Annual progress reviews (APR) are an opportunity for candidates and their supervisors to:
take stock of how your research project has gone over the past year
review all aspects of your candidature
develop a plan of action for the following year.
An APR is designed to be a positive and productive experience. You should see it as an opportunity not only to get feedback on your projects, but also to manage your research, plan your thesis and ensure you capitalise on your time at UNSW.
Your supervisors and a panel comprising of two academic staff members (not involved in your candidature) will participate in the APR. The APR usually takes place at the same time each year with the same panel members where possible. The candidate provides an update on their research with discussion from the panel members and supervisors. At the end of the APR, recommendations will be made by the panel in regard to your candidature.
New students – confirmation review
Newly enrolled higher degree candidates are required to have a confirmation review. This confirms that you are able to proceed with the candidature of your research. Timelines are below:
Full-time candidates – within the first 6-9 months of your candidature
Part-time candidates – within the first 12-18 months of your candidature.
At the confirmation review, candidates will be required to demonstrate that the following has been completed:
a well written and critical review of the research area (typically a literature review) has been drafted
an established and feasible, detailed research proposal
detailed timeline for completing the research and submission of thesis
evidence that the UNSW Research Integrity module has been completed.
Continuing students – annual progress review
It is a condition of continual enrolment in your higher research degree that your performance is assessed by an APR. Candidates are required to provide any updates including how the research project is tracking. This is where you should raise any issues, advise the panel if any articles or draft chapters have been written or published, and provide an update on the timeline of the project.
APR timeline
8-10 weeks before APR
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HDR student support officer contacts candidate and supervisors to organise a mutually convenient day and time for the APR.
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4-6 weeks before APR
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A time and date is confirmed for the APR and all parties are emailed.
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Two weeks before APR
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Candidate completes the online APR form in GRIS and submits any documentation.
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Day of the APR
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APR takes place and panel makes recommendations.
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Post-APR
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The panel’s recommendations are entered in GRIS and approved by the Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator.
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Annual progress review FAQ
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Candidates usually give a 10-minute presentation on where they are up to in their research project, outlining successes and/or issues that may have arisen. This can be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation or a seminar presentation. Candidates should also provide any publications that may been published related to their research and an updated timeline of their research project.
These must be submitted on the APR form in GRIS (Graduate Research Information System) 14 days prior to your review. This allows time for your supervisor to approve it and for panel members to review your documentation prior to the APR.
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This is not a problem. Students can participate in an APR via Teams or Zoom (video conference).
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You must advise the HDR Student Support Officer as soon as possible and provide an alternative date and time. Please note all candidates must have an APR once a year as a condition of their enrolment. Failure to attend the APR may result in the Graduate Research School requiring candidates to show cause. For further information, refer to the APR policy and procedure.
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The panel is comprised of academics whose research interests are similar to those of the candidate’s research. At the time of your induction in the school you should indicate on the induction form potential panellists for the APR in consultation with your supervisor.
Contact us
Have another question? Contact our HDR Student Support Officer.
HDR Student Support Officer
Postgraduate Office
School of Population Health
T: +61 (2) 9385 3588
E: resdegree-sphcm@unsw.edu.au