1. Introduction

This protocol outlines the requirements for the registration of graduate research student supervisors at UTS.

Supervisory roles, composition of supervisory panels, and expectations of graduate research students and supervisors are defined in the Graduate Research and Supervision Policy.

2. Related documents

3. Supervisor Roles

UTS has 4 graduate research supervisor roles, and the combined supervisor contribution load per candidate must total 100%.

Primary supervisor

An academic staff member employed by UTS with overall academic responsibility for the HDR candidature. This is the person that will be responsible for all administrative responsibilities for the candidature and completes all required paperwork and forms. There can only ever be one primary supervisor.

Joint supervisor

An academic staff member employed by UTS. In joint supervision, the primary and the joint supervisors have a formal, equal collaboration and share resources to support the candidature. Joint supervisors take equal responsibility for the academic supervision of the candidature. There can only ever be one joint supervisor. 

Secondary supervisor

An academic who contributes specific expertise to the candidate’s research and engages in the academic supervision of the candidate. 

Assistant supervisor

A non-academic who contributes specific expertise to the candidate’s research and engages in advising the candidate.

4. Supervisor teams

  • All HDR candidates must have a supervisory team of at least two supervisors. Each team must have a primary supervisor, who is the designated administrative contact for communication about the candidature. 
  • One member of the supervisory team must be a Category 1 supervisor, i.e., be an experienced supervisor. 
  • The supervisory team must have the appropriate qualifications, experience, and disciplinary expertise to supervise the candidate’s research and candidature.
  • The supervisory team must hold academic tenure which normally exceeds the expected duration of the candidature.
  • Each supervisor on the team must demonstrate active engagement with supervision of the candidate.
  • The combined supervisor contribution load per candidate must total 100%.  Supervisors must agree to the loading prior to commencement. 
  1.  In the case where there is no joint supervisor, the primary supervisor must have a minimum load of 60%, a normative load of 75% and maximum load of 90%. Where there is a joint supervisor, the minimum load is 35%, the normative is 40% and maximum is 50%. In all cases, the primary supervisor will have a higher load than any secondary or assistant supervisors. 
  2. If there is a primary and a joint supervisor, they must have the same load (e.g., 50% each, or 40% each with a secondary or assistant supervisor contributing 20%).
  3. The minimum secondary supervisor contribution load is 10%, the normative load is 25% and the maximum load is 40%.

5. Criteria for registration

5.1 To be admitted into the Graduate Research Supervision Register, a person must be able to fulfil the roles and responsibilities outlined in the Graduate Research and Supervision Policy and participate in any training or development requirements defined by the University.

Academic staff employed by UTS

Academic staff employed by UTS may be registered in one of two categories with the following eligibility requirements:

Category 1

  • Holds a doctoral qualification
  • Demonstrates current and active involvement in research appropriate to their field of study as determined by their nominating faculty
  • Able to provide sustained commitment required to support the research candidate for the length of the candidature
  • Track record of successful research degree supervision (i.e., timely student progression and completion) 

Category 2

  • Holds a doctoral qualification 
  • Demonstrates current and active involvement in research appropriate to their field of study as determined by their nominating faculty
  • Able to provide sustained commitment required to support the research candidate for the length of the candidature
Academic staff holding a UTS honorary, adjunct (academic), or emeritus role
  • Holds a doctoral qualification
  • Demonstrates current and active involvement in research appropriate to their field of study as determined by their nominating faculty
  • Able to provide sustained commitment required to support the research candidate for the length of the candidature
Academic staff employed at another institution
  • Holds a doctoral qualification 
  • Demonstrates current and active involvement in research appropriate to their field of study as determined by their nominating faculty
  • Accredited by their institution to supervise HDR candidates
  • Able to provide sustained commitment required to support the research candidate for the length of the candidature
People not holding academic roles
  • Demonstrates expertise and experience in an area related to the topic of study as determined by their nominating faculty
  • This may include UTS professional staff members, adjunct (industry), representatives of private sector, public sector, non-government or community organisations, or Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders

5.2. In disciplines where research degrees have not commonly been held, registration as a supervisor may be approved upon demonstration of an equivalent research record. Such equivalence should be to the satisfaction of the dean of the faculty and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree by Research).

5.3. In all instances, registration as a supervisor is at the discretion of the faculty and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree by Research).

6. Supervisor training and professional development

The University provides ongoing training and professional development activities for graduate research supervisors. These activities are organised by the Graduate Research School and by faculties.

6.1. To be admitted to the register, new and established graduate research supervisors must complete the online mandatory module “Graduate Research Supervision at UTS” within the first six months after seeking registration.

6.2. Prior to being admitted to the register, new and established graduate research supervisors must complete the online mandatory Research Integrity and Respect Matters modules.

6.3.  Registered supervisors are expected to continue developing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Failure to do so may result in removal from the register.

7. Term of Registration

Registration by staff employed by UTS is valid for the duration of their employment at UTS. Registration by people not employed by UTS will be for a period of five years and may be renewed. Initial applications must be recommended by the faculty and approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree by Research). Requests for renewal must have the approval of the faculty.

Notwithstanding these conditions, registration may be reviewed at any time when requested by the dean of a faculty or the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Higher Degree by Research).

Appeals may be lodged against decisions of the Graduate Research School. The grounds for appeal are that due process has not been followed.