PhD Completion Seminars
The CHS follows the School of Graduate Studies’s policy on PhD Completion Seminars as a positive contribution to student learning. The Completion Seminar will enable PhD candidates to receive constructive feedback from informed and experienced researchers, and is timed to enable the student to refine the dissertation and, if necessary, to further develop the personal skills needed to present his/her arguments effectively. For the University, it provides the opportunity to verify that the candidate owns and understands the research that they are showcasing; illustrates that candidates have the oral presentation and other research attributes expected of PhD graduates from this university; and ensures equity among PhD candidates in procedures for reporting on their research at the university.
For full details, visit the Melbourne School of Graduate Studies advice on Preparing for Confirmation
The PhD Completion Seminar panel will comprise a minimum of three staff including the head of department or their nominee (CHS PhD Co-ordinator), thesis supervisor(s) and other invitees as appropriate in order to provide an opportunity for informed comment. In most cases it means reconvening the confirmation panel. It will be chaired by a member who is not a member of the supervisory panel. Note that a thesis summary and chapter outline not exceeding 2000 words should be forwarded to panel members at least one week prior to the event. It should provide a brief overview of the scope of the thesis, aims, methods, findings and their significance.
For maximum benefit to the student, the PhD completion seminar should be organised well before the expected thesis submission date. The student should organise a time suitable with their supervisors and the CHS PhD Co-ordinator, and other panel members as identified in consultation with their principal supervisor, that provides at least three weeks notice of the date to ensure that other staff, students and interested parties can attend. It is a public event. Students need to provide a brief abstract to the PhD Co-ordinator to facilitate publicity of the seminar. Students applying for a six month extension to their candidature can present either before or after they apply for the extension.
The panel will complete a report which notes the strengths and weaknesses of the student's work and may identify how particular aspects of the thesis may be enhanced. The student is expected to address these issues prior to the supervisor approving the thesis for submission.