Entering the programme

Acceptance in principle for Doctoral study
Provisional registration
Transfer from Master's to PhD degree
Massey University staff enrolling in Doctoral degrees
Conditions of candidacy
Study off campus
Finances and resources
- University services
Policy on resource minima for postgraduate students
Ethics
Health and Safety
Commercial sensitivity
Intellectual property rights
Formal enrolment
International student visa renewal
Fees
Library Services

Acceptance in principle for Doctoral study

This provision usually applies to international candidates whilst still overseas, who wish to check that their qualifications are academically acceptable for Doctoral study at Massey University. International students should make application directly to Student Admissions, International Office.

New Zealand candidates (domestic students) who wish to demonstrate the suitability of their qualifications for the Doctoral programme at Massey University to agencies that may be considering funding their studies may also apply for academic acceptance of study in principle by completing an DRC 1 Application for Pre-approval into the Doctoral Programme (35 KB) . Applications can be made to the GRS at any time of the year.

Prospective candidates need the equivalent of a Massey University honours or masters degree with first class or upper second (II,i) honours. In degrees where the level of honours is not given, the level of passes should be comparable. Applicants must also have satisfied the DRC that they have sufficient experience of independent research to benefit from the course. Applicants need to provide a detailed official transcript in English of their academic record, evidence of any postgraduate experience, and document any other relevant information, e.g. publications, a research proposal. Proof of proficiency in English, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score, should also be provided. Once this material is received at Massey University, it is sent to the appropriate academic unit for support before it is considered by the DRC. When the DRC formally considers the application it is concerned only with the applicant’s academic standing. Other requirements to enter the Doctoral programme will have to be met at the time of provisional registration when the candidate arrives at Massey University. Candidates are formally informed of the outcome of the application in writing by the International Office for international candidates, or by the GRS for domestic candidates, following the monthly DRC meeting.

International Students Note: All international students wanting to enrol in a Doctoral programme at Massey University, are expected to reside in New Zealand for the duration of their candidature. Off shore study is only permitted for limited periods of research (see Study Off Campus and Fees).

Provisional registration

All Doctoral candidates, whether local or international, have to be registered provisionally. Applications can be made at any time of the year to the DRC and are considered at the monthly meetings.

It is expected that intending applicants will approach a staff member or head of academic unit to make preliminary enquiries about provisional registration. If there is support, an application should be made to the DRC for ‘provisional registration’ on proforma DRC 2 Application for Provisional Registration as a PhD or DClinPsych Candidate (661 KB) or DRC 2.1 Application for Provisional Registration as a DBA or EdD Candidate (1,399 KB)

In general terms provisional registration involves meeting four basic requirements. Prospective candidates should keep these in mind.

Candidates need the equivalent of a Massey University honours or masters degree with first class or upper second (II,i) honours. In degrees where the level of honours is not given, the level of passes should be comparable. Sometimes such candidates may be granted provisional registration with the requirement that during their period of provisional registration they enrol in and pass, to a specified level, one or more relevant University papers (a maximum of 30 credits is permissible).

All applicants, other than Massey University graduates, need to provide a detailed transcript of their academic record, evidence of any postgraduate experience, and document any other relevant information, e.g. publications. (Applicants who have already been granted approval in principle are not required to supply this material again)
The sponsoring academic unit needs to nominate a minimum of two people with appropriate specialist knowledge who can supervise the thesis. At least one of these, the supervisor, must be a University staff member with appropriate qualifications and research experience. Additional co-supervisors may be appointed from within or external to the University.
The sponsoring academic unit must provide sufficient research funding, equipment, and work space for writing and study, for the proposed research for the duration of the project.
The candidate must have sufficient financial resources for his/her research and personal support for the duration of the project.

Theses in Te Reo Maori

The Maori language is an official language of the University. Doctoral theses may be submitted in Te Reo Maori, English, or in both languages. The oral examination may also be conducted in Te Reo Maori. Candidates intending to submit their Doctoral thesis in Te Reo Maori, or in a substantial combination of English and Te Reo Maori, must indicate this intention within two months of provisional registration. They should supply a letter from the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Maori and Pasifika), or nominee, affirming that they have the required level of competency in Te Reo Maori, will be working in an area where the subject is considered to be appropriate, and that supervisory expertise is available in the Maori language.

Head of Academic Unit certification

The application for provisional registration shall include a certification from the Head of Academic Unit as to the candidate’s suitability for Doctoral studies. Specifically, the head of academic unit is required to approve a supervisor and at least one co-supervisor, certify that appropriate facilities are available, estimate costs and indicate sources of funds, and indicate that the course can reasonably be expected to be completed within the specified time. In cases where the Head of Academic Unit will also be the main supervisor for the candidate, the provisional registration form should be certified by either their line manager or the Unit’s postgraduate co-ordinator instead.

Determination of Academic Unit and resourcing

Given the size and diversity of some academic units (departments/institutes/schools), the following principles apply to the determination of a Doctoral candidate’s academic base and resourcing:-

The academic or ‘home’ unit for a Doctoral candidate will be that academic unit in which the main supervisor is located.
Financial resources allocated by the Colleges will go to the unit in which the supervisor, and hence the candidate, is located.
The level of resources provided to candidates, should be made explicit when studies are commenced.

Topic of research

When applying for provisional registration it is necessary to use only broad terms to describe the intended area of research on the application form. A detailed research proposal may take some time to evolve and may not be decided upon until later in the programme. Nevertheless it is desirable that the aims and methods of the research be clearly worked out between supervisor and candidate before work commences. Candidates must ensure that they notify the DRC if their topic changes. This can be done by emailing doctoral.office@massey.ac.nz. Should a substantial change of topic occur, the candidate may be required to withdraw and start a new enrolment.

Ethical approval

Where any stage of the research programme will involve human, animal, and genetic technology, the appropriate ethical procedures must be followed and approval sought from the appropriate university authority. Please see Ethics.

Appointment of supervisors

The Head of Academic Unit must nominate a supervisor, who shall be a qualified member of the academic staff of the University, and normally at least one co-supervisor who is not herself/himself a Doctoral candidate, who has complementary expertise to that of the supervisor. Additional co-supervisors may be nominated but it is not necessary to include all those persons from whom advice might be sought. A good rule is to keep the supervisory panel to an effective minimum. Co-supervision of a candidate may be carried out by a person(s) who is not a member of the academic staff. Co-supervisors should engage regularly, in an agreed manner, with the candidate and supervisor. Candidates should also be prepared to go to other staff members and researchers for advice relevant to their research.

For International PhD candidates to be eligible for domestic fees, it is a requirement of the Ministry of Education that a candidate’s main supervisor is "of very good national, or international standard, and has a research record appropriate to the student’s field of study". Massey applies this requirement to both international and domestic students. If the head of academic unit can not appoint a main supervisor that meets this requirement, a Massey co-supervisor who meets the requirement must be appointed.

Careful thought should be given to the appointment of supervisors. A stimulating and successful Doctoral candidacy depends very much on the creation and maintenance of a good working relationship between candidate and supervisors. Candidates and Heads of Academic Unit should discuss possible supervisors before they are recommended to the DRC.

Eligibility guidelines for supervisors

A supervisor must hold a Doctoral degree from a recognised educational institution in the field of research proposed by the candidate. In special circumstances this provision can be waived with the permission of the Dean, Graduate Research School (on the recommendation of the Head of Academic Unit) provided that the proposed supervisor has had appropriate research experience.
Co-supervisors do not have to have a Doctoral degree, but they must have complementary research expertise in the candidate’s discipline to be effective and credible.
Staff would normally have been a Doctoral co-supervisor as least once before they are eligible to become a supervisor, unless prior approval is given by the Head of Academic Unit and experienced co-supervisors are appointed, The exception to this would be for experienced academics with a proven record of scholarly output and supervision of research students.
Staff will not be eligible for a supervisory role if they are currently enrolled in a Doctoral degree.

Those who have honorary positions with Massey University may supervise Doctoral candidates as follows:

Professor Emeritus - A Professor Emeritus of Massey University is eligible to be either a supervisor or co-supervisor subject to the normal recommendation from the Head of Academic Unit. To be a supervisor the person should still be research active.
Honorary Research Fellow - Honorary Research Fellows are persons of distinction (equivalent to Associate Professor) and/or who had made an outstanding contribution to their field; they are not employees of the university. As no remuneration is involved they would normally be a co-supervisor rather than a supervisor.
Honorary Research Associates - Honorary Research Associates are experienced researchers who have developed a relationship with the university over a period of at least five years through either their involvement in joint research, teaching and/or supervisory activity. As no remuneration is involved they may be a co-supervisor rather than a supervisor.
Adjunct Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor - Adjunct appointees are paid and their contract may include a supervisory requirement which may be as supervisor or co-supervisor.

Expectations for Supervisors

Staff should become supervisors only if there is a genuine expectation that they will be in the employ of the university for the duration of the Doctoral study.
If a supervisor leaves the university, or takes sabbatical leave, before a candidate has completed the thesis, they have a responsibility, along with the Head of Academic Unit, to ensure that a satisfactory transfer of supervisor responsibility occurs.
New academic staff must attend a GRS Doctoral supervision workshop to confirm eligibility for Doctoral supervision.
Supervisors are encouraged to attend a relevant course or workshop at least once every three years.
Supervisors should have demonstrated current research/scholarly outputs that have been peer reviewed internationally within the past three years.

Candidate communication and accountability

The following procedures apply to communication between the DRC and the Doctoral student:-

The DRC will normally communicate with Doctoral candidates via e-mail.
The head of the candidate’s Doctoral academic unit will receive a copy of the six monthly report for information and will be asked to sign a copy for return to the DRC.
Massey University staff members who are Doctoral candidates and not employed in their Doctoral academic unit should expect to be accountable to their line manager in terms of making satisfactory progress with their Doctoral studies, and should ensure that their line manager is kept fully informed of progress.

Facilities

The Head of Academic Unit must certify that the requisite facilities are available.

Cost and sources of funds

The supervisor must give an estimate of costs and sources of funds. Candidates should not be recommended for provisional registration if their research programme is dependent on obtaining a research grant that has been applied for but not granted at the time that the application is made. The application form requires details of costs which may have to be borne by the student and these should be considered carefully, e.g. an item such as research-related travelling expenses may reach proportions that are beyond a candidate’s capacity to pay and may jeopardise the research project.

Full-time and part-time candidature

The candidate will be required to state whether he/she is full-time or part-time. Full-time candidates should expect to commit an average of 50 hours per week for 48 weeks per year for the duration of their programme (maximum 4 years) while part-time candidates should expect to commit 25-30 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (maximum 6 years).

Candidates cannot enrol in the Doctor of Clinical Psychology programme as part time students. Candidates enrolled in this programmes are expected to study full time. The nature of the programme with the course work, research, and practicum components precludes the opportunity to engage in part time employment.

Paid employment during Doctoral study

Casual work not exceeding six hours per week in total commitment need not be declared. Otherwise the candidate and Head of Academic Unit must declare the details of full-time and/or part-time appointments. Candidates who are working full time must obtain certification from their immediate employer, stating that permission has been granted for the candidate to register for Doctoral studies and must give details of the hours the candidate will be required to work to continue in this employment. (See also Conditions of candidacy)

Statement of expectations

As part of the Provisional Registration proformas DRC 2 Application for Provisional Registration as a PhD or DClinPsych Candidate (661 KB) and DRC 2.1 Application for Provisional Registration as a DBA or EdD Candidate (1,399 KB) , candidates and supervisors are required to agree on a "Statement of Expectations" as follows:

Academic Performance Standards (APS)
A statement of the APS must be provided in which the supervisors outline what the candidate must achieve if he/she is to be fully registered in one year’s time, e.g. course work (and passing standard of B+ or better); communication skills (written and oral); methodological skills; writing of literature review; development of research proposal; research to be undertaken. The standards to be obtained should be measurable to enable the supervisor to clearly determine whether the candidate can be recommended for full registration after 12 months of provisional registration for full time candidates or 18 months of registration for part time candidates. While it is recognised that some of these categories may not be relevant to a particular discipline or programme, supervisors should select those that are relevant and both the supervisors and the candidate should be clear about the standards against which the candidate will be judged in terms of progression to full registration. For DBA and EdD doctorate candidates the APS requirement is to achieve a B+ or better for each component of their structured programme (i.e. course work). For DClinPsych doctoral candidates the APS is a combination of achieving a B+ or better for each paper 175.835 and 175.920 and making satisfactory progress with their research. It should be made clear to the candidate that failure to meet the Performance Standards will result in his/her registration being delayed or terminated.
Communication arrangements
Proposed arrangements for ensuring adequate communication between candidate and supervisor(s), including off-campus co-supervisor(s) must be specified. Consideration should be given to such issues as: frequency and length of candidate/supervisor(s) meetings; turnaround times for feedback on written work submitted by the candidate; and the responsibilities or contributions of the supervisor and co-supervisor(s).

When developing the APS, candidates and supervisors should agree on the expectations and modus operandi for the supervisory and candidate relationship.

Both the supervisor and the candidate must sign the Statement of Expectations.

Course work in the PhD Provisional Year

The New Zealand Government does not permit candidates enrolled in a PhD to concurrently enrol in more than 30 credits of course work. Ideally candidates should complete all course work required prior to enrolling in the PhD. This ensures that the candidate has the best opportunity to achieve their APS and also helps with timely completion of the degree. If a supervisor requires a candidate to complete course work which exceeds 30 credits, the candidate should first enrol in a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. Candidates who are requested to complete course work will be charged tuition fees for that course work as well as tuition fees for the PhD. The course work tuition fees will be at the domestic rate. Any course work recommended in a PhD programme must be integral to the PhD. The DRC will not approve an interest elective paper.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD degree

In exceptional circumstances a candidate enrolled in a Massey University Master’s degree may have his/her case considered to be provisionally registered as a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Research conducted for the Master’s degree may form part of the doctoral thesis. Initial registration for the degree is provisional and confirmation will be considered following one year of full time or 18 months part time satisfactory study.

Specific criteria for transfer

The case for transfer must demonstrate that a candidate’s research potential and academic performance is equivalent to those of a first class honours candidate. Evidence should be provided on the following:

Nature of research topic
Confirmation is required that the research topic has the potential to make an original contribution to knowledge as expected of doctoral studies.

Candidate performance
A candidate should have a record in the Master's degree, which demonstrates consistent quality research, and scholastic achievement, including completion of work by agreed times. Copies of research progress reports can be used to help validate performance.
Evidence of research achievements and required skills relevant to the candidate’s discipline will be required. Information such as the following should be used to substantiate the case
1. Presentation of research results at Massey University academic unit seminar(s);
2. Presentation of research results at national or international conferences or symposia;
3. Significant progress with literature review;
4. Significant progress with data collection and analysis;
5. Provide a brief summary of results to date (up to 5pp) which should show a significant progress with the thesis draft or other form of research presentation (e.g. performance, exhibition or film);
6. Provide a brief outline of future work to be undertaken (2pp).

Application process

Applications for transfer will be prepared by the proposed PhD supervisor, for the GRS. Applications will be accompanied by a completed DRC 2 Application for Provisional Registration as a PhD or DClinPsych Candidate (661 KB) Provisional Registration application, together with evidence of any course work results and specific criteria outlined in this section.

Duration of PhD candidature

The application for transfer will include a recommendation from the supervisor for backdating the provisional registration date, with a maximum of 12 months full time equivalent, to recognise the time spent on the master’s research.

Massey University staff enrolling in Doctoral degrees

Both general and academic staff are eligible to enrol for advanced study including the doctorate, with their line managers or Head of Academic Unit’s approval and subject to the following:

Waiver of fees will be available to general staff to 45 credits annually, provided, they meet the New Zealand Government criteria for domestic fee rates and have a term of employment of at least three years duration. Should the number of points in which a general staff member is enrolled exceed 45 credits, the University is not required to meet the costs of the excess amount.
It is clearly understood that attainment of a doctorate by a member of the general staff does not imply any undertaking or obligation on the part of the University to transfer the applicant to an academic appointment.
The conditions of service of Tutors, Senior Tutors and Research Assistants prohibit study for the doctorate within the hours of their normal duties, but do not preclude study for the doctorate should the staff member wish to do so in addition to those normal duties.
Graduate Assistants normally enrol in a Doctoral programme as a full time candidate. Employment provisions for a Graduate Assistant state that the hours worked per calendar year shall not exceed three hundred and sixty hours. Graduate Assistants on a fractional appointment would have their hours reduced by the appropriate fraction. Graduate Assistants tend to work twelve hours per week during semester periods and then cease work and resume full time study outside semester periods.
Research Officers normally enrol in a Doctoral programme as full time candidates, as their research conducted during working hours normally forms their doctoral degree.
Provided that doctoral study is part of an agreed professional development plan for a staff member, the University may agree to limited arrangements for a specific period of time to timetable work requirements to enable the staff member to meet the requirements of doctoral study.

Conditions of candidacy

The Academic Board shall determine the minimum period of registration and conditions of candidacy for each candidate. Normally the candidate will be full-time and the minimum period of registration will be two years. For full-time candidates the thesis must be submitted not later than four years from the date of provisional registration. In determining the maximum period of registration for part-time study, the Academic Board shall consider any employment or other regular activities in which the candidate is engaged, and shall not approve registration unless satisfied that the nature and extent of these commitments are such as to justify the expectation that the candidate will present the thesis for examination within a period of six years from provisional registration. The minimum period for registration for such candidates will be three calendar years. For students enrolled with the New Zealand School of Music, the maximum period of candidacy is five years whether registered on a full-time or part-time basis. Where candidates change from being full-time to part-time, or vice versa, they must immediately advise the DRC by completing proforma DRC 12 Notification of change to Doctoral Study Status (35 KB) , which will then adjust the maximum registration period accordingly. The total duration of the programme will be an aggregate of part-time and full-time components calculated on a pro-rata basis. Research may be undertaken outside the University for specified periods of time with the approval of the DRC (see Study off campus). A candidate and his or her employing authority shall be required to provide formal acceptance of such conditions of candidacy as may be required by the DRC before provisional registration is approved. This may be extended in special cases.

A number of general conditions apply:

Qualified people with expertise in the area of research must be available for supervision. The supervisor must be a member of the academic staff of the University, and not be a Doctoral candidate.
If equipment, consumables, travel or other expenses are likely to incur significant cost during candidature, the DRC must be informed, at the time of provisional registration, how these costs are to be met.
With the exception of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology programme, the term ‘full-time’ may be interpreted to include up to six hours per week assisting with teaching programmes or other duties in the general field of study.
All candidates must have regular communication with their supervisors, as well as informal contact with other University staff and postgraduate students in related subject areas, and attend and participate in seminars. At least one scheduled contact per month between candidate and supervisors is desirable; normally this should be more frequent. A formal timetable of contact between the candidate and the supervisor should be organised by mutual agreement. (see Statement of Expectations)
Although candidates from some disciplines may not necessarily be located on campus, arrangements must be made to ensure regular contact is maintained with their supervisors. This will include spending block periods on campus. International candidates are expected to complete their studies in New Zealand, however, permission may be granted for off shore research (see Study Off Campus and Fees)
When a candidate continues in employment, written statements will be required to include:
- 6.1 Approval by the candidate’s employer (or, in the case of University staff, Head of Academic Unit) of the candidature.
- 6.2 Agreement that the supervisor(s) may have access to the candidate at his or her place of work.
- 6.3 Any restrictions which shall apply in special circumstances.
Domestic students receiving financial assistance from StudyLink need to be aware that changes in their study status may affect their eligibility to access either Student Loans and/or Allowances. Students are contractually obliged to advise StudyLink of changes to their enrolment status so that their loan and/or allowance application(s) can be reassessed. If you have made a change or are thinking about making a change, and require confirmation of any possible ramifications this may have, please contact the Finance Officer, Massey University Campus Information Services on ext. 7591.
In the case of any significant variation from the provisions of 3 to 6, the DRC reserves the right to reconsider the candidate’s registration.
The policy for re-registration (used in cases where a candidate has withdrawn from a previous Doctoral programme and later wishes to re-register or a candidate wishes to transfer their Doctoral programme from another University). Please refer to Guidelines for re-registration and transfer from another university.

Study off campus

All Doctoral students, both domestic and international, are required to be based in New Zealand for the duration of their Doctoral candidature. Massey University does not offer an extramural Doctoral programme. However, Doctoral candidates can apply to the DRC for special permission to study off shore for extended periods of time; each application will be considered on a case by case basis. Candidates should note that there may be a change to their fee status if they spend an extended period off shore (see Fees Section). Doctoral candidates must comply with the conditions below:

Located in New Zealand

Candidates planning to undertake research away from a Massey University campus within New Zealand must comply with the following:

Candidates located at a Research organisation (e.g. CRI, Health Board, Government department) should normally have a co-supervisor from that organisation who will provide regular support.
Candidates who are intending to study off campus for a continuous period of three months or more should normally have a co-supervisor located either at or near to where the candidate will be undertaking the research.
At all times candidates and supervisors should have an agreed arrangement for maintaining regular contact and providing DRC with six monthly reports in a timely manner.

Located external to New Zealand - Candidate’s already enrolled in a Doctoral Programme

Candidates already enrolled in a Doctoral programme who wish to undertake research external to New Zealand for a continuous period of three months or more must comply with the following:

The candidate and their supervisor must apply separately in writing to the DRC, seeking permission for the candidate to study external to New Zealand, briefly outlining the research to be undertaken and the time required in the location(s).
The DRC may require candidates to have a co-supervisor located either at or nearby to where the research is being undertaken, particularly if off shore residency exceeds 12 months.
At all times candidates and supervisors should have an agreed arrangement for maintaining regular contact and providing DRC with six monthly reports in a timely manner.
International students should be aware of the domestic fee policy relating to residency in New Zealand (see Fees).
Candidates may be asked to sign a formal agreement stipulating contractual arrangements between the candidate, their supervisor(s), and the University, clarifying the responsibilities of the University and the candidate.
Candidates should ensure that appropriate insurance for health and personal effects cover has been arranged. Supervisors and candidates should be aware of the New Zealand Accident Compensation (ACC) policy.
If either a staff member and/or a student is injured while conducting research overseas, ACC will only cover that injury once they return to New Zealand, and only if they have been away for less than six months. Staff and students need to arrange medical insurance for any medical expenses or treatment required overseas, and to cover travel arrangements back to New Zealand if needed. Once back in New Zealand, a medical practitioner must be asked to initiate the process of making a claim through ACC for any ongoing medical expenses.
If a staff member and/or student is not a New Zealand permanent resident (NZPR) or New Zealand citizen, ACC will not cover medical expenses for any injuries sustained while out of New Zealand.

Located External to New Zealand - Candidates applying for Provisional Registration

Candidates who wish to apply for Provisional Registration for a Doctoral programme and who intend to spend three months or more (aggregate) off shore must be aware of the following:

Only applications from students with recent research based postgraduate qualifications in the discipline to be studied will be considered.
Applicants for whom English or Maori is a second language, the ability to develop and maintain skills in either language of instruction will be considered before approval is granted.
Applicants are expected to spend some time on a Massey campus during their candidature, particularly in their provisional year and for academic presentations. The amount of time spent on campus will vary with disciplines and may be reviewed in the light of the candidate’s progress.
Applicants are expected to be present on a Massey campus for their ‘Confirmation of Registration’ event and their oral examination.
Applicants who are granted approval by the DRC to study off shore, will be asked to sign a formal agreement stipulating contractual arrangements between the applicant, their supervisor(s), and the University, and clarifying the responsibilities of the University and the applicant. Some of the topics the agreement will cover are:
- Intellectual property;
- Access to equipment and communication technology;
- Provisions for pastoral care; and
- Acknowledgement of the fees requirements.

Applications must comply with the following:

The candidate and their supervisor must apply separately in writing to the DRC, seeking permission for the candidate to study external to New Zealand, outlining the research to be undertaken, the advantage to the University for the off shore study, and the proposed time to be spent off shore.
The Head of Academic Unit is required to approve the application for off shore study by signing both the candidate and supervisor’s written request, and approving the DRC 2.
The main supervisor must be a Massey staff member employed in an on-going position. The DRC may request that a co-supervisor close to where the candidate is located also be appointed.
Applications must demonstrate as part of the ‘Statement of Expectations’ that they have access to satisfactory internet and telephone services, and must provide a detailed schedule of contact between the supervisor(s) and the candidate via email and other media.
Candidate’s once approved, must provide regular six monthly reports, and must comment on their adherence to the formal agreement in the body of the report.

Finances and resources

Intending candidates should investigate very carefully the possibilities of financial support with their potential supervisors and Heads of Academic Unit. Massey University offers a limited number of Doctoral scholarships. Competition for them is keen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Education offers small numbers of scholarships for international candidates. There is also a wide range of modest awards available. Candidates are advised to consult the Massey University web site for Scholarships and Awards.

Candidates should discuss funding for their research with their potential supervisors and Heads of Academic Unit, including the possibility of applications for grants from both within and outside the University. Candidates and potential supervisors should also come to a clear understanding of what can be expected from academic unit funds.

Candidates should not be recommended for provisional registration if their research programme is dependent on obtaining a research grant which has been applied for but not granted at the time that the application is made.

Candidates should also discuss with their potential supervisors and Heads of Academic Unit the availability of appropriate University facilities, such as Library services, computing and statistical services, farm and laboratory services, photographic and printing services.

University services

A variety of University services are available to assist candidates and some of these are listed in Appendix III.

Policy on resource minima for postgraduate students

Massey University has a policy that all Colleges will provide a minimum set of resources for postgraduate students as set out in the following Resource Minima Lists. These lists represent the minimum resources to be provided. However, Colleges and Academic Units may provide additional resources if available and appropriate.

The following list presents the resources to be made available on campus for the research-related activities of all postgraduate students. Access to the resources is likely to be shared.

Study space
Toll-barred phone
Research funds: provided that the project meets the College and/or academic unit guidelines and funding priorities, you may be eligible to apply for contestable funds
A computer with word processing facilities
A printer (student may be responsible for the provision of paper)
Email and Internet (student may be responsible for user charges)
Photocopier and fax (student may be responsible for service charges)

The following list presents the resources available on campus for the research-related activities of postgraduate students completing a thesis. Access to the resources is likely to be shared.

Study space
Toll-barred phone
Research funds: provided that the project meets the College and/or academic unit guidelines and funding priorities, you will be able to apply for support from contestable funds
A computer with word processing facilities
A printer (student may be responsible for the provision of paper)
Email and Internet
Fax
Library Interloans and photocopying subject to the maximum entitlement specified by the College, Department, Institute or School
A common room

Ethics

Where any stage of the research programme will involve human, animal, or genetic technology studies, the appropriate ethical procedures must be followed.

The University has codes of practice and committees to advise and give approval for (1) research teaching and evaluation involving human participants, (2) research testing or teaching involving live animals, (3) research or teaching involving importation or development of low risk genetically modified organisms using recombinant DNA. Information on Codes of Ethical Conduct and application procedures for ethical approval are outlined on the individual websites which can be accessed from the Research Ethics website.

In 1998 Council resolved that all staff undertaking research, teaching and evaluation involving human participants attend the seminar "Ethics 1: Undertaking Research with Human Participants", run by the National Centre for Teaching and Learning. Council further resolved in September 2000 that from 2001, staff who do not attend this seminar will not be accredited to conduct or supervise research involving human participants.

Health and safety

Consideration of health and safety must be included in research supervision to ensure no action or inaction causes harm to the student, other students, supervisor, place of work or the environment. A hazard or risk assessment must be used to establish appropriate controls for the research work.

The hazard or risk assessment can either be completed by the student or supervisor depending on the health and safety proficiency the supervisor wishes the student to develop. However the supervisor is responsible for checking the adequacy of the assessment prior to practical work commencing.

The methodology for risk or hazard assessment will vary according to the nature of the research project. Specific methodologies have already been developed for some types of research including animal and human ethics, field trips, and research involving hazardous substances or materials that may have a biological risk.

The Health and Safety Office or Regional Health and Safety Advisor should be consulted for advice on methodologies that can be used for hazard or risk assessment. Information is also available on the Health and Safety website.

It should be noted that additional legislative or ethical controls, including prescribed training or licences, might be required for some research activities.

Commercial sensitivity

Candidates whose research is funded from commercial sources should have a very clear understanding as to their obligations to the funding organisation and its obligations to them. For example, should a candidate’s research findings prove commercially valuable, the candidate should not be hindered by the funding organisation from completing the requirements for the Doctoral degree.

In turn, the funding organisation must be assured of the confidentiality of such findings both before and after submission of the thesis.

In particular, the examination process, involving internal and outside examiners, must be conducted with proper confidentiality (the DRC has a Confidentiality Agreement available, which is sent to the examiners at the time of thesis submission). Furthermore, candidates have the right to embargo their completed thesis in the University library for a period of up to two years to enable them and/or the funding organisation to protect their intellectual property rights and to exploit the initial commercial advantages of the research. Please note however, that under University regulations, the abstract must still be available online, so this should be written with sufficient generality to protect the embargo. (A more detailed abstract may be supplied for examination purposes only.)

Candidates are referred to the Massey University Intellectual Property Policy, and the Massey University Policy for Responsible Practice in Research and Procedures for Dealing with Allegations of Misconduct in Research.

Intellectual Property Rights

Candidates and their supervisors should be aware that the rights in ownership of intellectual property is subject to the Masssey University Intellectual Property Policy which can be found on the University Policy Guide website. In situations where supervision and/or funding are provided by another organisation (e.g. a Crown Research Institute), that organisation may, as a condition of the support it provides, seek alternative arrangements for the ownership of intellectual property. Such arrangements, including the identification of Massey University’s background Intellectual Property, must be fully documented in advance, normally by a contract administered by the Contracts Section, Research Management Services, of both the offer of financial support to the student and the commencement of study. In negotiating such arrangements, the University and its staff shall ensure that the reasonable rights of students are protected and shall, if possible, involve the students in the negotiations. Each student shall be required to signify in writing his/her agreement to the terms as finally negotiated. All candidates should be familiar with the Massey University policy on Intellectual Property.

Formal enrolment

Candidates will be formally notified of the outcome of the application for provisional registration in writing by the GRS. The GRS will organise the enrolment for successful applicants. Domestic candidates that are new to the University will be required to complete an Enrolment Booklet and submit evidence of residency. Once enrolled, a fees invoice will be generated and posted to the candidate. PhD candidates may enrol in course work in addition to their PhD. A maximum of an additional 30 credits over and above their PhD is permitted by the Ministry of Education. Tuition fees will be charged for course work at the domestic rate and will be over and above the tuition fees for the PhD. Enrolment in interest papers is not permitted.

Note: Although PhD provisional registration dates vary throughout the year GRS will re-enrol candidates for their Doctoral programme at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year. Fees invoices however, are generated at the anniversary of the candidate’s provisional registration date, adjusted for any periods of suspension. The Ministry of Education regulations require all students studying at Massey University to provide a signed contract and declaration signifying acceptance of the university regulations for study. This has been incorporated into the DRC 2 for new PhD applicants.

International student visa renewal

Students should make arrangements to renew their visa/student permit in good time prior to expiry. To do this, students should contact their campus international student support office who can advise them of the process. See appendix II for contact details.

Fees

Fees vary according to the discipline. Intending New Zealand candidates should telephone 'Massey Contact' 0800 627 739 and intending overseas candidates should contact the International Office. The New Zealand Government have approved a new Policy relating to the payment of fees by new international PhD students enrolling in a PhD degree in New Zealand for the first time after 1 January 2006. Details regarding this policy can be found on the Graduate Research School website. Candidates with New Zealand Permanent Residents (NZPR) status, and International candidates must be domiciled in New Zealand for the duration of their candidature to be eligible for domestic fees. Although some off shore study is permitted during a candidature, the Ministry of Education do have strict guidelines that must be met for a candidate to be eligible for domestic fees. Candidates who wish to spend some time off shore should seek advice from the GRS first. (See Off Campus Study for more information about studying off campus).

Fees for PhD candidates are due on initial enrolment and thereafter on the anniversary of their provisional registration, having regard for any period of suspension of their studies.

Candidates undertaking PhD programmes, whether studying full-time or part-time, or a mixture of both, shall be charged the annual tuition fee in full for up to four years. Thereafter, no further tuition fee shall be charged unless the candidate extends their candidature beyond their official thesis submission date (see clause below).

Candidates undertaking Named Doctorate programmes are required to pay their course work, practicum, internship, tuition, and thesis fees as required by each programme. The requirements are outlined in the programme information handbooks.

The following special provisions apply to all Doctoral candidates tuition fees during the year of Doctoral thesis submission, or for candidates who either withdraw from their programme or extend their candidature:

For candidates who submit their thesis, or withdraw from their programme, within three months following the anniversary of provisional registration (adjusted for any period of suspension), the tuition fee for that year shall be refunded in full.
For candidates who submit their thesis, or withdraw from their programme, within six months following the anniversary of provisional registration (adjusted for any period of suspension), fifty percent of the tuition fee for that year will be rebated.
For candidates who submit their thesis, or withdraw from their programme, after six months following the anniversary of provisional registration (adjusted for any period of suspension), the full tuition fee for the year must be paid.

Candidates who have had their oral examination and are required to complete further work on their thesis and be re-examined, will be re-enrolled, and must pay the full tuition fee for the duration of the re-examination period until re-submission of the thesis. Provisions in the above clause will apply from the date that the candidate is notified of the required further work.

Library services

The Library website provides access to:

The Library for Postgraduates pages - all about services for postgraduate students.
The Library Catalogue - to find books, journals, theses and more
Subject Guides - for article databases, encyclopedias and dictionaries, and key resources in major subject areas.
Article Databases (for journal and newspaper articles, often with full text).

You can also Log in to your MyLibrary record online to check your due dates, renew your books, view your reading history and request itesm from the catalogue.

Need information for your research?

Use the online resources available through the website, as well as borrowing books in print. To learn how to do this, go to the How to Find section on the website which includes demonstrations.

Need Help?

Librarians are here to help you with any question.

Research consultations:

Doctoral study will require you to become familiar with the literature of your discipline and proficient in searching for information. A research consultation with a Liaison Librarian, particularly in the early stages, will help you identify the major information sources in your area. Research consultations usually take place in a campus library, but assistance can also be given by telephone, email, or online (if you have Broadband access).

To book a research consultation and for general enquiries or help contact us:

Phone: 0800 MASSEY (627739) and ask for the Library or call direct (06) 350-5670 ext 2880
Email: library@massey.ac.nz

Interlibrary Loan:

To obtain books not held (or currently unavailable) at the Massey University Library, you can search the BONUS+ Catalogue to see if one of the Massey University's Australian partner libriaries is able to supply the book free of charge. To request books not held by Massey or any of the BONUS+ libraries, or to obtain other material (including journal articles and theses) you may use the InterLibrary Loan service for a fee of $5 per item.

Distance Library Service:

All doctoral students living more than half an hour's drive from any campus are eligible to receive the Distance Library Service. This includes:

Delivery of requested books by courier with free return postage (you may borrow up to 75 books at once)
Scanning and sending of non-borrowable items (within copyright law provisions) – this includes print-only journals and portions of books that cannot be borrowed.

Doctoral students living within half an hour's drive from any campus are not eligible for the Distance Library Service.

Writing up your Thesis:

The Guide to Presentation of Theses is available in print or on the library website.

Prospective Doctoral Students:

Prospective doctoral students who are not yet enrolled, but are compiling a Research Proposal in preparation for formal application to the Doctoral Research Committee, are able to borrow books and access electronic resources for a period of four months prior to formal enrolment.

You will need to provide a letter of intent from your supervisor. Further information is available on the Library's Borrowing Information page on the website.

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Last updated on Wednesday 07 March 2012

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