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 of Masters by Research theses.
Candidates for the Masters degree at Charles Sturt University complete a course of advanced study and supervised research. On the completion, they submit a thesis embodying the results of their work.
For detailed course and subject objectives, refer to the applicable course handbook below:
Candidates for the Masters degree are required to research an approved topic. The research shall result in a distinct contribution to knowledge on the subject, whether by original investigation or by review, criticism, or design. Candidates for the Masters degree must demonstrate that their work is excellent both in theory and technique.
A successful candidate for a Masters by Research at Charles Sturt will be expected to produce a well-written thesis which reveals excellence in theory, technique and interpretation. The thesis should represent a distinct contribution to the field, either by the discovery of new information or facts, or by the quality and depth of the review, criticism, or research design contained in the thesis, or by some acceptable combination of these.
While achieving a definitive solution to stated research problem(s) is always considered desirable, 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 individual merits, regardless of whether the candidate’s approach to the research is the same as 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, you are asked to address both the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis, specifically 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, Graduate Research regards two months as being sufficient time for you to complete your report.
The Dean, Graduate Research requests that examiners, who feel they're unable to complete their report within this period, 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.
