Graduate Research Development Procedure

1. The purpose of our procedure

Our procedure supports the professional and personal development of our graduate research students by outlining the requirements and processes for training activities described in Adelaide University’s Graduate Research and Innovation Training (GRIT) Framework.

Please read this procedure in conjunction with the Graduate Research Policy and [Graduate Research Candidature Procedure].

2. Who our procedure applies to

Graduate research students who are enrolled in our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programs will be required to participate in the GRIT Development Program. Eligible students will be required to complete four mandatory fixed activities, and a minimum quantity of flexible activities that address their individual needs. Requirements of GRIT must be completed prior to thesis submission, with fixed activities completed as soon as practicable.

Graduate research students enrolled in our Master of Research (MRes) program will have access to training opportunities offered in the GRIT Development Program, but their participation is not a mandatory requirement of their candidature.

2.1.  Inclusions

• graduate research students enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Master of Research (MRes) programs
• graduate research supervisors and mentors
• staff who support, coordinate and lead graduate research programs.

2.2.  Exclusions

• our procedure does not apply to Adelaide University coursework students and research conducted as part of coursework programs. 

3. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure

Graduate research students (PhD and MPhil) will:

• plan their development activities in consultation with their supervisors
• participate in development activities aligned with the GRIT Framework
• commit to fixed development activities and complete the minimum flexible hours prior to submission of their thesis for examination.

3.1.  Graduate Research Supervisors are required to:

• discuss development plans, needs and opportunities with their students
• review students’ progress against GRIT requirements relative to their stage of candidature and provide feedback and advice as appropriate.

3.2.  Adelaide University is required to:

• establish and deliver a diverse program of development activities aligned with the GRIT Framework
• review students’ progress against GRIT requirements relative to their stage of candidature and provide advice as appropriate
• review and approve completion of GRIT requirements prior to program completion.

4. Our Graduate Research Development Procedure

Adelaide University is committed to supporting the training and development of our graduate research students to ensure their capacity to build practical and transferable skills and to design and conduct innovative research.

We deliver a comprehensive program of development activities to support graduate researchers to succeed in their research programs, and to develop into adaptable, independent researchers. Our Graduate Research and Innovation Training (GRIT) Development Program will actively support the vision and strategic research ambitions of Adelaide University. 

4.1.  The Graduate Research and Innovation Training (GRIT) Development Program 

4.1.1.  Fixed activities

Fixed activities ensure our graduate research students receive a comprehensive induction and are aware of their rights and responsibilities at Adelaide University.

Completion of fixed activities will total approximately 20 hours, with variations determined by the induction needs identified for the graduate research student, discipline area and research project.

The four fixed activity categories are below:

• Graduate Researcher Induction
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Methodologies and Ways of Knowing
• Research Integrity
• Respectful Relationships in Graduate Research

4.1.2.  Flexible activities

Flexible activities enable graduate research students to choose a combination of training and experiential activities that meet their individual development needs.

Flexible activities are organised into three domains, as below:

• Enabling Quality Research
• Expanding Professional Practice
• Shaping the Future

These domains are further arranged into focus areas and skill details. Additional information on the GRIT Framework can be found on our website [insert link].

To ensure graduate research students receive a well-rounded and diverse training experience, they must meet a minimum level of flexible activity participation (measured as minimum number of completed training hours) as well as minimum levels of activity in each flexible activity domain as below:

5. Definitions used in our procedure

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Graduate research program means a program at doctoral or master level which comprises two-thirds or more of its assessable content by research.

Graduate research student means student enrolled in a graduate research program, such as the Master of Research, Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. It does not include coursework programs with a research component.

6. How our procedure is governed

This procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

7. Legislation and other documents related to this procedure

8. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees etc for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are confirmed.