The policy introduces straightforward principles for candidates and supervisors.
A draft of UNSW’s new Higher Degree Research (HDR) Policy is now open for community consultation until Friday 6 March 2026.
The policy aims to uphold the University’s commitment to delivering HDR programs that foster research excellence and prepare candidates to become research leaders. It also outlines requirements to ensure candidates have an outstanding research training experience at UNSW.
It was developed in close consultation with the University Higher Degree Research Committee (UHDRC) to ensure it meets the current and future needs of both candidates and supervisors.
The Higher Degree Research Policy is one part of UNSW’s broader Policy Transformation Program, which is streamlining the University’s policy framework.
In addition to the HDR Policy and its embedded procedures, a suite of HDR instructions are also in development. These instructions will provide detailed processes and requirements to help our community follow the policy and procedures. The HDR instructions will be released following consultation with UHDRC.
The new policy, procedures and instructions will consolidate and supersede 17 other policy documents.
Find the draft HDR Policy and consultation note on the Drafts for Consultation page.
Please submit your feedback on the draft policy to the Graduate Research School (grs@unsw.edu.au).
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