Graduate research journey

Graduate Research Education Framework

Graduate research programs at UTS are guided by the Graduate Research Education Framework (GREF).

The UTS GREF is a university-wide initiative that involves faculties, research centres and the GRS. The framework has two main aims:

• to support the advancement of knowledge through original graduate research, and
• to develop the graduate research student as a researcher prepared for a career in academia or industry.

This framework articulates the support students receive and are expected to engage with while undertaking a graduate research degree at UTS.

The UTS Graduate Research Education Framework:

• Involves a panel of supervisors;
• Is guided by a Graduate Research Study Plan (GRSP);
• Comprises three formal candidature stages including assessment;
• Is monitored annually through a Review of Progress (ROP);
• Includes mandatory and optional training components;
• Involves undertaking a program of research that adheres to research management best practice;
• Culminates with the submission of a final thesis for examination;
• Provides a supportive Research Environment.

The Graduate Research Study Plan

The Graduate Research Study Plan (GRSP) is a structured agreement between you and your supervisor that supports your development as a researcher. It articulates the resources, knowledge and skills you'll need to produce your research output, as well as the capabilities you'll use to develop your career. It's a place to set development goals and track your accomplishments.

You must complete an initial GRSP in consultation with your supervisor within the first two weeks of enrolling at UTS. You’ll also need to revisit your GRSP at each stage of your candidature to ensure that it remains an accurate reflection of your research aspirations. 

An initial GRSP conversation should begin with an assessment of the skills that you possess and the skills you need to progress your research and career, using the HDR Capability Framework as a guideline. (Here are some suggestions on engaging with the GRSP and examples of appropriate goals and development activities.) 

The GRSP is an online form in ResearchMaster and can be accessed here, along with help guides.

Stages of candidature

Your research program will be divided into three stages:

• Stage 1: Confirmation of candidature
• Stage 2: Confirmation of advanced progress
• Stage 3: Confirmation of readiness to submit your thesis for examination.

Each stage must be completed with a designated timeline, depending on your degree type and whether you’re studying full-time.

Detailed information on stages of candidature and stage assessments can be found on the candidature progression page.

Your thesis

As a research student at UTS, you will develop an original thesis that makes a contribution to knowledge in your chosen discipline.

There are three types of thesis that will be considered for submission at UTS:

• A conventional thesis
• A thesis by compilation
• A thesis by artefact, exhibition, portfolio or creative work.

Maximum time to complete (EFTSL)

The Department of Education sets a maximum time to complete for all graduate research degrees and is determined by a measurement called EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Student Load). That means you must complete your degree within the following timeframes:

• Doctoral degrees:
  4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
• Master’s by research:
  2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.

For more information on the maximum time to complete, please refer to the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines.  Please also refer to our fees webpage regarding any fees and/or administrative levy you may be subject to, should you exceed your EFTSL.

Expected Work Submission date

When you start your research candidature, you’ll be given an Expected Work Submission (EWS) date. You’re expected to submit your completed thesis for examination on or before this date.

Your EWS falls within the maximum time to complete described above and is calculated based on a number of factors, including:

• the date you commenced your degree
• the standard student load of your course (EFTSL)
• your study rate (i.e. whether you’re part-time or full-time)
• the completion of any previous study (at UTS or elsewhere) that contributes to your current research
• consideration of any approved leaves of absence or candidature extensions you’ve been granted.

You can access your EWS via My Student Admin – please log in, select the ‘Subjects’ tab and then select the ‘Enrolment Periods’ option of your thesis subject.

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For more information on the Graduate Research journey, please refer to the Graduate Research Candidature Management, Thesis Preparation and Submission Procedures.