The University of New England is committed to maintaining its strong research culture, underpinned by high research training standards. The University Doctor of Philosophy Rules provide the framework for the University's highest level award. They provide the rigorous processes that are essential for the maintenance of academic quality and integrity in the University's operations, and that reflect the University's values of providing a formative, respectful, inclusive, flexible and innovative environment for the delivery of high quality research training for its students

• 1. Admission to candidature in any doctoral program may be approved by the Head of School or delegate (for example Higher Degree Research (HDR) Coordinator) under the oversight of the Associate Dean Research (ADR) when the School:
• has certified it has the necessary facilities and appropriate support for the applicant undertaking the proposed PhD program; and
• has nominated an appropriate Principal Supervisor and Co-supervisor(s) in accordance with Rule 5.
  1. The Head of School or delegate (for example HDR Coordinator) under the oversight of the ADR may admit to candidature in a doctoral program an applicant who:

• has a degree of Master (AQF Level 9) with at least a 25% research component undertaken at a sufficiently high standard, or equivalent; or

• has a degree of Bachelor with at least upper second class Honours (AQF Level 8), or equivalent; or

• has a degree at AQF Level 8 or AQF Level 9 and had adequate research preparation since graduation. Adequate research preparation may be gained by an approved academic course, professional training, during an occupation or through peer reviewed publications; or

• has previously undertaken work of sufficiently high standard towards a higher degree by research (AQF Level 9 or equivalent) at UNE but not submitted it for any degree; and

• has produced documented evidence of capacity to undertake work at the PhD level; and (including any requirements for Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation) and Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Practice));

• has completed an appropriate research proposal for the doctoral program for which they are applying (see further below)

1.3 Upgrade from research Master to Doctoral program.

HDR candidates may apply to the Graduate Research Committee to upgrade from a research Masters program (AQF Level 9) as stated in Rule 1.2(d) to a doctoral program by providing the following:

• evidence of refereed research publications or reviews of at least two thesis chapters, or equivalent component of a portfolio or creative work.

• the reviews shall be carried out by two reviewers, one who may be internal and one who must be external to UNE. Each reviewer should have a doctoral degree or equivalent.

• any application for an upgrade with evidence attached must be endorsed by the Principal Supervisor and Head of School or delegate (for example HDR Coordinator) under the oversight of the ADR and forwarded to Research Services, after confirmation of candidature or equivalent with sufficient candidature left to continue on into the PhD.

1.4 The time of candidature in the Masters program will be deducted from the candidature of the doctoral program.

Doctoral programs- specific requirements

1.5 Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation)

In addition to meeting the requirements for entry to UNE Doctoral Programs, to be admitted into candidature in the Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation) (PhD. I) an applicant must:

• fulfill both academic and industry/profession requirements;

• have a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in an industry/profession; and

• wherever possible, but mandatory in cases where criteria in Rule 1.2 has not been met, demonstrate he/she has successfully undertaken prior contextualised research activity in a relevant industry/profession at the equivalent of Masters level. Such demonstrated prior contextualised research could include previous research surrounding the development and implementation of new knowledge; policy research; market research; research association with commercialisation activities; action research; workplace evaluations; evaluation of new knowledge and/or innovation adoption; change management, monitoring and evaluation; and/or any other evidence of research and development capacity deemed sufficient and relevant by the PhD. I Coordinator.

1.6.1. International candidates will need to reside in Australia during the first 12 months of candidature while they complete the PhD.I Research Learning Program. The following three (3) years of candidature they will return to and reside in the country where their Innovation project and Innovation project Portfolio research is being conducted. Candidates are required to return to Australia for intervals of time sufficient to complete their portfolio as agreed between the candidate, supervisors and Head of School or delegate (for example HDR Coordinator) under the oversight of the ADR.

1.6.2. All candidates will complete the PhD.I in two phases. Phase 1: the PhD.I Research Learning Program, which must be completed prior to commencement of Phase 2: the Innovation project Portfolio. Progression to Phase 2 is contingent on successful completion of Phase 1, as demonstrated through Confirmation of Candidature.

1.7 Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Practice)

Projects for this course must include two components:

• A creative work
• A written exegesis

1.7.1 Primary Supervision is based in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, co-supervision can be from across UNE and industry.

1.7.2 Projects can only be undertaken in creative areas for which UNE can provide appropriate supervision and resources to support the project.

1.7.3 An applicant must demonstrate he/she has successfully undertaken prior contextualised research activity in a relevant area of creative practice at the equivalent of research Masters level, and has appropriate skills and knowledge to undertake work in this field at PhD level.