(1) Dual awards research higher degrees are established to foster and develop research collaboration and partnerships between the University and other institutions by facilitating the movement between institutions of Doctoral or Research Masters candidates under joint supervision and enrolment arrangements. (2) A dual award research degree agreement is initiated where there is a history of research collaboration between the University and the nominated Partner Institution(s) and/or where the development of such collaboration is assessed as being of strategic or reputational value to the University. (3) Where more than one partner institution is party to the arrangement, a multi-award research degree agreement is established. (4) Dual award research degrees arrangements must benefit the Doctoral or Research Masters candidate by providing the opportunity for the candidate to work and access the latest research equipment, facilities and expertise in more than one institution, and obtains award(s) that facilitate professional mobility. These advantages extend beyond the benefit to the individual Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidate and extend to the enhanced research cooperation between the institutions and the Principal Supervisors concerned. (5) For the purposes of these Procedures, definitions that apply can be found in the Higher Degree By Research Policy and Policy DDS Glossary, in addition to the following: (6) A dual award research degree will meet the requirements of each institution independently, and each institution issues a testamur that records that the award is made under a dual award research degree arrangement. (7) These procedures should be read in conjunction with the following University policy documents: (8) Prior to offering admission to any candidate for a dual award research degree program, the University must have entered into a formal Institutional Framework Agreement with the participating institution(s) setting out the academic, resource and governance framework under which all candidatures and awards will proceed. Institutional Framework Agreements will be made only where evidence is presented that demonstrates: (9) The relevant School or Institute will complete a Dual Awards Research Expression of Interest (EOI) and an Intention Form (IF) to be submitted to the Graduate Research School and International Partnerships Team for endorsement. (10) An assessment of due diligence and risk assessment of a new partner, or re-assessment of an existing partner, must be undertaken by the relevant staff within the International Partnerships team. (11) Following review by the International Partnerships team, an Institutional Framework Agreement should be forwarded for endorsement by the Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development (Dean, GS & RD) before being approved in accordance with the Delegations of Authority Policy (Delegations Schedule EE). (12) The Institutional Framework Agreement (or an equivalent agreement prepared by a participating institution) will set out details of arrangements applying to all research degree candidatures arising from the collaboration and will be signed by the appropriate authorities at each participating institution. The agreement must include reference to: (13) These agreement requirements may be varied by the Dean, GS & RD where there is a compelling specific reason. (14) Refer to the Process to Establish Dual and Joint Awards for more detail. (15) A formal Individual Candidature Agreement must set out the details of the candidature and the specific rules and conditions relating to supervision, research resources, funding (including travel), pattern of study, and compliance with Western Sydney University policy documents. (16) Before enrolment, an Individual Candidature Agreement must be in place for each individual candidate. The Individual Candidature Agreement must be signed by the University in accordance with the Delegations of Authority Policy, the Partner Institution, and by the candidate. (17) Candidates in receipt of a Western Sydney University scholarship will only receive their scholarship for the period of their candidature when they are enrolled and onshore at Western Sydney University. (18) Western Sydney University candidates can access Candidature Support Funds for the period of their candidature when they are enrolled and onshore at Western Sydney University, where applicable under the Higher Degree By Research Procedures - Resources. (19) All other research costs, including but not limited to, laboratory/fieldwork funding, are to be agreed by both institutions in the Individual Candidature Agreement. (20) Candidates in dual award research degree programs are usually enrolled at each institution concurrently for the duration of candidature and take leave of absence from Western Sydney University while undertaking research at the partner institution. (21) The candidate will have a Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor at each Institution. (22) The system of assessment and reporting on the candidate's progress will be included in the Individual Candidature Agreement. (23) The Individual Candidature Agreement must specify whether the candidate is enrolled in a dual award research degree program and set out: (24) Current University candidates and prospective candidates are eligible to be considered for enrolment in the dual award research degree. (25) If a candidate seeks to withdraw or is excluded from a dual award research degree program, such withdrawal or exclusion will apply to their enrolment at all participating institutions. (26) Following withdrawal a candidate may apply for admission to a Higher Degree by Research program at Western Sydney University. (27) Participating institutions may agree to combine elements of their examination processes for the purposes of a dual award research degree. The decision to award the degree is made independently by each institution. (28) Candidates are required to submit one thesis for examination at both participating institutions. The thesis is to be written in a language approved by the examining institution. (29) Each participating institution in a dual award research degree will nominate examiners and proceed according to its normal process for the relevant award, including, where required, an oral defence of the thesis. The dual examination process will be outlined in the Individual Candidature Agreement. (30) On successful completion of the examination and award of a dual award research degree,the participating institutions each confer the degree and issue a testamur. The Western Sydney University testamur and the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) will state that the award was made as a consequence of a dual award research degree candidature agreement, and it will name the Partner Institution. (31) If following examination one participating institution does not award the degree, the other participating institution(s) may still award the degree. (32) Candidates and supervisors will be bound by the Policy Documents at the institutions they are attending and will have access to the same grievance and complaints procedures as other candidates at the institution. (Refer to the Complaint Management Policy). (33) The Institutional Framework Agreement may establish a cross-institutional process for reporting grievance matters and to resolve grievances and complaints where the circumstances or consequences affect both participating institutions. This may take the form of a panel comprising the Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development or equivalent at each institution plus a senior academic from the relevant School or unit who is not associated with the candidature. (34) Process to Establish Dual and Joint Awards. (35) Expression of Interest Form. (36) Intention Form.Higher Degree by Research Procedures - Dual Awards Research Degrees
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Statement
Top of PageSection 4 - Procedures
Part A - Institutional Framework and Individual Candidature Agreements
Individual Candidature Agreement
Part B - Admission and Withdrawal
Part C - Examination and Awards
Dual Awards Research Degrees
Part D - Grievances and Complaints
Section 5 - Guidelines
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