Information for PhD and MPhil candidates
Introduction to Our Postgraduate Research Degrees
The MPhil and PhD degrees are research degrees and are awarded on the basis of a thesis. The degrees are available to graduates with a first or second class Honours degree, however those graduates with First Class Honours or Second Class IIA may proceed directly to enrolment in a PhD program. The MPhil is at least one year full-time and the PhD is at least three years full-time. These degrees are intended for students who wish to enter research careers. The research topics of either degree are in an area of Departmental expertise (see Research web pages).
For a nonexhaustive, representitive list of projects available see the Project Noticeboard. However, prospective students are advised to visit the web pages of the Research Groups and make direct contact with the researchers involved.
The formal lecture material required as a background will normally have been covered in the fourth year honours program. However a supervisor may advise a candidate to take up to two courses from the Honours program if their background is insufficient.
Students from other universities with a background equivalent to a good Honours degree may be admitted to the PhD or MPhil program.
Financial Assistance
Australian citizens do not have to pay tuition fees for the MPhil and PhD Programmes.
Scholarships intended to provide a full living allowance for full-time research students are available (more information available here). In addition some scholarships covering tuition fees for overseas students may be available. Contact the Postgraduate Coordinator for details. Some research grant holders may also be able to offer scholarships for specific projects, more information is available on the Departmental Scholarships Noticeboard. Postgraduate students are normally offered the opportunity to undertake a limited amount of paid teaching within the department.
For details of rules and application forms contact the UQ Graduate School.
Instructions to PhD students in Physics seeking confirmation of candidature
The main requirements of the confirmation process are the submission of a report and plan, the presentation of a seminar, and attendance at an interview with the panel of staff which recommends confirmation.
The panel members are:
Dr Andrew Doherty (chairman)
Dr Matthew Davis
A/Prof. Michael Drinkwater
Dr Tim McIntyre
Prof. Ross McKenzie
Dr Taras Plakhotnik
Prof. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
Prof. Andrew White
The normal procedure is to prepare the report and seminar with feedback from your advisors, and submit the report one week before the seminar and interview so that the panel have a chance to read the report. If the report is not submitted 7 days before the date of the seminar/interview then it will be postponed to the next available slot and the student may have to apply for extension of candidature.
Normally a date will be set for your seminar and interview close to 12 months from your commencement (contact the panel head for further information) but it is the responsibility of each student to make the necessary arrangements for the talk, including advertising it with title and abstract to physics_all@physics.uq.edu.au
In semester 2, 2007, the seminars/interviews will be held at 12 noon on Tuesdays.
Report
This must conform to the rules of the University and School of Physical Sciences set out at the following websites:
Graduate School Confirmation Information and
SPS Confirmation of Candidature
In addition, in the written report, we request that students include the following:
- the names of their advisors
- a brief non-technical summary of the aim(s) of their project
- an outline of progress to date
- a list of conferences they have attended and all written work they have produced
- details of the sources of funding for their project, including scholarship(s)
A checklist is appended below for your convenience, and a completed copy should be given to the panel head when you submit your report.
Seminar
The seminar must be presented publicly, and should be of no more than 20 minutes duration, including audience questions. Further advice on the seminar is available on the websites linked above.
Interview
The interview normally takes place immediately after the seminar. It is essential that the candidate's supervisor(s) be present, as well as a majority of the panel. During most of the proceedings, the supervisor(s) will be present, but short interviews of the candidate alone, and the supervisor(s) alone will also be included. In the former case some of the issues raised may include:
Does your supervisor provide you with appropriate guidance with respect to literature in your research area?
Do you feel comfortable raising issues with your supervisor that concern you?
Have you and your supervisor worked out the degree to which he/she will be involved in the research?
Is your supervisor available for discussions/consultations when needed?
Does your supervisor engage you in constructive discussions about your progress?
Does your supervisor read your work in a timely manner and give you useful feedback?
Has your supervisor/postgraduate coordinator given you an adequate introduction to the procedures, laboratories and personnel in your discipline?
Although most students find the confirmation process stressful at the time, most agree afterwards that it is a very useful exercise, and accelerates their progress towards successful completion of the degree. So, rather than thinking of the process as a problem, consider it an opportunity to assess your situation, to have your needs considered and to obtain help where it is needed.
Checklist
PhD Confirmation Interview Checklist
PDF version for printing
Discipline of Physics, University of Queensland
Please complete this checklist with your advisors, and submit it to the head of the confirmation committee along with your report.
I have ensured that my confirmation report:
- Includes the names of my advisors.
- Has a brief non-technical summary of the aim(s) of my project.
- Outlines my research progress to date.
- Lists all conferences attended and research groups visited.
- Lists all written work produced.
- Details the sources of funding for both my research expenses and living expenses.
- Includes a detailed timetable of planned future research and written work.
- Is no more than ten pages of 12pt font in length.
- My confirmation talk will be 20 minutes in length with 10 minutes for questions.
- I will provide a printed copy of my report to all members of the committee.
Dr Andrew Doherty (chairman)
Dr Matthew Davis
A/Prof. Michael Drinkwater
Dr Tim McIntyre
Prof. Ross McKenzie
Dr Taras Plakhotnik
Prof. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
Prof. Andrew White
Finally, I confirm that the confirmation report meets these minimum requirements:
Signature of student:
Signature of advisor: