The PhD confirmation report and oral presentation
The doctoral confirmation process allows a provisionally registered doctoral student to attain full registration. This process, involving a written report and an oral presentation, usually occurs within the first 9 to 12 months (full-time students) or 15 to 18 months (part-time students).
The report
The report is generally between 5,000 and 8,000 words long and its main purpose is to demonstrate researcher capability and project viability.
Researcher capability
Researchers are capable if they can:
- critically analyze, synthesize, and evaluate literature and relevant research methodologies in their particular field
- effectively plan research projects and carry them out in an ethical way
- clearly and fluidly communicate their research in written or oral form, or in any way required by their discipline
- show their development as a researcher
- complete required coursework to the appropriate standard.
Project viability
A Project is viable if:
- it involves robust research and will make a valuable contribution to knowledge in the field
- is feasible within the timeframe (3 to 3.5 years for part-time students and 5 to 5.5 years for full-time students)
- resourcing and support are sufficient
- risks have been identified, mitigated, and planned for.
The structure of a confirmation report
Structural elements included in the report may vary from discipline to discipline. Please ask your supervisor for guidance relating to the content, structure, and word count of your report.
Confirmation reports may include the following elements:
- Abstract
- The working title of the research project
- An introduction (establishing the context of the research, the rationale for the research and the research objectives and/or research hypothesis)
- A literature review that critically evaluates a body of relevant literature and identifies a research gap
- An indication of research methodology and techniques
- A timetable for the completion of the project
- An assessment of risks that may interfere with the completion of the project within the timeframe
- A proposed format (e.g., a thesis via publications) and an outline of intended structural components
- A synopsis of research already completed (e.g., preliminary data acquired, resources developed) and ways in which personal development as a researcher has occurred
- A reference list.
The oral presentation
The oral presentation is delivered to an audience consisting of postgraduate students and academic staff, but external researchers from industry may also attend if this is deemed appropriate. After the presentation, audience members can ask questions.
The oral presentation lasts for 20-30 minutes and should focus on:
- Research already completed
- Further plans for the project.
Given an average speaking speed of 130 words per minute, a 20-minute presentation might equate to around 2,000 words. Please consult with your supervisor for advice on the ideal word count for your presentation. Playing work through Read Aloud (found under Review in Microsoft Word) can assist with gauging the duration of a presentation.
The presentation is followed by a formative assessment for which the confirmation panel, doctoral candidate and supervisors are present. During this assessment, the panel asks the candidate questions about the research and offers feedback.
Further information
For further information on the written report, oral presentation, and formative assessment, enrolled doctoral students should consult ‘Your Doctoral Journey’ on their Stream dashboard. This Stream site includes a checklist of key milestones for new doctoral students and detailed, up-to-date information on the confirmation process.