A PhD is awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate’s thesis has the capacity to: make a distinct contribution to knowledge in the area with which it deals, affords evidence of originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power, is satisfactory as regards to literary presentation, and contains a substantial amount of material suitable for publication. A candidates program of study will be supervised by eligible academic staff member’s consisting of a principal and associate supervisor. External adjunct supervisors maybe appointed who have demonstrated expertise in the area. Cotutelle/Joint PhD Program We also encourage co-tutelle and joint PhD enrolments with overseas partner institutions, for either inbound or outbound students. Macquarie University has been participating in cotutelle and joint PhD programs since 1999. Why we do it? - We aim to establish deep, continuing relationships with international research universities through the joint research candidate supervision. What is the difference? - Under both joint supervision models, the student is enrolled at two universities with a principal supervisor at each. Both universities sign an agreement for the candidate, which outlines the research and enrolment arrangements. Under a cotutelle, a single thesis is submitted to both universities, who each have separate examinations resulting in 2 testamurs. With a joint PhD, a single thesis is submitted to the lead university, where there is a joint examination and one joint co-badged testamur. Length of candidature The minimum period of candidature is two years and the maximum period is three years for full-time candidates and six years for part-time candidates. Extensions may be granted in special circumstances, but may be subject to an out of time (OOT) fee.