1. The purpose of our procedure
This procedure details the processes and responsibilities for the development, approval, management and discontinuation of our graduate research programs. It facilitates compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (Cth), and the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Please read this procedure in conjunction with Graduate Research Policy.
2. Who our procedure applies to
2.1 Inclusions
This procedure applies to Adelaide University staff involved in the development, approval, management and discontinuation of graduate research programs.
2.2 Exclusions
This procedure does not apply to Adelaide University staff involved in the development, approval, management and discontinuation of academic coursework programs.
3. Our Graduate research programs procedure
This procedure outlines the process for the development, approval, management and discontinuation of our graduate research programs.
Where courses are included, the requirements in the academic curriculum procedures listed in Section 7 of this procedure must be followed, and such courses must not comprise more than one-third of the overall program.
3.1 How we develop a new research program
Proposals for a new research program may be submitted to the Graduate Research Committee from any area of Adelaide University.
A proposal may be designed to:
meet a strategic aim,
address an identified gap, or
establish a potential external relationship.
Each proposal must be endorsed by either the relevant College Pro Vice Chancellor or Portfolio Deputy Vice Chancellor.
The development process involves two stages: a brief concept proposal, followed by a detailed application (see Section 3.2).
3.11 Information to include in a graduate research program proposal
When developing a new program, the proposal must address:
the academic justification, strategic alignment, anticipated graduate research student demand and resource requirements
alignment with the principles of the Graduate Research Policy
the program structure, including any coursework component (if applicable)
transparent admission requirements, as detailed in the Graduate Research Admissions Procedure, including compliance with relevant legislation and, if applicable, professional accreditation requirements
if seeking CRICOS registration, the minimum requirements for international students (as per the English Language Proficiency Requirements Procedure)
any non-English language component(s), including the proportion of delivery.
Special conditions relating to a joint PhD award are detailed in the Graduate Research Joint PhD Award Program Procedure.
3.2 How we approve a new or amended research program
3.2.1 Our process for approving a new research program
Stage 1: Develop a concept proposal summary [utilising the relevant template] for consideration by the Graduate Research Committee (GRC). If endorsed, you may proceed to develop a full program application (see Section 3.1).
Stage 2: A full program application must be:
reviewed and endorsed by the GRC
endorsed by the University Research Committee
endorsed by Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board] for approval by the Vice Chancellor.
Program titles and post-nominals will be determined as part of the approval process.
At both stages, your application must have endorsement from the relevant College Pro Vice Chancellor or Portfolio Deputy Vice Chancellor.
3.2.2 How we approve program changes
Major changes (those that deviate from the original program approval) must be endorsed sequentially by the GRC, University Research Committee and Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board] for approval by the Vice Chancellor.
If a change affects the conditions under which a program is delivered with a partner institution, a revised agreement must be prepared.
Minor program changes (those not affecting the original program approval) may be approved by the GRC.
All change proposals must be approved before the year of implementation.
3.2.3 How we approve discontinuation of a program
Proposals to discontinue a program must be endorsed by the GRC, followed by endorsement from the University Research Committee and Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board] for approval by the Vice Chancellor.
Proposals must:
provide a justification for discontinuation
include data on current and predicted graduate research student load and demand
demonstrate consultation with relevant stakeholders
address potential implications for holders of international student visas.
Once discontinuation is approved, we will follow the process outlined in Section 3.3 to support any enrolled students.
3.2.4 How we approve, change and discontinue a course
Guidance on course approvals, changes and discontinuations is available in the Curriculum Approval Procedure.
3.3 How we manage our research programs
3.3.1 How we monitor and review our programs
The Dean of Research Programs is responsible for:
regular monitoring of graduate research programs as part of quality assurance processes to assess performance and to identify, manage and mitigate risks specific to research training
reporting annually to the GRC and the University Research Committee on monitoring outcomes and any recommendations for improvement
a formal review of each graduate research program at least every five years
reporting on five-year program review outcomes to the GRC, University Research Committee and Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board]. Outcomes include graduate research student progress and completion rates, student and supervisor feedback, and the sustainability of the program.
Following a formal review, and subject to approval by the Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board], a program will receive internal approval by Adelaide University for a further five years.
The process for course monitoring is set out in the Curriculum Quality Assurance Procedure.
3.3.2 When we suspend or discontinue a program
As a result of program monitoring or review, or a strategic decision, we may suspend graduate research student intake to a program for a set time to allow strategic and operational analyses.
During a suspension period, no graduate research students may commence the program. Confirmation must be provided that any negative impact on graduate research students, including prospective international graduate research students, is understood and manageable.
Once it is decided a program is to be discontinued (as described in Section 3.2.3):
no new graduate research students are to be admitted to the program
the Graduate Research School will develop and implement a transition plan to ensure enrolled candidates can complete their studies under equivalent conditions.
For holders of international student visas, we will ensure that program changes do not affect program duration. International graduate research students will continue to be charged the tuition fee that applied at the commencement of their original program, as stated in their letter of offer.
4. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure
Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.
4.1 The Dean of Research Programs or delegate is required to:
monitor graduate research programs
report annually to the Graduate Research Committee on monitoring outcomes and any recommendations for improvement
0rganise a formal review of each graduate research program at least every five years
report on program review outcomes to the Graduate Research Committee, University Research Committee and Transitional Academic Board/ [Academic Board].
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 a 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, such as Honours.
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.
Parent policy | Graduate Research Policy |
Policy category | Academic |
Policy owner | Deputy Vice Chancellor - Research and Innovation |
Approving authority | Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation |
Responsible officer | Pro Vice Chancellor, Graduate Research Training |
Effective from | 19 December 2025 |
Review date | 5 years after the date this version is approved |
Enquiries | Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit] |
Replaced documents | None |
7. Legislation and other documents related to this procedure
Category | Documents |
Associated procedures | Curriculum Design Procedure |
Referenced legislation |
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 |
Related legislation | National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 |
External references |
History of changes
Date approved | To section/clauses | Description of change |
18 December 2025 | N/A | New procedure |
At the time of writing, some organisational details within Adelaide University are still evolving. Square brackets [ ] are used to indicate placeholders or areas where information may be refined, clarified, or confirmed. These will be updated as the University’s arrangements are finalised.