FAQs for HDR Dual Award programs

A dual award research program is defined as a Doctoral or Research Masters program where HDR candidate is provided with an opportunity to conduct joint research project, access to research facilities at each institution, and an agreed examination process. Candidates are required to submit one thesis for examination at both participating institutions. On completion, each participating institution confer the degree and issue a testamur, each recognising that the program was delivered under dual award arrangement and name the partner university.

Joint research degree means a Doctoral or Research Masters degree awarded jointly by the participating institutions following a collaborative program of research and examination under the rules of one institution. Joint research degrees are conferred by the primary institution under its own authority for completed research that has been supported and supervised jointly with a partner institution(s). Examination procedures may be adjusted or combined by agreement to meet partner institutions’ requirements but must meet international standards for Doctoral and Research Masters awards. On successful completion of the examination a single award is made for a joint research degree conferred by the primary institution of enrolment. The testamur and the AHEGS will state that the award was made as a consequence of a joint research degree agreement and it will name the partner institution(s).

Benefits include access to resources and expertise from two reputed global institutions, international exposure, enhanced employability, and the opportunity to be part of a broader research community.

Dual award programs aim to provide a global research experience and enhance career prospects by earning dual degrees from prestigious institutions.

You gain the advantage of dual supervision, enhanced insights from global experts, and access to double the resources, facilities, and funding opportunities. Additionally, you get the enriching experience of immersing yourself in a new culture and country.

The duration of a Dual Award HDR program is generally the same as a standard HDR program, minimum three and maximum four years for a PhD and 2 years for MPhil/MRes, depending on the specific requirements of the participating institutions.

The candidate will have a Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor at Western Sydney University and a Principal Supervisor at the Partner Institutions. The supervisors guide the candidate's research and ensure academic standards are met.

An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is a formal agreement between two institutions outlining the terms and conditions of the Dual Award HDR program, including, but not limited to responsibilities of each participating institution, academic, funding, supervision, examination, governance and administrative processes.

To initiate a Dual Award MOU at WSU, the academic proposer needs to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and an Intention Form detailing the proposed partnership. This form will be reviewed by Graduate research School.

Refer to Process to Establish Dual and Joint Awards.

The EOI form should include details about the partner institution, the proposed research areas, supervision arrangements, funding mechanisms, and any specific terms and conditions relevant to the partnership.

Institutional Framework Agreements will be made only where evidence is presented that demonstrates:

  1. an existing research collaboration with participating institutions supported by a School or Research unit (this could be in the form of shared grants or ongoing projects, co-authorship of research publications, programmed visits etc); or
  2. that joint enrolment will create a sustainable research relationship and contribute strategic or reputational value to the University; and
  3. research training standards at participating institutions are at least equivalent to those at the University.

The EOI form is reviewed by Graduate Research School at WSU, and approved by Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development at Graduate Research School and Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, enterprise & International. Approval is required from these units before proceeding with the MOU.

Refer to Process to Establish Dual and Joint Awards.

For WSU HDR candidates, you can consult with your primary supervisor and email GRS (grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au) to establish Dual Award Partnership MOU and to facilitate this arrangement. Please be advised that these arrangements may take up to 12 months to establish.

The steps include:

  1. Submission of a completed EOI form.
  2. Review and feedback from relevant academic and administrative units.
  3. Drafting of the MOU by the OGC in collaboration with the partner institution.
  4. Review and endorsement of the MOU by both institutions.
  5. Signing of the MOU by authorized representatives from each institution.

Yes, it is important to adhere to specific deadlines to ensure smooth processing. For example, EOI forms should be submitted atleast 12 months in advance of the intended program start date of the proposed candidate, and all relevant documentation should be completed at 6 months before the expected commencement.

ESOS compliance can be ensured by accurately recording approved program names along with CRICOS Codes agreed to be delivered under the agreement, and updating student information, adhering to visa requirements such as enrolling into full-time study load, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covered for the whole duration while candidate is onshore at WSU, and providing appropriate support services for international candidates.

Tuition fees are typically agreed between the two institutions as per the MOU agreement. The specific arrangement, including any waivers or scholarships, should be clearly outlined in the MOU as well as in the Individual Candidature Agreement (ICA) for each candidate.

According to WSU policy, a Co-supervisor should be appointed at the time of enrolment to ensure continuity. If the Principal Supervisor leaves or is unavailable, the Co-supervisor can take over the primary supervisory role temporarily or permanently, as needed.

Click here to view all our partner institutions.