Milestone timetable (PhD & MPhil)
The following timeline shows the sequence of significant candidature milestones for a full time PhD student.
Students who do not submit their thesis within 36 months must continue to submit Annual Plans every 12 months. The maximum period of entitlement for a PhD under the Research Training Scheme is 4 years full-time. After that, students must apply for an extension of their program.
| Stage of Candidature | Standard milestones for full time PhD candidature |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Commencement | Enrolment and appointment of provisional supervisor |
| Within 1 month | Confirmation of supervisor and supervisory panel chair |
| Within 3 months | Confirmation of supervisor panel membership Completion of local area induction programs |
| 3-6 months | Submission of Annual Plan for the 12 months ahead Meeting of student with supervisory panel |
| 12 months | Submission of 1st Annual Report combined with the Thesis proposal Review. To be produced in consultation with supervisory panel and approved at a meeting of the full panel |
| Year 2 | |
| 15-18 months | Completion Mid-Term review |
| 21-24 months | Submission of 2 nd Annual Report |
| Year 3 | |
| 30-33 months | Submission 3 rd Annual Report |
| 34 months | Notification of intent to submit (at least 2 months before submission) Identification of examiners |
| 36 months | Submission of thesis for examination Completion of the final ANU Doctoral Experience Questionnaire Attendance at exit interview with Dean of Graduate studies |
| Stage of Candidature | Standard milestones for full time MPhil candidature |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Commencement | Enrolment and appointment of provisional supervisor |
| Within 1 month | Confirmation of supervisor and supervisory panel chair |
| Within 3 months | Completion of local area induction programs |
| 3-6 months | Submission of Annual Plan for the 12 months ahead |
| 6-9 months | Submission of 1st Annual Report. To be produced in consultation with and approved by supervisor(s) |
| Year 2 | |
| 16 months |
Notification of intent to submit (at least two months before submission) Identification of examiners |
| 18 months | Submission of thesis for examination |
| Deadlines | Standard milestones for full time Commencing students |
|---|---|
| Enrolled by 31 March | |
| 30 June | 1st Annual Plan |
| 15 December | 1st Annual Report |
| Enrolled after 31 March and by 31 August | |
| 30 November | 1st Annual Plan |
| 15 June | 1st Annual Report |
| Deadlines | Standard milestones for full time Continuing Students |
|---|---|
| 30 September | Annual Plan |
| Deadlines | Standard milestones for part time Commencing students |
|---|---|
| Enrolled after 31 August and by 31 March | |
| 30 June | 1st Annual Plan |
| 15 December | 1st Annual Report (Research Plan) |
| Enrolled after 31 March and by 31 Augus | |
| 30 November | 1st Annual Plan |
| 15 June | 1st Annual Report (Research Plan) |
| Enrolled after 31 August and by 31 March | |
| 30 June | 1st Annual Plan |
| 15 June | 1st Annual Report (Research Plan) |
| Deadlines | Standard milestones for part time Continuing Students |
|---|---|
| 30 September | Annual Plan |
What are the milestones?
Annual Plan:
Commencing students need to submit a detailed Annual Plan within three months of the relevant census date (31 March/31 August). Continuing students submit an updated Annual Plan for the next year in association with the Annual Report. The Annual Plan should include details of supervisor – candidate contact, project research funding, any required coursework, and specific milestones for research progress, to be endorsed by the supervisory panel and the candidature and included in the student file.
Thesis Proposal Review:
The Thesis Proposal Review for students in their first year is normally due within 12 months of the relevant census date (pro-rata for part time students) and before undertaking field work. If you commenced by 31 March you Review is due by 15 December; if you commenced between 1 April and 31 August your review is due by 15 June the following year.
The Review should include a detailed thesis proposal, literature review; the review is also combined with the first Annual Report.
Annual Reports:
Each student reports annually on work completed towards the degree, current progress and plans for future work. The Annual reporting process also provides an opportunity for you to comment on any personal, academic or technical problems, which have impacted on your research.
The form provides space for comment from your supervisor, your Head of Department and the Prescribed Authority.
Annual Reports are issued to students on the 1 July each year and are due for submissions by each continuing student no later than 30 September.
Mid Term Report:
The Mid Term Report is a major milestone and is held approximately 15-18 months after commencing studies, between the middle and end of your second year on program.
Your Mid Term Report consists of a presentation of a written paper, which all your supervisory panel members are expected to attend. The Graduate Convenor will also be present at the presentation. Your paper should provide a detailed outline of the chapters of your thesis and a timetable for the completion of these chapters.
