The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same coursework topic on more than one occasion or in more than one topic, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Progression in the time-based research project is governed by the Higher Degrees by Research Policy.

Thesis

The thesis submitted as an outcome of the time-based, supervised research project must meet all requirements for presentation and lodgement specified by the University and must not contain:

Material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma
Any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis or in the notes

Assessment

Assessment of coursework topics will be in accordance with the Statement of Assessment Methods for each individual topic.

The thesis examination will assess whether the student has demonstrated the following attributes:

A significant original contribution to knowledge
Ability to conduct an original investigation or testing of ideas
Competence in independent research or experimentation
A thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature
Critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate) and published works
Appreciation of the relationship of the special theme of their research to the wider field of knowledge or area of professional practice
The capacity to present well-written work
A high degree of independence of thought and approach

A significant original contribution to knowledge means uncovering new knowledge by:

The discovery of new facts
The formulation of theories
The innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas