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Professional Doctorate - examiner guidelines

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.

Candidates for the Professional Doctorate at Charles Sturt University complete a course of advanced study and supervised research. On completion, they submit a thesis embodying the results of their work. This thesis must represent a significant original contribution to the relevant field. As the thesis is the sole requirement for awarding the degree,  success or failure is determined by the examination of this thesis alone.

For detailed course and subject objectives, refer to the applicable course handbook:

Faculty of Arts and Education

Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences

Faculty of Science and Health

The applied dissertation/portfolio will meet the following criteria:

  • A clear, well-argued and critical exposition of the research problem’s methodology and findings.
  • Build on and extend current knowledge in the research area by linking the research or investigation to a critical review of the relevant literature.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work independently according to a predetermined schedule.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate application of research design, data collection methods and data analysis.
  • Relate the specific research field to the wider field of knowledge within the industry/professional area.

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.

Your examiners report

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:

  • The candidate shows sufficient familiarity with and understanding of the relevant literature and field of study.
  • The thesis provides a sufficiently comprehensive investigation of the topic for the degree award.
  • The methods and techniques adopted are appropriate to the topic and have been competently applied.
  • The results are adequately set out, interpreted, and explained.
  • The conclusions and implications are linked to the nature and contents of the research framework and findings.
  • The thesis meets a sufficiently high standard of literary quality.
  • The thesis constitutes a substantive original contribution to knowledge in the area of its concern.
  • The thesis, or any part of the thesis, is worthy of publication.

Time for examination

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 an examiner to complete a report.

If you are unable to complete your report within a two-month 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.

Additional information

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.

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