Continuing PhDs

Upon completing successfully the compulsory courses and electives in Part A and with the approval of the Economics Program Advisory Committee, students proceed to the research component (Part B) of their program. Any student with two or more fails cannot to proceed to Part B.

Part B normally takes at least 24 months of full-time research. During this time, each candidate writes a thesis which, upon completion, is submitted for examination. The thesis is examined by two to three examiners who are experts in the relevant field. The PhD degree is awarded solely on the basis of the examination of the thesis. The examiners would be aware that the candidate has completed coursework requirements, but the level of performance in coursework is not taken into account in examining the candidate for the award of the degree.

During Part B, each candidate is expected to present their research at one of the seminar programs run by the Research School of Economics and the Crawford School of Economics and Government, in each of the two years of research (when studying on a full-time basis). Those who fail to meet this requirement may be terminated on the recommendation of the Economics Program Advisory Committee. Under University rules, decisions on termination are a matter for the relevant College Dean but can be appealed to the DVC(E). See Part 5 of the Research Awards Rules [PDF] for appeal procedures.

The thesis topic and the supervisory panel

When a PhD student is admitted to candidature, a provisional supervisor has the responsibility of overseeing the student's candidature until the supervisor is appointed. The Head of School and PhD Convenor determine the supervisor and supervisory panel in consultation with the student. Sometimes during the first year of study, students change their topic; and this could necessitate changes in the supervisory panel. These are coordinated by the principal supervisor or the PhD Convenor. All supervisory changes have to be approved by the Convenor of the Program.

Members of a supervisory panel may be from different economics departments at the ANU. Our goal is to provide the best available supervisory team, given the interests of each student.

Details may be found at ANU policies and guidelines.

Progress milestones in Part B

It is university policy that each candidate's progress be reviewed periodically. Each year, PhD candidates are required to submit a Progress Report/Annual Plan, which summarises progress and identifies any difficulties or changes to the previous research plan and outlines the intended research to be undertaken over the next twelve months. The Progress Report and the Annual Plan form the basis for the Annual Review.

In addition to these, in the second year, candidates must submit a Thesis Proposal for review (by the supervisory panel). The Thesis Proposal is a description of the research to be undertaken in the thesis, and a summary of the structure of the thesis and its time plan. The purpose of the Review is to assess the originality, significance, adequacy and achievability of the candidate's thesis plan.

Thesis Submission and Examination

Please refer to these guidelines. Note that, according to University rules, the identity of the examiners are not to be known by the students during the examination process.