD at Charles Sturt will be expected to produce a well-written thesis which reveals independent or original thought, a deep knowledge of their field and a thesis which may be judged to make a substantive original contribution to knowledge in the area of their research.
A thesis may be regarded as acceptable for the award of the degree based on its contribution:
While achieving a definitive solution to stated research problem(s) is always considered desirable in a PhD thesis, the purpose of a candidature is to provide advanced training in relevant research methods within a particular discipline or cross-disciplinary area. It is therefore considered important that the skill, competence, and ability of the candidate (as exhibited in the thesis) be assessed irrespective of whether the thesis can resolve the research questions posed with any finality.
You are asked to consider the thesis solely on its merits, regardless of whether the candidate’s approach to the research is the same as that which you might have used in such a study.
You are required to submit a detailed independent report together with a completed summary recommendation form. In your comments, please address both the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis, commenting on:
In the candidate's best interests, the Dean, Graduate Research is keen to ensure that the examination process is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Dean of Graduate Research regards two months as sufficient time for an examiner to complete a report.
If you are unable to complete your report within two months, contact the Graduate Research team and provide an estimate of the additional time needed. Where a long delay is anticipated, the Dean, Graduate Research may prefer to appoint an alternative examiner.
If you require any further information relating to the examination process or the procedures that are in operation for the completion of the examination process, please contact the Graduate Research Team at graduateresearch@csu.edu.au.
