Your Research Journey at UNE

Welcome! You are now part of a special community of scholars, and we are excited to support you throughout your research journey.

HDR Induction & Training

To ensure a smooth start, all new HDR candidates must complete:

  • HDR600 – HDR Induction (within the first 4 weeks)
  • HDR601 – Candidature at UNE (within the first 12 weeks)
  • HDR602 – Research Project & Data Management (within the first 24 weeks)
  • HDR603 – Research Ethics Awareness
  • HDR604 – Indigenous Research and Ethics
  • HDR Orientation Workshop (within the first 6 months)

These modules introduce key policies, resources, and support services to help you navigate your HDR journey. You will be enrolled in the HDR units within 48 hours of your commencement.

HDR600 – HDR Induction

This institutional-level induction must be completed within the first 4 weeks of candidature. It covers:

  • Information Technology (Student ID, devices, software, and cyber security basics)
  • Code of Conduct, Behaviour & Cultural Awareness
  • Work, Health & Safety (WHS) policies and procedures

HDR601 – Candidature at UNE

This Graduate Research School induction must be completed within the first 12 weeks (3 months). It provides an overview of:

  • Phases of candidature (what to expect at each stage)
  • Key milestones (e.g., Confirmation of Candidature, progress reports)
  • Developing a positive supervisory relationship
  • Candidate wellbeing and Study Access Plans

HDR602 – Research Project & Data Management

This training must be completed within the first 24 weeks (6 months). By the end of this unit, candidates will be able to:

  • Understand the processes and constraints in research project management.
  • Initiate the planning phase of project management.
  • Establish monitoring and control processes for research project management.
  • Define, identify and classify research data (including sensitive data).
  • Apply relevant institutional policies and procedures for effective research data management.
  • Utilise institutionally supported RDM systems.
  • Consider the security, accessibility, storage and retention of data.
  • Create, enact and maintain a research data management plan (RDMP) throughout the research lifecycle.

HDR603 – Research Ethics Awareness

Learning Objective of this training include:

  • Identify and explain the core principles of ethical research as outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023), including research merit, integrity, justice, beneficence, and respect.
  • Apply ethical frameworks to real-world research scenarios by analysing case studies and demonstrating appropriate responses to complex or challenging situations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for informed consent, with particular attention to working ethically with vulnerable populations and sensitive research contexts.
  • Prepare and justify the key elements of a human or animal ethics application that align with national standards for ethical research and welfare.

HDR604 – Indigenous Research and Ethics

This training is for UNE higher degree students and supervisors who, as part of their research or supervision, anticipate working with Indigenous communities, engaging with Indigenous knowledges in various forms, or investigating Indigenous issues. Upon completion of this training, you should be able to:

  • Explain the importance of ethical standards in research and identify key principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, and reciprocity
  • Recognise and explain the Indigenous context of your research environment
  • Prepare the Aboriginal peoples section in the human ethics application
  • Implement cultural safety practices in your research

HDR Orientation Workshop

All candidates are expected to attend a one-day orientation workshop within the first 6 months of candidature. This workshop fosters professional networking and introduces various research support services. The Graduate Research School will inform you about upcoming dates, venues, and formats (in-person or online).

GRS Workshop Series

All candidates have access to a range of optional workshops that provide highly valuable information to research students. These include workshops by the Dixson Library, Research Ethics and Integrity and the UNE Travel Team.

GRS Newsletter

The GRS Newsletter is sent to HDR students and supervisors each fortnight. It provides important information relating to HDR matters as well as good news stories and details about upcoming events, seminars and workshops. All new candidates are automatically subscribed to the newsletter, however, if you find that you are not receiving it, please email grs-media@une.edu.au.

Library & Research Support

The Dixson Library offers specialised services for HDR students. If you’re studying law, check out UNE’s dedicated Law Library website.

Archiving Your Research Data

All HDR candidates must archive and register their research data before graduation. The UNE Library provides support to help you with this process.

Supervision

Regular contact with your supervisors is essential! All HDR candidates must complete a Supervisor Agreement within the first four weeks of candidature to establish expectations and a productive working relationship.

Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office

UNE values an inclusive learning environment for all students. The Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office (SAWO) provides support to students to overcome barriers to their university studies.

To get in contact with the SAWO team and receive a Study Access Plan, you will need to register online and provide relevant independent documentation, such as a UNE Health Professional Report completed by your treating health professional. You will need your UNE login details to access the form.

Practical Matters

Student ID Cards

Issued by UNE Safety & Security. You can apply for a Student ID Card online using your @myune email.

RTP Fee Offset (Domestic Students)

Eligible Australian domestic HDR candidates receive a Research Training Program (RTP) tuition fee offset as outlined in their offer of admission. This fee offset covers tuition fees for the following standard durations:

  • Masters degrees – up to 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
  • Doctoral degrees – up to 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time

If your candidature extends beyond these time limits, you may be required to pay tuition fees.

Variations to Your Candidature

Life happens! If circumstances affect your progress, talk to your supervisor or GRS staff about options such as:

  • Leave of Absence (paid/unpaid)
  • Extension Requests
  • Changes to Full-time/Part-time or Internal/External Status

Variations require approval from your Principal Supervisor and a formal request must be submitted through an online application. All application forms can be found on the Variations of Candidature webpage.

Enrolment Status and Annual Leave

As a full-time HDR candidate, you are expected to dedicate full-time hours to your research. Part-time HDR candidates must conduct their research at a proportional part-time level. Regardless of your enrolment status or whether you hold a scholarship, all HDR candidates are entitled to 20 days of Annual Leave per year. This leave must be negotiated and approved by your supervisory team.
Annual Leave is typically taken throughout the year, including on public holidays and during the University’s end-of-year shutdown period. If you are a scholarship recipient, your payments will continue while you are on Annual Leave. Taking Annual Leave does not affect your enrolment status, submission deadlines, scholarship duration, or entitlement to other types of paid leave under your scholarship conditions.

Your Responsibilities as a Researcher

To ensure smooth progress, remember to:

  • Keep in regular contact with your supervisor(s).
  • Activate and check your UNE email regularly.
  • Meet candidature milestones and deadlines.
  • Store your research data securely in Cloud.UNE
  • Archive and register your research data at the end of your project.
  • Follow UNE’s policies on academic integrity and research conduct.
  • Understand and abide by the ‘Specific Responsibilities’ of HDR candidates.

Your Support Team: The Graduate Research School

The Graduate Research School (GRS) is here to help with all aspects of your HDR candidature, including administration and support for both students and supervisors. You’ll find policies, procedures, forms, and other useful information on the Higher Degree Research webpage.

Where to Find Us:

Level 2, T.C. Lamble Building
Phone: (02) 6773 3715
Contact us via AskUNE

We’re committed to providing quality support while upholding UNE’s high standards in research and training. If you ever have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We hope your time at UNE is fulfilling, and we look forward to seeing your research flourish. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Welcome aboard, and best of luck with your research!