Thesis By Publication Preparation Guidelines

The examiner should produce a written report (typically 2-4 pages) within eight weeks of receiving the thesis. If there are any questions or concerns during the examination process, or if the examiner is not able to complete the report by the deadline, please contact the HDR Office at hdr.admin@ac.edu.au.

During the examination process, there should be no direct contact between an examiner and the candidate or supervisors. Only the Graduate Research School may communicate with an examiner on matters relating to the thesis, and the thesis should be treated as a confidential document. All examiners are required to submit independent reports and should not consult other examiners in making their assessment. Examiner names will only be disclosed to the candidate after the examination has concluded, if the examiner has given approval.

The online Examiner Feedback on Thesis form must be completed in one session. It is therefore recommended that examiners prepare their report and complete the online form only when ready to submit.

A thesis by publication should include:

• Introduction: A comprehensive overview that contextualises the research, outlines the research questions, and sets the stage for the publications.
• Publications: A series of peer-reviewed articles or equivalent works that address the research questions.
• Linking Narrative: Sections that connect the publications, highlighting their interrelationships and collective contribution to the field.
• Conclusion: A synthesis of the research findings, discussing their implications and potential avenues for future research.

Though the specific number of publications varies by discipline, a doctorate by publication in Australia typically involves 3-6 peer-reviewed publications, plus an introductory/framing document.

• Co-Authorship: For co-authored publications, the candidate must provide a clear statement detailing their individual contributions. Examiners should determine whether these contributions are sufficient for the award of the degree.
• Revisions: Examiners may request revisions to any part of the thesis, including published works, to ensure the thesis meets the required standards.

Each examiner will write a report (typically 2-4 pages) outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis, and explaining how the thesis contributes to knowledge in its field. The report should indicate whether the thesis is of an appropriate standard for the degree and, if not, what amendments are necessary to reach that standard. Examination criteria will differ from one discipline to the next, but the following criteria can be taken as a rough guide:

• Original Contribution: The thesis must present a substantial and original contribution to the field, demonstrating the candidate’s capacity for independent research.
• Cohesion and Integration: The publications and accompanying chapters should form a cohesive narrative, with clear connections between each component.
• Methodological Rigour: The research methods employed should be appropriate and rigorously applied, with findings discussed critically within the context of the discipline.
• Quality of Publications: The included publications should be of high quality, preferably published in high-quality peer-reviewed journals or equivalent.
• Candidate’s Contribution: Where publications have been co-authored, the candidate’s specific contributions must be clearly identified and substantial.

The examiner will make one of the following recommendations:

C1 passed with no changes

C2 passed with minor changes – candidates have two months to complete the changes and resubmit to the Graduate Research School for approval, including a report of the revisions completed.

C3 passed with major changes – candidates have four months to complete these changes and resubmit to the Graduate Research School for approval, including a report of the revisions completed.

C4 revise and resubmit – candidates must resubmit for examination a revised thesis after a further period of substantial reorganisation or rewriting. Candidates have up to 12 months to complete these changes and then re-submit the thesis for examination (either to the original examiners if they are available, or to new examiners).

C5 fail – the thesis is not of the appropriate standard for the award and no further submission is allowed.

The examiner will provide the grounds for their recommendation by detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the research, and by explaining any areas where revisions are either required or recommended. Examiners will also be asked whether they are willing to re-examine the thesis, in cases where a resubmission is required.