The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) journey can be exhilarating and perplexing for postgraduate students. In postgraduate research there are many milestones that students must pass to ensure that they are deemed capable of completing a quality PhD or MPhil where they are contributing to knowledge in their discipline on a specific topic. In the Higher education sector in Australia, the Confirmation of Candidature (CoC) is the first major milestone that HDR students need to pass. As scholars we are aware of the vast amount of HDR research literature that evaluates how postgraduate students navigate the uncertain pathway to the PhD or MPhil. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the CoC experience and impact of navigating the milestone in the HDR journey in an Australian context. In addition, it is hoped that by sharing this experience the author will help students navigate the overt and hidden requirements embedded in university education. The expectation is that even if students prepare carefully, it is likely that amendments may be required to strengthen their project design. If they do not pass this milestone, the author wishes to offer suggestions for how to understand what is required and move forward to achieve a strong project and pass this milestone.

Author: Marie B. Fisher

Published in: London International Conference on Education (LICE-2024)

• Date of Conference: 4-6 November 2024
• DOI: 10.20533/LICE.2024.0018
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-74-7
• Conference Location: St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK