Institute for Social Science Research Progress Review Guidelines

Before reading the guidelines outlined on this page, ensure you have reviewed all the information about Progress Reviews, including the criteria for each review, and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression Procedure.

How to organise a Progress Review

The following guidelines outline the management and conduct of HDR Progress Reviews in the Institute for Social Science Research. These guidelines should be used in combination with the Higher Degree by Research Candidature Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature Procedure. Further instructions to help you to arrange your upcoming review are available here.

Progress Reviews Snapshot

Progress review requirements
	Confirmation of Candidature (R1)	Review 2 (R2)	Review 3 (R3)
Candidature Documents	Candidate statement Individual Development Plan (IDP) Portfolio/summary of development activities/Academic CV	Candidate statement Individual Development Plan (IDP) Portfolio/summary of development activities/Academic CV	Candidate statement Individual Development Plan (IDP) Portfolio/summary of development activities/Academic CV
Project Documents	A full draft of literature review chapter (no more than 8,000 words) A full draft of methodology chapter A document including a discussion of timeline, feasibility, budget, and instruments developed (no more than 2,000 words) Ethics application iThenticate report	A complete thesis chapter (no more than 12,000 words) A document outlining thesis progress to date (no more than 2,000 words) iThenticate report	A complete thesis chapter (no more than 12,000 words) A document outlining thesis overview (no more than 2,000 words) A two-page progress report iThenticate report
Oral Presentation	10-15 minutes presentation, 5-10 minutes questions time to be presented at ISSR	10-15 minutes presentation, 5-10 minutes questions time to be presented at ISSR	10-15 minutes presentation, 5-10 minutes questions time to be presented at ISSR
Review Meeting	Approximately 60 minutes	Approximately 60 minutes	Approximately 60 minutes

Note: Documents should be submitted via myUQ to your HDR Chair at least one week before your scheduled interview.

Panel Composition

Your Progress Review Panel (PRP) in the Institute for Social Science Research will consist of a chair and an independent reviewer.

Confirmation of Candidature Review (R1)

Your confirmation of candidature review will include submitting your review documents, a 20-25 minute oral presentation (plus 10 minutes of question time), and an interview (approximately 60 minutes) with the review panel.

Your confirmation document should contain the following:

Clear statement of the research problem
Critical literature review that demonstrates an understanding of key theoretical and methodological issues
Clear statement of research aims & questions, theoretical framework & contribution of research
Detailed outline of appropriate methods to be used for the research
Timeline & outline of goals to be achieved before the next progress review
Discussion of feasibility in terms of resources required & ethical and safety issues that may arise

Your oral presentation should:

Provide a clear overview of the main elements of your confirmation document, demonstrating understanding of the research problem, appropriateness of the methodological approach and an ability to respond to questions about the research.
Be a formal academic seminar presentation with an open invitation to Institute staff and guests.

Your interview will allow for:

A constructive discussion with the review panel about the proposed research and its feasibility;
An opportunity for you to respond competently to questions and comments.

At the confirmation of candidature review:

You will receive formative advice (from the reviewer) about the direction, scope, planning, and feasibility of the project; and about the acquisition or further development of appropriate research and professional skills;
The Chair will prepare a written report and will provide a recommendation to the Dean UQ Graduate School about the attainment of the review;
The Institute will review the human, physical, and financial resources needed to sustain the candidature in compliance with relevant university, disciplinary, and external regulatory protocols;
The Institute’s review must assure the University that continuation of the candidature is likely to lead to an assessable thesis within the University’s expected timeframe.

Progress Review 2 (R2)

Your second progress review will include submitting your review documents, a 20-25-minute oral presentation (with 10 minutes for questions), and an interview with the review panel (approximately 60 minutes).

Your Progress Review document should contain the following:

A completed thesis chapter (empirical chapter, not literature review) or substantial academic work such as a manuscript submitted for publication or a full conference paper. The written work must demonstrate significant progress on the PhD, appropriate methods to address the research question, and appropriate interpretation of research findings.
A one-page report outlining progress in achieving the goals in the confirmation document, any challenges faced, and goals to be achieved before Progress Review 3.

Your Oral presentation should:

Provide an academic presentation of research completed since confirmation to a scholarly audience.
Demonstrate clear communication of the research aims, method and findings and an ability to respond to questions. It could include presentation at a domestic or international conference or Institute or university seminar.

Your interview will allow the review panel to:

Assess your progress against your timeline and goals, ask clarification questions, provide feedback and advice about issues that might hinder your progress, and discuss the feasibility of your future timeline.

The progress reviewer will write a summary of issues and feedback in the progress review, and then the Chair will prepare a written report and provide a recommendation to the Dean, UQ Graduate School about the attainment of the review.

Progress Review 3 (R3)

Your third progress review will include submitting your review documents, a 30-40 minute oral presentation, and an interview with the review panel (typically 60 minutes duration).