(1)
The cotutelle has been established by the French government to develop partnerships between French and other research institutions, including the facilitation of movement between countries of French and other doctoral or research masters candidates under joint supervision and enrolment arrangements. The outcome of a joint doctoral or research masters thesis submission is that the candidate, following an agreed single examining process, receives an award from each institution, qualified by the statement that the degree was obtained under a 'cotutelle' agreement. (2)
The doctoral or research masters candidate benefits under this conjoint arrangement in that the candidate has the opportunity to work and access the latest research equipment in two countries, and obtains awards that are recognised in both the French/European and English speaking worlds, thus facilitating professional mobility. The advantages of such agreements extend beyond the benefit to the individual candidate, and should be seen in the context of enhanced research cooperation between the two institutions and the two principal supervisors concerned. (3)
Candidates will be responsible for meeting costs such as travel and living expenses. Candidates in receipt of a scholarship granted by UWS will continue to receive their stipend under the usual conditions of their award. There are no special UWS funds for travel of supervisors or examiners appointed under cotutelle agreements. (4)
A cotutelle agreement would normally be initiated in cases where there had been a history of research collaboration between UWS and the nominated French university. The cotutelle policy does not intend to meet the needs of an individual candidature in the absence of research collaboration between Schools or Centres. (5)
To apply this policy there must be an agreement establishing the cotutelle agreement signed by UWS, according to the Delegations (Administrative) Policy, and the French university. (6)
There must be an agreement for each individual candidature that addresses the specific candidature details outlined in the "Cotutelle Agreement" section below. The individual candidature agreement must be signed by UWS and the French university. (7)
In this policy Cotutelle means a joint research higher degree between UWS and a French university. (8)
Unless expressly varied by agreement, the following UWS policies will apply: (9)
Current UWS candidates and prospective candidates are eligible to be considered for enrolment in the cotutelle. Provision will be made for a candidature that commences as a cotutelle to transfer from that program into the UWS doctoral or research masters program. (10)
Applicants wishing to enrol under a cotutelle arrangement who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia must also demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a prescribed level in an approved English examination. The approved English Language tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Combined Universities Language Test (CULT). (11)
The standards required are: (12)
A cotutelle agreement sets out the arrangements with regard to candidature fees and expenses. (13)
A cotutelle states the specifications of provision for the candidate's research costs, including but not limited to, laboratory/fieldwork funding, normally from the University which is the primary location. Candidates completing study at the other institution will be responsible for their transportation to and from the host institution, accommodation expenses, medical insurance, passport and visa costs, textbooks, clothing and personal expenses. An overseas candidate proceeding under a cotutelle arrangement will be otherwise subject to the normal requirements and arrangements for international candidates. (14)
The cotutelle agreement will state that for each candidate there must be an individual agreement that the College Associate Dean, Research, must recommend to the Research Studies Committee before the candidature is approved. The agreement must satisfactorily address the following and it must be agreed to by UWS and the French university. (15)
For Australian and French candidates: (16)
In addition, for Australian candidates: (17)
A cotutelle candidature is to be divided between the two countries with alternate stays in each of the two countries and a minimum of 30% (two semesters) in one country during the period of candidature. (18)
The candidate will have a principal supervisor at UWS and a principal supervisor at the French university. (19)
A system of assessment of the candidate's progress, on at least an annual basis, must be agreed upon by the partner institutions. (20)
The Ph.D. or research masters thesis is to be written in English with a comprehensive abstract provided in French. (21)
If the doctoral examination is carried out by a French institution, they will appoint two examiners and UWS will appoint one. These examiners will prepare draft written reports on the thesis which are made available to the candidate and the examining panel. If the French university requires a defence of the thesis in person it will be conducted in English and an oral summary in French will be provided. The candidate will not progress to the oral defence stage if the examiners are not convinced of the candidate's prima facie preparedness. Both institutions will agree to the appointment of a reserve examiner. (22)
If the doctoral examination is to be carried out under UWS procedures, UWS will appoint two examiners and the French institution will appoint one, to prepare written reports on the thesis. Both institutions will agree to the appointment of a reserve examiner. (23)
In the case of a research masters examination, each university will appoint one examiner. If the French university requires a defence of the thesis in person it must be conducted in English and an oral summary in French will be provided. The candidate will not progress to the oral defence stage if the examiners are not convinced of the candidate's prima facie preparedness. Both institutions will agree to the appointment of a reserve examiner. (24)
On successful completion of the examination and award of the degree the UWS testamur will state that the award was made as a consequence of a cotutelle agreement and it will name the French university. (25)
When the Research Studies Committee is satisfied that all requirements have been met, it shall agree that the degree be awarded. (26)
Nil. (27)
Nil.Cotutelle Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Section 3 - Policy Statement
English Language Requirement
Cotutelle Agreement
Examination
Section 4 - Procedures
Section 5 - Guidelines
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