Completion Seminar Process
1. Overview
1.1. This process supports the Graduate Research Training Policy (MPF1321) by setting out requirements for a public completion seminar.
2. Purpose
2.1. All graduate researchers are required to present their research findings in a public seminar at the University prior to submitting their thesis for examination. The seminar should present the objectives, methods, findings and significance of the candidate's thesis research. It is a critical step in candidature towards finalising the thesis’s arguments and communicating the research outcomes.
3. Process
Arrangements
3.1. A completion seminar must be held within the six calendar months prior to thesis submission.
3.2. The advisory committee will determine the timing of the seminar.
3.3. The seminar will usually be held in person. Alternative arrangements may be made when a candidate:
- a) is unable to attend in person, in which case the advisory committee may permit presentation by videoconference, or
- b) requests reasonable adjustments to accommodate a disability or caring responsibilities which must be evidenced, for example through an academic adjustment plan, or
- c) in exceptional circumstances, seeks a modified arrangement that is endorsed by the chair of examiners.
3.4. At least two weeks prior to the completion seminar the candidate must provide an abstract of no more than 100 words via the online completion seminar form, to be used to publicise the seminar.
3.5. The seminar must be promoted at least one week prior to the event through appropriate University or research organisation media in accordance with the usual processes for the candidate’s department.
Proceedings
3.6. The seminar must be attended by a panel of at least three persons including:
- a) members of the candidate’s advisory committee and
- b) a person knowledgeable in the discipline who is not a member of the advisory committee and who, where practicable, is external to the academic unit.
3.7. The principal supervisor must convene the panel but cannot chair it.
3.8. The panel chair should be the advisory committee chair of the candidate. If the advisory committee chair is unavailable, they must appoint a panel chair, who is:
- a) a registered supervisor
- b) eligible to be an advisory committee chair and
- c) not a supervisor of the candidate.
3.9. The completion seminar should be one hour in duration, including reasonable allowance for robust panel and audience questioning and engagement. A shorter seminar is acceptable for a masters degree (research) candidate.
3.10. The seminar should be followed by a meeting with the panel and the candidate to discuss the seminar and the completion seminar report.
3.11. The panel should use the seminar and the report to guide the candidate on how to improve the thesis, including its arguments, organisation and content.
3.12. The panel chair must complete the completion seminar report, using the prescribed form, and lodge it in the student management system within 10 business days of the date of the seminar.
3.13. If thesis submission is delayed such that there is a gap of more than six months between the completion seminar and submission, another completion seminar must be held unless an exemption is granted by the chair of examiners.
Completion Seminar Process version 1.
Authorised by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and International Research), 1 January 2025.