Navigating Your HDR Journey

At the beginning of your candidature, your focus is on establishing a strong foundation for your research. This involves working closely with your supervisory panel to refine your topic, clarify your research questions, and develop an initial plan for your project. It is also a time to become familiar with expectations, timelines, and the support available to you.

At this stage, you will:

• Work closely with your supervisor(s) to refine your research topic
• Develop your research plan and methodology
• Complete your first milestone (Doctorates and MPhil): the Candidature Plan.
• Become familiar with candidature expectations and available support

You will be supported through regular supervisory guidance, School-based HDR support, and access to School and Faculty resources and workshops designed to help you get started effectively.

As your project takes shape, you will move into a more focused phase of research design and early investigation. This stage is about strengthening the conceptual and methodological foundations of your work, while beginning to engage more deeply with your research area.

At this stage, you will:

• Finalise your research design
• Complete your second milestone (Doctorates and MPhil): the Confirmation of Candidature.
• Begin substantive research and/or creative practice
• Develop key skills in research methods, analysis, and academic writing

The aim is to establish a clearly defined and feasible project, with strong alignment between your research questions, research methods, and intended outcomes.

This is the main phase of your HDR, where your research and writing develop in depth over time. You will be actively producing work, engaging with feedback, and building your thesis.

At this stage, you will:

• Conduct research and produce thesis chapters or equivalent outputs
• Meet regularly with your supervisor(s)
• Participate in research training, School seminars, and Faculty initiatives

Good progress during this stage is characterised by:

• Consistent development of written or practice-based work
• Ongoing engagement with supervisory feedback
• Steady movement toward a complete draft

You will also have access to a range of supports, including supervisory guidance, funding (such as Candidature Support Funds, and opportunities to engage in the SABEL research community, including the annual SABEL HDR Conference.

As you approach completion, your focus shifts to consolidating your research into a final, coherent thesis. This is a critical stage, requiring careful refinement of your work in close consultation with your supervisory panel.

At this stage, you will:

• Finalise your thesis
• Work with your supervisory panel to confirm readiness for submission
• Ensure all requirements are met prior to submission

Before submitting, you should ensure that your thesis is clearly structured and ready for examination, with all major feedback from your supervisory panel addressed.

Following submission, your thesis is assessed by external examiners. This stage involves receiving and responding to detailed feedback, and, in most cases, completing revisions before final approval.

During this stage, you can expect:

• Detailed examiner reports outlining strengths and areas for revision or expansion
• The opportunity to respond to feedback and make necessary amendments
• Ongoing support from your supervisory panel in preparing your response

Possible outcomes include acceptance with no requirement for revisions (outcome A), acceptance with minor or major revisions (outcome R), or a requirement for further work to the satisfaction of the examiners prior to final acceptance (outcome X). Once revisions are complete and all requirements have been met and approved by the Faculty and the University, your degree will be approved for conferral.

Supervision is central to your HDR experience and plays a key role in supporting your progress and success. Throughout your candidature, your supervisory panel will provide intellectual while offering regular feedback and support.

As a candidate, you can expect:

• Regular meetings and ongoing academic guidance
• Constructive and timely feedback on your work
• Support in developing your research and completing your thesis

Supervisors in SABEL are committed to supporting high-quality, original research, helping you maintain momentum, and preparing you for successful completion and future career pathways.

A successful HDR journey is built on steady progress, clear communication, and effective planning. Maintaining regular engagement with your research and your supervisory team is key to staying on track.

We recommend setting realistic goals and timelines, maintaining regular contact with your supervisors, and seeking support early if challenges arise.

If you have questions or need guidance at any stage, your first point of contact is your School’s Director, HDR and Honours.

HDR study can be challenging, but you are not expected to navigate it alone. SABEL provides a supportive research environment, with access to academic guidance, funding opportunities, and a vibrant cross-disciplinary research community.

If you’re unsure where to go for help, please visit the SABEL Key Contacts and Supportpage on this site, which outlines the appropriate points of contact across the Faculty. In general, School-level matters can be directed to your School’s Director, HDR and Honours or your Research and HDR Officer, while broader or unresolved issues can be escalated to SABEL HDR Leadership.