Program expectations & support
Milestones
Research students enrolled at the ANU College of Law are required to meet milestones throughout their program. Some milestones may vary from other areas of the Australian National University.
It is important to ensure that all milestones are met and are consistent with ANU Higher Degree Research Policy and the Research Degree Rules. Failing to do so may result in refusal by the ANU College of Law to approve program extensions at the end of the maximum submission period.
An outline of milestones can be found in the Higher Degree Research Guide for Students and Supervisors.
Thesis proposal review
In accordance with university rules, students must complete a thesis proposal review. Normally, this happens before the end of the first year of full-time study. The ANU College of Law does not run seminars for Thesis proposal reviews, relying instead on its comprehensive application process and first Annual Plan as a way of achieving a Thesis proposal review.
Annual plan
The annual plan outlines what you intend to undertake in the following 12 months, with sufficient detail to allow your supervisory panel and the Delegated Authority (Director of Higher Degree Research) to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of the plan.
Annual report
Annual reports evaluate progress against the previous Annual Plan, and are assessed as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The next year’s Annual Plan is submitted with the Annual Report for approval or modification and approval. The Chair of your supervisory panel comments on your progress and you should be given the opportunity to meet and discuss his/her comments. In addition, the Delegated Authority (Director of Higher Degree Research) endorses the report and may comment.
Research integrity training
Since 2008, all students commencing their research degree have been required to complete Research integrity training. Research integrity training is now available as an online module. Students are required to complete 9 modules (excluding Animal Ethics), plus four additional case studies. Modules can be found on Wattle.
Oral presentation
The oral presentation takes place in the second half of your program. The presentation is evaluated by the members of your supervisory panel. The presentation is to include the major objectives, content, results and developing conclusions of the work.
Further information
Further information on each milestone can be accessed through the HDR Program WATTLE site which is accessible to all ANU College of Law HDR students.
Financial support for Higher Degree Research (HDR) students
All ANU College of Law research students are generously supported through two Research Grants funded by the ANU College of Law:
Discretionary research grant
To fund expenses such as conference travel, incidental research expenses, business cards, proof reading and thesis binding. PhD and SJD students can apply for up to $3,500 and MPhil students can apply for up to $2,000 during their candidature.
Fieldwork funding grant
To fund expenses such as travel and accommodation whilst on fieldwork. PhD and SJD students can apply for up to $6,000 and MPhil students can apply for up to $3,000 during their candidature.
The objective of HDR student funding is to assist each research student to complete his or her thesis. The student is required to demonstrate how the funds are essential to the production of the thesis. Each application is assessed on its merits; on the demand from other applicants; and on the total amount available in any year. It is in your best interest to apply for funding as early as possible.
Most of our students at some point in their Research candidature conduct some form of field work which in many cases involves travel to different locations across Australia and the world. All of our students are encouraged to network at seminars and conferences and apply to present at conferences locally and internationally.
Student associations
Policies and rules
The following University rules, policies and guidelines are useful to refer to as you progress through your program.
The Higher Degree Research Guide
Research Award Rules 2012 (pdf 396KB)
Code of Practice for Supervision in Higher Degrees by Research
Academic Skills and Learning Centre (ASLC)
SkillSoup - podcasts on many aspects of university life
The Research Student Development Centre was established in March 2008 with the aim of helping research students develop their academic and professional skills
