UNSW recognises that a higher degree research (HDR) project is a long-term endeavour that you will need to sustain over 3 – 4 years if you’re a PhD candidate, or 1.5 – 2 years if you’re a Masters candidate. Research Progress Reviews are designed to help you stay on track with your research project and complete your candidature on time, while getting the most out of your candidature experience.
Reviews are intended to be a positive and productive process where you can gain recognition of your current achievements and ask for feedback on your research project and future plans from an independent panel of experts in your field. They are a requirement for continued enrolment in your degree.
If you are a PhD candidate, you will need to complete a Confirmation Review within your first nine to twelve months of candidature. The purpose of this Review is to confirm that you are on track to complete your PhD on time, and that you have completed all of the preliminary tasks including:
- PhD research plan
- Draft literature review
- UNSW Research Integrity and Research Data Management training courses
- Attendance at the HDR Welcome and Orientation
The Graduate Research School (GRS) runs a Research Progress Review Seminar that outlines how to get the best out of your Reviews and Confirmation. For information on the next offering, please visit this page.
Can’t make it to the next Seminar? Watch a recording of the last session and download a copy of the slides here.
Additional Resources
All Faculties
Your Progress
Research Progress Review and Confirmation of Research Candidatures Procedure
Mastering Your PhD: Getting the Most Out of Progress Reviews – Science Magazine
