Back to top Departments are encouraged strongly to establish postgraduate research studies committees whose function is to co-ordinate departmental postgraduate activities and to advise the head of department on issues of concern in the postgraduate area. It is important to recognise and understand the particular needs of different groups of postgraduate students in being able to complete their PhD programs as effectively as possible. Many difficulties may to some extent be anticipated, and addressed before they occur. There are support organisations on campus of which heads of departments should be aware and to which students can be directed if necessary. Back to top 1.
Many important factors come into play in the successful completion of a PhD degree.
This should include a consideration of the student s proficiency in academic English appropriate to the discipline. At the initial interview the head should ensure that the student understands and accepts the departmental and University expectations of a PhD student and the nature of the research topic. For students with scholarships, the specific conditions attached to them also need to be made clear. If the applicant is considered eligible for admission under PhD Rule 2, then the application must clearly state the appropriate sub-rule under which the applicant is eligible. Guidelines for postgraduate students in relation to ethics, intellectual property, patents, and joint authorship may be of particular importance.