Home >>

Graduate Centre

Appeals

There are two formal procedures for appeals against decisions by the Board:

1. You may appeal against the result of the examination of a thesis submitted for the degree of MPhil, LLM(Research), PhD or other postgraduate research degree if it can be shown that:
   1. the procedures established by the University for the examination of such theses have not been followed; or
   2. there is prejudice or bias on the part of one or more of the examiners; or
   3. one or more of the examiners lacked the qualifications and experience necessary for the proper examination of the thesis.

It is not permissible to appeal against the final result of the examination of a postgraduate research degree thesis on the basis of circumstances that adversely affected a student's performance in the preparation of the thesis.  Mechanisms exist for the resolution of such problems before submission of the thesis (see sections on grievance procedures and supervision arrangements in this booklet), and an extension of time for completion of the thesis would normally be allowed in such circumstances if appropriate.

2. You may appeal against decisions on the award of Australian Postgraduate Awards, Murdoch University Research Studentships or other scholarships awarded by the University, if it can be shown that:    
   1. the procedures established by the University for the award of such scholarships have not been followed; or
   2. there is prejudice or bias in the implementation of those procedures.
3. Any appeal must be lodged in writing with the Secretary of the Student Appeals Committee in Student Administration, Chancellery Building, within one month of notification to the student by the University of the result of the examination.

Procedures for appeals against thesis examination results also apply to professional doctorates.  An appeal will be considered by the Students Appeals Committee appointed by the Academic Council. The Committee consists of a Chair appointed by the Academic Council from amongst the staff at Associate Professor level, a second member of staff, and a postgraduate research student (other than a student member of the Research and Development Board) selected at random. There is an appropriate gender balance on the Committee.

Any questions you may have about grievance or appeals procedures may be directed at any time to the Secretary of the Research Degrees and Scholarships Committee.