Resources and Guides

These resources will help you establish a strong foundation for your candidature and research project.

• Supervisor and HDR Candidate Compact
  Completed within the first two months of candidature, this document supports a clear and productive working relationship between candidates and supervisors.

• SABEL CoC Template
  A guide for Doctoral and MPhil candidates in preparing their Confirmation of Candidature document.

• HDR Knowledge Directory
  A central hub for key HDR information, including applications, milestones, support, ethics, submission, and graduation.

• HDR Candidate FAQ
  Answers common questions about candidature planning, training, funding, progress, and submission.

• MRes FAQ
  Information specific to MRes students, including program structure, enrolment, and thesis requirements.

• Forms, Policies and Guidelines

  Browse the list of key HDR forms and guidelines, as well as the complete list of HDR policies.

These resources support responsible and compliant research practice.

• Research Data Management Plan
  Required for all HDR candidates to outline how research data will be collected, managed, and shared.
• Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
  NHMRC document that articulates the broad principles and responsibilities that underpin the conduct of Australian research.
• AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
  National standards for the ethical and responsible conduct of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, across all disciplines and methodologies.
• Human Ethics
  Key information and resources relating to the Human Research Ethics Review Process.
• Ethics Exemption Decision Tree
  Helps determine whether your research requires ethical review.

These resources will help you make decisions about the use of artificial intelligence (including generative AI) in your research.

• WSU Gen AI Guidelines for Researchers (Oct 25)
  Guidelines to help researchers make decisions about the use of generative AI in their research.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy
  Western's policy on the use of artificial intelligence.
• Generative AI Referencing FAQs?
  Library resource addressing how to acknowledge content from generative AI tools.
• AI Tools in Academic Research
  Library resource covering generative AI research tools.

These tools support the administrative and procedural aspects of your HDR.

• Research Master
  Access online forms for candidature processes, including Candidature Plans, progress reports, leave requests, extensions, title changes, and thesis submission.
• WesternNow
  Submit enquiries to the Graduate Research School regarding admissions, enrolment, scholarships, examinations, fees, and other central services.

These resources will help you prepare your thesis for submission and examination.

• Turnitin Guide for HDR Thesis
  All candidates are required to check their thesis for similarity using Turnitin (via the Research Training vUWS site) and review the results with their supervisory panel prior to submission.

• HDR Examination Handbook

  Provides step-by-step guidance for HDR candidates on preparing, submitting, and navigating the examination process—from examiner selection through to final outcomes and graduation.

• Guidelines for Examiners (Master of Research)

  Outlining the expectations and procedures for examiners assessing MRes theses, including criteria for evaluation and the distinctive aims and scope of the MRes degree.

• Guidelines for Examiners (Doctorate and MPhil)

  Outlines the responsibilities and assessment criteria for HDR examiners, including expectations for evaluating theses, preparing reports, and contributing to the examination process across doctoral and MPhil degrees.

These resources provide important information about the broader HDR framework and available opportunities.

• HDR Policies and Procedures
  Links to key University HDR Policies and Procedures, including admissions, candidature, variations, dual awards, examinations, progress, resources, scholarship, and supervision.
• Research Scholarships
  Information on current scholarship opportunities, including eligibility, application guidelines, and deadlines.

Additional resources are available to support HDR supervision in SABEL.

• Research Master
  Access forms for supervision-related tasks such as examiner nominations, supervisor registration, and panel changes.

• HDR Supervisor Hub
  Resources on supervision practices, policy updates, and professional development opportunities.

• HDR Supervisor Toolkit

  Materials supporting supervisor registration and renewal, including workshops, modules, and guidance documents.

• Conflict of Interest Guidelines

  Guidelines outlining potential conflicts of interest between examiners and candidates, supervisors, the University, the research topic, and other examiners.

If you need further guidance, you can:

• Speak with your supervisory panel
• Contact your School’s Research and HDR Officer or Director, HDR and Honours
• Access central support through the Graduate Research School