MASSEY
UNIVERSITY
College of Humanities
and Social Sciences
_________________________
POSTGRADUATE
HANDBOOK
2011 _________________________
October 2010
Foreword
This handbook outlines the Massey University and College of Humanities and Social Sciences
framework within which postgraduate students, supervisors, and examiners are required to operate.
Students are expected to become familiar with the regulations for their programme of study. These
can be found in the Calendar or on the Massey University web site: http://calendar.massey.ac.nz/.
Staff and students should also familiarise themselves with the relevant sections within this
handbook.
The information provided is aimed at improving the quality of the postgraduate study experience
and the outcomes.
Best wishes for your successful postgraduate study.
Members of College Graduate Studies Committee as at October 2010:
Chairperson Dr Doreen D’Cruz
Academic Director Associate Professor Julie Bunnell
Regional Director’s Nominee, Albany Ms Adele Donachie
Regional Director, Wellington Dr Ellen Soulliere
Centre for Defence Studies Dr John Moremon
School of English & Media Studies Dr Sarah Ross
School of Health & Social Services Mr Kieran O’Donoghue
School of Health & Social Services Dr Jill Wilkinson
School of History, Philosophy & Classics Dr Geoffrey Watson
School of Language Studies Dr Gillian Skyrme
School of Māori Studies Ms Rachel Rakena
School of People, Environment & Planning Dr Maria Borovnik
School of People, Environment & Planning Dr Jeff McNeill
School of Psychology Dr Gus Habermann
School of Public Health Ms Katharine Haddock
School of Social and Cultural Studies Dr Graeme MacRae
College Representative on Doctoral Research Committee Associate Professor Keith Tuffin
Library Representative Ms Nicola McCarthy
Academic Services Manager Trish Barker
Committee Secretary Fiona Coote
Contents
BACKGROUND INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 1
Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................... 3
Arts Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates ............................................................ 11
Named Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates ....................................................... 15
College Contacts ....................................................................................................................... 17
Library Information .................................................................................................................. 19
Resource Minima for Postgraduate Students at Massey University......................................... 21
Teaching, Learning and Distance Education Centres ............................................................... 23
COLLEGE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES- General Information for Students & Staff ... 25
Definitions and Guidelines for Teaching Delivery Modes for Postgraduate Taught Papers,
College of Humanities and Social Sciences ............................................................................. 27
Admission and Progression for College Qualifications ........................................................... 31
Part A: Criteria for Admission to Postgraduate Qualifications in the Arts ............................. 31
Part B: Admission to Named Postgraduate Qualifications ...................................................... 35
Part C: Progression between Named Postgraduate Qualifications .......................................... 37
Part Time or Full Time Study ................................................................................................... 39
Time Limits for Graduate Students .......................................................................................... 43
Extensions, Suspensions, Withdrawals and Other Administrative Procedures ........................ 45
Class of Honours/Grade Point Average (GPA) ........................................................................ 49
Graduation ................................................................................................................................ 51
COLLEGE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES - Information for Research Students & Staff. 53
Thesis Enrolment and Deadline for Submission ...................................................................... 55
College Research Supervision Guidelines ................................................................................ 57
Policy on the Moderation of Postgraduate Papers .................................................................... 59
College Policy Regarding Research Supervisors and Examiners ............................................ 61
University Guidelines for the Submission of Theses ............................................................... 63
College Guidelines for the Submission of Research Reports ................................................... 65
College Guidelines for the Examination of Theses (excluding Doctoral Theses) ................... 67
College Guidelines for Examiners’ Reports ............................................................................. 69
Policy and Procedures for Examination Adjudication ............................................................. 71
Policy for Remarking of Research Reports and Theses Awarded a Passing Grade ................. 73
Policy for Resubmission of Failed Research Reports and Theses ............................................ 75
UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES .................................................................. 77
University Policies and Procedures .......................................................................................... 79
The University - Student Contract ............................................................................................ 81
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................. 83
Research Supervision Statement .............................................................................................. 85
Examiner’s Grade and Recommendation ................................................................................. 87
Application for Extension: Information for Applicants ........................................................... 89
Application for Extension ......................................................................................................... 91
Application for Suspension: Information for Applicants ........................................................ 93
Application for Suspension ...................................................................................................... 95
Library Research Consultation ................................................................................................. 97
Guidelines for Workload in Postgraduate Papers ..................................................................... 99
The Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) Definition of Research .............................. 101
1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2
3
Frequently Asked Questions
The frequently asked questions and the answers to them below are designed to provide easy
access to the more detailed information which follows in the Postgraduate Handbook for the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences. For each question, there is a reference to a page
in the Postgraduate Handbook where more information on the topic can be found. The
handbook is available on request in hard copy to all postgraduate students. It is also available
electronically by following the link
below:http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_booklets.cfm
Question Answer Page reference
Definitions of qualifications
1. What postgraduate
qualifications are available in
the College of Humanities
and Social Sciences?
Tables outlining the postgraduate
qualifications below doctoral level in the
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
are available on the pages immediately
following these Frequently Asked
Questions. The first table includes the
qualifications and endorsements for all the
Arts qualifications. The second table
includes all the other named qualifications
in the College.
The College of Humanities and Social
Sciences offers the Doctor of Philosophy
degree in a wide range of subject areas and
also the Doctor of Clinical Psychology.
11 - 14
2. Where can information on
Doctoral qualifications be
found?
You can find this information in the
Doctoral Handbook on the Massey
University website:
Http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/postgrad
uate/doctoralhandbook/doctoralhandbook_
home.cfm
This handbook is also available in hard
copy to enrolled Doctoral students on
request.
3. What are the criteria for
admission to postgraduate
qualifications?
Details of the criteria for admission to
postgraduate qualifications in the College
of Humanities and Social Sciences can be
found on pages 31 - 36 of the Postgraduate
Handbook.
31 - 36
4. Can I progress from one
qualification to another?
To do this, you would need to apply for
admission to the other qualification.
Details on entry qualifications and
progression from one qualification to
another are on pages 31 – 38 of the
Postgraduate Handbook.
31 - 38
4
5. What is the Master of Arts
(MA) qualification?
A 240-credit MA is designed for students
with a BA in the same subject as that
intended for study in the MA.
Students may complete a 120-credit BA
(Honours) or PG Diploma followed by a
120-credit MA by thesis.
6. What is the Master of
Philosophy (MPhil)
qualification?
The MPhil is a University-wide
qualification, as distinct from a College-
based qualification. Candidates are
required to comply with course regulations
for a Master’s degree in the College for
which they wish to pursue the course of
study leading to the MPhil. The MPhil is
designed for students who do not meet the
criteria for admission to an MA (or other
named Masterate in the College) but who
are otherwise qualified to proceed to
Masterate-level study. The College will
advise you, at the point of admission,
whether you are admitted to the MPhil or
one of the College Masterate degrees.
7. Is it better to enrol in the
full Master’s programme or
do the Postgraduate Diploma
first, then undertake a
Master’s by thesis only?
In some subjects, you do have a choice, but
in others, you do not because some
Masterates are not available by thesis only.
For those that are, it is usually a matter of
personal choice whether you choose to
enrol in a 240-credit masters degree or
begin with a PG Diploma. Issues such as
time limits, work and family commitments
and cost need to be taken into account.
You also need to think about time limits in
relation to eligibility for Honours and
Distinction. In addition, if a student’s GPA
is insufficient then they will need to do the
Postgraduate Diploma first.
39, 43, 49
Resources/ Facilities
8. What resources do I have
access to as a postgraduate
student on one of the
campuses in this College?
The following list presents the resources
available on campus for the research-
related activities of all postgraduate
students. Access to the resources is likely
to be shared.
• Study space
• Toll-barred phone
• Provided that the project meets the
College and/or departmental guidelines
and funding priorities, you may be
eligible to apply for contestable
research funds
19
5
• A computer with word processing
facilities
• A printer (student may be responsible
for the provision of paper)
• Email and Internet (student may be
responsible for user charges)
• Photocopier and fax (student may be
responsible for service charges)
9. What additional resources
can I access as a post
graduate student completing
a thesis on campus?
• Library interloans and photocopying
subject to the maximum entitlement
specified by the School
• A common room
10. What resources do I have
access to as a postgraduate
distance student?
Provided that the project meets the College
and/or School guidelines and funding
priorities, you may be eligible to apply for
contestable research funds.
Further information on services and
resources for distance students can be
found at:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/
distance-
learning/services/services_home.cfm
11. What additional
resources can I access as a
postgraduate student
completing a thesis at a
distance?
Library interloans and photocopying,
subject to the maximum entitlement
specified by the School
12. What scholarships are
available to me?
Students are strongly advised to consider
applying for any of the range of
scholarships and awards for which they
may be eligible. Details are listed on:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/admissio
n/scholarships-bursaries-awards/
13. What resources can I
access from the library?
In addition to library access to books,
journals and databases, postgraduate
students can book one hour sessions with
one of the liaison librarians who will give
advice on identifying and using relevant
reference sources. This can be done in
person, on the phone, with and without
sharing computer screens (broadband
required) or email.
Further information on library resources
for postgraduate students can be found at:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/l
ibrary/the-library-for/the-library-for-
postgraduates/the-library-for-
postgraduates_home.cfm
6
14. What kinds of help can I
have with writing,
structuring, proof-reading
and editing assignments,
research reports and theses?
Your supervisors are best placed to advise
you on how to structure your work.
Many different kinds of help are also
available from the Student Learning
Centre. There are details of some of these
services on page 21 of the Postgraduate
Handbook. The Student Learning Centre
website is:
http://learning.massey.ac.nz
At Wellington, there is a Postgraduate hub
in Stream which Wellington internal and
distance students can apply to join.
The Student Learning Centre does not
provide a proof-reading service. However,
students may employ professional proof-
readers at their own expense. Because of
the cost, this is usually only worthwhile in
the final stages before submission of a
thesis. Before employing proof-readers, it
is important to check that they have
familiarity with the discipline and to
discuss your plans with your supervisors.
Distance students can also access a pre-
reading service for a maximum of two
assignments per semester. Learning Centre
staff will provide feedback on the focus,
structure and presentation of work that
students send to them as email attachments.
Timelines for theses
15. What is the deadline for
thesis submission?
For enrolments commencing in semester
one, submission is by 28 February. For
enrolments commencing in semester two
submission is by 30 June.
55
16. How long do I have to
complete my thesis?
This depends on whether the thesis is part
of a 240-credit Masterate or a 120- credit
Masterate.
Full-time: 240-credit Masterate degrees
must be completed within two years to be
eligible for Honours. Students have a time
limit of six years for the completion of the
qualification without eligibility for the
award of Honours. 120-credit thesis-only
Masterates must be completed within one
year full-time to be eligible for Distinction.
Students have a time limit of four years for
the completion of the qualification without
eligibility for the award of a distinction.
43
7
Part-time: Papers and theses for 240-credit
Masterates must be completed within five
years part-time to be eligible for Honours.
Students have a time limit of six years for
the completion of the qualification without
eligibility for the award of Honours. 120-
credit thesis-only Masterates must be
completed within three years part-time to
be eligible for Distinction. Students have a
time limit of four years for the completion
of the qualification without eligibility for
the award of a distinction.
17. If I don't complete my
thesis within one year (full
time) or two years (part
time), do I have to re-enrol
and pay fees?
Students must be continuously enrolled in
their thesis up to the date of submission
and must pay fees for every year of
enrolment, unless a suspension is granted.
55
18. How can I get an
extension of time for
completing my thesis?
Extensions of time for research reports and
theses are applied for on an extension
application form. This can be found in
Appendix C of this handbook or through
the following website:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/
colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_booklet
s.cfm
45, 89 - 96
Thesis presentation/ format
19. What are the
requirements for the
submission of a thesis?
The first step is to submit three copies of
the thesis for examination. These are
usually softbound. After examination, the
final copies are submitted. These consist of
two hardbound and one digital copy of the
thesis Guidelines on the presentation of
theses can be found at:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/~wwwlib/learnit/
presentationoftheses.htm
20. What constitutes a bound
copy of a thesis (spiral
bound, softbound etc) ?
Bound copies can have hard or soft
binding. Softbound copies are used for
examination purposes only and can have
spiral or hot- melt binding. The final
submission after examination must be
hardbound and cased in cloth buckram or
Rexene.
21. How many copies of
theses must be submitted?
Three copies, generally softbound, must be
submitted for examination purposes. After
the examination, two hardbound and one
digital copy must be submitted.
8
22. Where can I get my thesis
bound?
The Yellow Pages contain lists of book
binders. These firms will know the
requirements for binding theses. They will
also be best placed to provide information
about the cost. Students should allow
sufficient time for binding. Time and cost
may vary depending on the firm used.
23. What additional
information i.e. film / audio
can be added as integral to
the written component e.g.
via DVD/CD RoM?
This is a matter to be discussed and
resolved with your supervisors.
24. How will additional
information be weighted in
terms of word length?
This is a matter to be discussed and
resolved with your supervisors.
25. What are the advantages
to the candidate of
submitting hardbound vs
spiral bound copies for
examination?
Students can submit hard or softbound
copies for examination. There is no
difference at this point except perhaps time
and cost.
26. Are examiners likely to
view a hardbound copy
differently?
No
27. What are the word limits
for postgraduate papers?
For papers without written final
examinations, including research reports
and theses, the following word limits are
suggested.
15 Credits 5000-6000 words
30 Credits 8000-10,000 words
60 Credits 15,000-20,000 words
90 Credits 20,000-30,000 words
120 Credits 30,000-40,000 words
Your supervisors will let you know if
narrower ranges apply within your specific
discipline.
99
28. At what point should the
electronic file of the Master’s
thesis be submitted: before
examination, or at final
deposit?
The digital copy of the thesis should be
submitted with the hardbound copies after
examination.
Submission Process for Theses 63 - 64
29. What is the submission
process for theses?
See University Guidelines for the
Submission of Theses (page 63) and
College Guidelines for the Submission of
Research Reports (page 65) in the College
of Humanities & Social Sciences
9
Postgraduate Handbook or
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning
/colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_bookle
ts.cfm
Examinations Process for Theses 67
30. In detail, how does the
examination process for
theses work?
After the thesis is submitted, the Head of
School as Chief Examiner will normally
appoint an internal and an external
examiner. After receiving the examiners’
reports, the Chief Examiner will convene
a meeting to discuss the reports and
determine the final thesis grade. Students
normally receive the full examiners’
reports, without the names, institutions, or
recommended grades of the individual
examiners
67
31. What are the criteria
according to which my thesis
will be graded?
Each Head of School will have guidelines
and criteria which they will ask the
examiners to follow in broad brush outline
when they write their reports. Examiners
are likely to be asked to consider, for
example, the purpose of the research, the
methodology and relevance of the project,
the validity of the evidence, the quality of
the argumentation and the overall
contribution of the research to the
specialist field. Depending on the subject,
there may be other or additional criteria
that will be given to the examiners. Your
supervisors are best placed to provide
guidance for you on how to prepare a
thesis that will meet the expectations of
your examiners.
Issues 45
32 Does a student submitting
a thesis need a statement from
their supervisor to the effect
that, in their opinion, the
student’s work is of a quality
suitable for submission?
No, but you should work closely with
your supervisor to reach agreement on
when your work is ready to be examined.
33. Can a student submit a
thesis against the advice of
their supervisor?
Yes, but it would be very much better to
resolve any differences of opinion so that
such a situation does not arise. If there are
difficulties, students should discuss any
issues with their supervisors, the
Postgraduate Co-ordinators for their
subjects or the Head of School.
10
34. If problems arise, could
my chief supervisor signal to
the Head of School in writing
that in their opinion the thesis
is not of sufficient quality to
be sent out for examination?
Yes, but again students should seek to
resolve any issues that arise in the course
of their work with their supervisors,
Postgraduate Co-ordinator or Head of
School.
35. Can a thesis report be
resubmitted if I receive a low
grade?
A pass grade for a report or thesis means
that it cannot be remarked. However, if a
report or a thesis receives a fail grade, it
may be submitted once again for
remarking at the discretion of the Chief
Examiner (Head of School).
73, 75 - 76
11
Arts Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and
Certificates
Programme Credits
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Defence Studies Economics
Education
English
Geography
History
Maori Studies
Mathematics
Media Studies
Nursing
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Social Anthropology
Social Policy
Sociology
Statistics
Candidates shall follow an approved
course of study to a minimum value of
120 credits and satisfy all course
requirements in one of the subject areas
listed. The course of study must include a
Research Report of at least 30 credits.
Master of Arts
Defence and Strategic Studies
Development Studies
Economics
Education
Emergency Management
English
Geography
History
Japanese Note 1
Linguistics Note 1
Maori Studies
Mathematics
Media Studies
Museum Studies
Nursing
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Rehabilitation
Religious Studies Note 1
Second Language Teaching
Social Anthropology
Candidates shall follow a course of study
totalling 240 credits normally comprising
papers to a value of 120 credits (in one of
the subjects listed in the Schedule) plus a
thesis (or other approved research-based
work) to a value of 120 credits.
Candidates who have already completed a
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree or a
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts may be
eligible to complete the MA by thesis in
the same subject area.
Note 1: Available only for the 120 credit
MA by thesis.
12
Social Policy
Sociology
Statistics
Visual and Material Culture
Women’s Studies Note 1
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Defence and Strategic Studies
Disability Studies Note 2
Economics
Education
English
Geography
Geographic Information Systems
History
Maori Studies
Mathematics
Media Studies
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Public Policy
Social Anthropology
Social Policy
Social Work
Sociology
Statistics
Visual and Material Culture
Women’s Studies Note 2
To qualify for the award of the Diploma
each candidate shall normally pass a
selection of 700-level papers to a total of
120 credits from those offered in one of
the subject areas listed.
Note 2: Closed to new enrolments from
2011.
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
Awarded without endorsement
The course shall consist of a minimum of
60 approved postgraduate credits from the
schedules for the Bachelor of Arts
(Honours), Master of Arts or the
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts. The 60
credits shall normally be selected from a
single subject area
Graduate Diploma in Arts
Chinese Note 3
Classical Studies
Defence Studies
Economics
Education
Educational Psychology
English
Environmental Studies
Geography
To qualify for the award of the Graduate
Diploma in Arts, a student must pass
papers at 200-level and 300-level to a
total of at least 120 credits, with at least
75 credits above 200-level. All 120
credits must be taken from Part II of the
Schedule for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
In exceptional circumstances, 700-level
Arts credits may be included.
The Graduate Diploma in Arts is
13
History
Japanese Note 3
Linguistics
Maori Studies Note 3
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Social Anthropology
Social Policy
Sociology
Spanish Note 3
Statistics
normally completed with endorsement in
one of the subject areas listed. To qualify
for the award of the Diploma with an
endorsement a student must pass at least
90 credits from papers listed for a major
subject in the Bachelor of Arts schedule,
with at least 60 credits at 300-level.
Subject to approval by the Academic
Director of the College, the Graduate
Diploma in Arts may be completed
without endorsement.
Note 3: Available on a part-time basis
only.
Graduate Certificate in Arts To qualify for the award of the
Certificate, a candidate shall pass papers
at 200- and 300-level to a total of at least
60 credits, with at least 45 credits at 300-
level. All 60 credits must be taken from
Part II of the Schedule for the Bachelor of
Arts degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Arts may be
endorsed in a subject area. The subject
areas offered as endorsements are those
subject areas available as majors in the
Bachelor of Arts degree. Endorsements
may also be offered in some subject areas
available as minors in the Bachelor of
Arts degree.
14
15
Named Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas and
Certificates
Programme Credits
Bachelor Honours Degrees
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
120
Masters’ Degrees
Master of Applied Social Work (subject to CUAP approval)
Master of Creative Writing
Master of Defence Studies
Master of Health Science
Master of Māori Visual Arts
Master of Nursing
Master of Public Health
Master of Public Policy
Master of Resource and Environmental Planning
Master of Social Work
All 240 credits
Postgraduate Diplomas
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology Note 4
Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Discursive Therapies Note 2
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial/Organisational Psychology
Note 4
Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Planning
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice Note 4
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation
Postgraduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Sector Evaluation Research
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Service Supervision
Toku Reo Toku Oha, The Postgraduate Diploma in Te Reo Māori
Postgraduate Diploma in Whānau Development
All 120 credits
Note 4: Post-masterate
diplomas
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Dual Diagnosis)
Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing
Postgraduate Certificate in Planning
Postgraduate Certificate in Whānau Development
All 60 credits
Graduate Diplomas
Graduate Diploma in Emergency Management
Graduate Diploma in Māori Development Note 2
All 120 credits
HSS GSC 10/118
16
17
College Contacts
As at October 2010
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 09 414 0800 Ext 82173
06 356 9099 Ext 82173
04 801 5700 Ext 82173
Web: http://humsocsci.massey.ac.nz
Postal:
Diane Davies
Academic Administrator (Postgraduate)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North
Further Information:
For academic advice students should consult the programme / graduate coordinator in their
School.
For administrative advice students should contact Diane Davies (Academic Administrator,
Postgraduate) in the first instance (contact details above).
Massey University provides a Postgraduate Guidebook. This is available at:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/phd-administration/doctoral-degree-
administration/postgraduate-guidebook/postgraduate-guidebook_home.cfm
The School in which you are studying may also have a postgraduate handbook specific to
your programme and you should contact your School for further information.
18
19
Library Information
As a student of the Humanities and Social Sciences, possibly the major resource for you in
your studies will be the services and collections of the Library.
Massey University has extensive collections of print and online material – books,
encyclopaedias, journals, journal article databases, CDs, videos, DVDs, theses. They are all
listed in the Library’s catalogue, which can be accessed through the Library’s home page at
http://library.massey.ac.nz/. Click on the Library for Postgraduates to find out what the
Library can do for you (http://library/massey/research/library/the-library-for/the-library-for-
postgraduates/the-library-for-postgraduates_home.cfm)
Library access If you are enrolled for a thesis or research report and you live near a campus, you are
expected to visit that campus library to access books, journals, photocopying and other
library services. If, however, you live a significant distance from a campus, you may be
eligible to receive distance library services. Please contact the Distance Library Service – by
phone: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627739) and ask for the Library, or by e-mail:
Books The book collections are extensive as the Library is funded to keep abreast of the publishing
output in all subjects taught at Massey in the social sciences and humanities. You are able to
use material from any of Massey’s three campus libraries. As a postgraduate student you may
borrow up to 75 books at a time. The loan period is eight weeks. In addition you can borrow
books through BONUS+. This is a free service giving you access to 4 million more books
from a number of Australian university libraries.
Journals The Library also holds extensive journal collections in the social sciences and humanities.
These days, increasing numbers of journals are online. We also subscribe to a number of
social science journal article databases to enable you to find journal articles on your topic.
Use the Subject Guides on the Library’s home page to identify and link to these databases
and to other resources appropriate to your subject.
Research consultations As a graduate student you will probably be trying to find pretty near all the published
material on your subject. This can seem quite a daunting task, particularly if you haven’t
done it before - or if you haven’t done it for a while. You may want to take advantage of our
Research Consultation Service. One of our Liaison Librarians can give you a one hour
session providing advice on identifying and using relevant reference sources. We can do this
in person, on the phone with and without sharing computer screens (broadband required), or
via email. This is a free service. Ask at any Massey University campus library. We urge you
to make use of this service.
20
Endnote You’ll need to organise your references while you’re preparing your literature review.
Endnote is a programme designed to take the drudgery out of this task. More and more
students and staff are using Endnote to help them with their academic writing and the Library
offers support and training. Click on Endnote on the Library’s home page for more
information.
Interlibrary Loan Any material not held by Massey University Libraries can be acquired for you. The cost of
this service is $5 per article or book.
Distance Library Service The Distance Library Service delivers course related library materials to the homes of eligible
students (usually students studying predominantly block mode or extramural courses). More
information about this is available on the Library’s Home Page or by contacting the Distance
Library Service by phone: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627739) and ask for the Library, or by e-
mail: [email protected].
Liaison Librarians We are your Liaison Librarians. We offer support, advice and training for students in the use
of the Library’s collections and services. Make use of us! Best wishes for your study and we
hope to hear from you or see you in the Library.
Auckland Campus Jane Clark +64 (9) 414 0808 ext 41080 [email protected]
Manawatu Campus Di Barnard +64 (6) 356 9099 ext 7490 [email protected]
Nicola McCarthy +64 (6) 356 9099 ext 7490 [email protected]
Spencer Lilley +64 (6) 356 9099 ext 4851 [email protected]
Wellington Campus Heather Da Vanzo +64 (4) 801 2794 ext 6712 [email protected]
21
Resource Minima for Postgraduate Students at
Massey University
The following list presents the resources available on campus for the research-related
activities of all postgraduate students. Access to the resources is likely to be shared.
Study space
Toll-barred phone
Research funds: provided that the project meets the College and/or departmental
guidelines and funding priorities, you may be eligible to apply for
contestable funds
A computer with word-processing facilities
A printer (student may be responsible for the provision of paper)
Email and Internet (student may be responsible for user charges)
Photocopier and fax (student may be responsible for service charges)
The following list presents the resources available on campus for the research-related
activities of postgraduate students completing a thesis. Access to the resources is likely to be
shared.
Study space
Toll-barred phone
Research funds: provided that the project meets the College and/or departmental
guidelines and funding priorities, you will be able to apply for support
from contestable funds
A computer with word-processing facilities
A printer (student may be responsible for the provision of paper)
Email and Internet
Fax
Library Interloans and photocopying subject to the maximum entitlement specified by
the College, Department, Institute or School
A common room
If you require more information regarding this, please contact your School Graduate
Coordinator.
Source: Massey University Policy Guide
22
23
Teaching, Learning and Distance Education Centres
There is a Teaching, Learning and Distance Education Centre at each campus. Staff within
these Centres are able to assist students to meet their learning needs and achieve academic
excellence, through:
One-to-one and small group consultations with learning advisors, mentors and peer
tutors
Introductory assignment writing and study skills programmes, held before or at the
start of each semester
Free seminars on assignment writing and academic skills development, held during
each semester
A range of diverse programmes and services tailored to meet the specific learning
needs of Maori, Pacific, postgraduate, extramural and international students
The publication of learning resources on topics such as essay and report writing,
referencing, time management, memory skills, making a presentation, and preparation
for exams.
The Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education Centres provide a wide range of services for
distance students. These include:
Online Writing and Learning http://owll.massey.ac.nz/
Academic Support
On -campus workshops
Regional Seminars
Assignments Pre-Reading Service
You can find more information on the services provided by the TLDE Centres at:
http://learning.massey.ac.nz/
24
25
COLLEGE GUIDELINES
AND
PROCEDURES
General Information for all Students and Staff
26
27
Definitions and Guidelines for Teaching Delivery
Modes for Postgraduate Taught Papers, College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
Background
Postgraduate teaching and research is recognised as one of the distinguishing features of
university education. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a wide range of
postgraduate programmes, with qualifications at Certificate, Diploma and Degree level,
spanning both traditional Arts subjects and a diverse array of professional/applied subjects.
Over time, as the College and its postgraduate programmes have expanded and diversified
(across both subject areas and campuses), the modes of teaching delivery have also
diversified. In the interests of equity for students, and clarity of understanding for staff,
consistency in terminology and practice is desirable. The Definitions and Guidelines
proposed below should assist in achieving this goal. They apply only to taught postgraduate
papers.
Three principles underpin the Definitions and Guidelines:
1. That students enrolled in postgraduate papers should be offered high-quality
teaching to promote their learning.
2. Although mode of delivery imposes certain constraints, equivalence in the extent
of teaching contact time across different modes of delivery should be sought.
3. Discussion and interaction between teacher and students, and amongst students, is
an important hallmark of postgraduate education that promotes the development
of a culture of scholarship. Such interaction may occur via face-to-face contact, or
via equivalent online formats.
Definitions and Guidelines
Three modes of teaching delivery are currently recognised: Block, Extramural and Internal.
Each mode is defined below, accompanied by guidelines regarding the nature and quantity of
associated contact time, and the supporting materials provided to students. Regardless of
mode of delivery, all papers observe the normal start and end dates of semesters.
Block Mode
Teaching is delivered in one or more extended face-to-face sessions on a Massey campus, at
which attendance is absolutely compulsory. The teaching contact time for a block mode paper
extends over larger blocks of time, but the total amount of teaching time is what is usually
associated with an internal mode paper. The following guidelines provide the total amount of
required teaching contact in block course papers. It is expressed in hours and days. The
conversion from hours to days is based on six hours of teaching per day. (Note: The critical
value is hours, so if a teaching day is longer than six hours, then fewer days of teaching
would be required.) Normally, attendance at block teaching sessions is both preceded and
followed by private study, which may include assessment components. Assessment
components may also occur during the block teaching sessions. Before and after block
courses, students will have contact with the teacher through virtual office hours, or through
online or phone consultations.
28
Guidelines for Required Teaching Contact Time:
15-credit papers should have typically between 24 – 30 hours (4 – 5 days) of face-to-
face teaching contact.
30-credit papers should have typically between 48 – 60 hours (8 – 10 days) of face-to-
face teaching contact.
Required Supporting Material:
Administration Handbook containing such information as learning outcomes,
assessment structure and course assignments, teaching programme and block course
schedule, and bibliography.
Books of Readings, if they are applicable.
Optional Supporting Material and Teaching:
Study Guides
Additional web-based teaching
Extramural Mode
Teaching is delivered at a distance, via study guides and supporting materials that are sent to
students. Papers delivered in extramural mode will offer interactive learning for the class
through one of the following means: (a) through contact courses, or (b) through online media
and/or other distance technologies, or (c) through a combination of these. Students will have
contact with the teacher throughout the duration of the paper through virtual office hours, or
through online or phone consultations.
Guidelines for Required Interactive Learning Time:
It is expected that all students will engage in interactive learning:
15-credit papers should have typically between 12 – 18 hours of interactive learning.
30-credit papers should have typically between 24 – 36 hours of interactive learning.
Required Teaching and Supporting Material:
Administration Handbook containing such information as learning outcomes,
assessment structure and course assignments, teaching programme and bibliography.
Study Guides
Books of Readings, if they are applicable.
Optional Teaching
Additional teaching may be provided through contact courses that are voluntary or
strongly recommended, or through online contact.
29
Internal Mode
Teaching is delivered in regular face to face sessions on a Massey campus. Sessions are held
on a weekly or at least a fortnightly basis. Class contact time per week is determined by the
credit value of the paper (15 or 30 credits) and the duration (one or two semesters).
Guidelines for Required Teaching Contact:
15 credits, single semester 2 to 2.5 hours per week (24 -- 30 hours total)
15 credits, double semester 1 to 1.25 hours per week (24 -- 30 hours total)
30 credits, single semester 4 to 5 hours per week (48 -- 60 hours total)
30 credits, double semester 2 to 2.5 hours per week (48 -- 60 hours total)
Required Supporting Materials:
Administration Handbook containing such information as learning outcomes,
assessment structure and course assignments, teaching programme and course schedule,
and bibliography.
Books of Readings, if they are applicable.
Optional Supporting Materials:
Study Guides
On-line components
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/136
Approved: 21/11/08
30
31
Admission and Progression for College
Qualifications
Part A: Criteria for Admission to Postgraduate Qualifications in
the Arts
Effective 1 December 2009
The following general principles specify the criteria for admission to Postgraduate
Qualifications in Arts in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Exceptions to the
criteria may be made, subject to the proper exercise of academic discretion.
Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts and the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
is open to students who have completed one of the following minimum pre-requisites,
at an appropriate level of academic achievement:
o A Bachelor’s degree, with a minor or equivalent in the intended postgraduate
subject; the minor in the proposed subject of study must include at least 30 credits
at 300-level.
o A Bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Certificate in Arts endorsed in the
intended postgraduate subject; the endorsed Graduate Certificate in Arts must
have all 60 credits in the intended postgraduate subject.
o A Bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma in Arts endorsed in the
intended postgraduate subject;
Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts and the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
in the subject area Psychology follows the requirements for Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
or Master of Arts (240 credits)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts (240 credits)
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and the Master of Arts (240 credits) is
open to students who have completed one of the following minimum pre-requisites, at
an appropriate level of academic achievement:
o A Bachelor of Arts degree, or close equivalent, with a major in the intended
postgraduate subject;
o A Bachelor of Arts degree, or close equivalent, with a minor in the intended
postgraduate subject followed by a Graduate Certificate in Arts endorsed in the
intended postgraduate subject.
o A Bachelor of Arts degree, or close equivalent, followed by a Graduate Diploma
of Arts in the intended postgraduate subject.
Master of Arts (120 credits
Admission to the 120-credit Master of Arts (by thesis) is open to students who have
been awarded either of the following:
o A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with an endorsement in the same subject as that in
which the thesis will be done;
o A Postgraduate Diploma in Arts with an endorsement in the same subject as that
in which the thesis will be done;
32
Academic Achievement
Grade Point Average (GPA) is used as evidence of academic achievement. The
College requirements are as follows:
o For admission to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts (240 credits), the
GPA requirement is at least 5.0 (B) across the 300-level papers taken towards the
relevant major;
o For admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts or the Postgraduate Diploma
in Arts, for students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Graduate
Diploma in Arts, the GPA requirement is at least 4.0 (B-) across the 300-level
papers taken towards the relevant major/endorsement.
o For admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts or the Postgraduate Diploma
in Arts, for students who have completed a Bachelors degree other than Arts, the
GPA requirement is at least 5.0 (B) across all papers taken towards the relevant
minor, or across all papers taken towards the Graduate Certificate in Arts.
o For progression from the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts and Bachelor of Arts
(Honours) to the Master of Arts by thesis, the GPA requirement is 5.0 (B) in the
700-level papers taken towards the qualification.
33
Diagrammatic Representation of Postgraduate Pathways
(showing minimum pre-requisites)
* Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in
Psychology requires the prior completion of a Psychology major or equivalent
(Graduate Diploma in Arts, or minor plus Graduate Certificate in Arts).
Document Reference: HSS CB 09/180 (Rev 09.11.09)
Approved 20/11/09
English Language Requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts and the
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking university must
demonstrate English language competence equivalent to an overall IELTS score of at least
6.5 with no band lower than 6.
English Language Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and the Master of
Arts
Students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking university must
demonstrate English language competence equivalent to an overall IELTS score of at least
7.0 with no band lower than 6.5.
Undergraduate
Degree
Containing Postgraduate Pathway
Bachelor of Arts
Major BA (Hons)
or
BA (Hons) + MA by thesis
or
MA (240 credits)
or
PGDipArts
or
PGDipArts + MA by thesis
Bachelor of Arts
Minor, followed by GCertArts
Bachelor of Arts Followed by GDipArts
Bachelor’s degree
Minor
PGDip Arts
*
MA by thesis
Bachelor’s degree Followed by GCertArts
or GDipArts
34
35
Part B: Admission to Named Postgraduate Qualifications
Effective from 1 November 2007
1. Entry to named Graduate Diplomas (Emergency Management) requires
Completed Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (or admission with Equivalent
Status at graduate level) with GPA determined by admitting programme, and/or
professional experience requirements appropriate to the qualification
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5).
2. Entry to named Postgraduate Certificates (Health Science, Nursing, Planning,
Whanau Development ) requires
Completed Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (or Admission with
Equivalent Status at graduate level) with GPA determined by admitting
programme, plus professional experience requirements appropriate to the
qualification
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0).
3. Entry to the following Postgraduate Diplomas
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Development Studies
Maori Visual Arts
Museum Studies
Nursing
Planning
Public Health
Rehabilitation
Second Language Teaching
Social Sector Evaluation Research
Social Service Supervision
Te Reo Maori (Toku Reo Toku Oha)
Whanau Development
requires
A completed Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (or Admission with
Equivalent Status at graduate level) with GPA determined by admitting
programme, and/or professional experience requirements appropriate to the
qualification
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0).
4. Entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science normally requires
Completed Bachelor of Health Science degree, with a major in the subject
proposed for Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science study.
36
GPA of at least 4.0 (B-) across the 300-level majoring papers.
For students whose qualifying degree/diploma was not completed at an English-
speaking university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent
to an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0).
5. Entry to the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) normally requires
Completed Bachelor of Health Science degree, with a major in the subject
proposed for BHlthSc (Hons) study.
GPA of at least 6.0 (B+) across the 300-level majoring papers.
For students whose qualifying degree/diploma was not completed at an English-
speaking university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent
to an overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band lower than 6.5).
6. Entry to the following named Masterate degrees
Applied Social Work (subject to CUAP approval November 2010)
Defence Studies
Maori Visual Arts
Nursing
Public Policy
Resource and Environmental Planning
Social Work
requires
A completed Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (or Admission with
Equivalent Status at graduate level) with GPA determined by admitting
programme, plus professional experience requirements appropriate to the
qualification.
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0).
7. Entry to the Master of Creative Writing requires
A completed Bachelor of Arts with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts or
an equivalent qualification in Creative Writing, Expressive Arts or English, or in
exceptional circumstances have been awarded or qualified for another degree as
approved by Academic Board;
A portfolio of creative writing of sufficient substance and quality.
8. Entry to the Master of Health Science requires
A completed Bachelor of Health Science degree, with a GPA of at least 5.0.
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band lower than 6.5).
9. Entry to the Master of Public Health requires
A completed Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, with a GPA of at least 5.0.
For students whose qualifying degree was not completed at an English-speaking
university, demonstration of English language competence (equivalent to an
overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band lower than 6.5).
37
Part C: Progression between Named Postgraduate Qualifications
Effective from 1 November 2007
1. Completion of named Postgraduate Certificates
Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science may allow
progression to the Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation, , the Master of Arts,
or the Master of Philosophy, depending on prior qualifications and the GPA
achieved.
Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing may allow progression to
the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing or to the Master of Nursing, depending on
the GPA achieved.
Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Planning may allow progression to
the Postgraduate Diploma in Planning or the Master of Resource and
Environmental Planning, depending on the GPA achieved.
Completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Whanau Development may allow
progression to the Postgraduate Diploma Whanau Development respectively,
depending on the GPA achieved.
2. Completion of the following Postgraduate Diplomas may allow progression to the
Master of Arts or Master of Philosophy as indicated below
Completed Postgraduate Diploma Relevant Endorsement
PGDip Development Studies Development Studies
PGDip Museum Studies Museum Studies
PGDip Rehabilitation Rehabilitation
PGDip Second Language Teaching Second Language Teaching
PGDip Social Sector Evaluation Research Social Policy
PGDip Te Reo Maori Maori Studies
Students who complete one of the named Postgraduate Diplomas with a GPA of
at least 5.0 (B), and who entered the Postgraduate Diploma with a BA or a
GDipArts in the named or a closely related subject, will be eligible to apply to
Transfer the papers to the MA (240 credits), with the commencement date
of the named Postgraduate Diploma regarded as the commencement date of
the MA
Proceed to the MA by thesis only (120 credits), following the award of the
named Postgraduate Diploma
Students who complete one of the named Postgraduate Diplomas with a GPA of
at least 5.0 (B), and who entered the Postgraduate Diploma with any other
Bachelor’s qualification, will be eligible to apply to
Transfer the papers to the MPhil (240 credits), with the commencement
date of the Postgraduate Diploma regarded as the commencement date of
the MPhil
Proceed to the MPhil by thesis only (120 credits), following the award of
the named Postgraduate Diploma
Such transfer or progression may require the inclusion of an appropriate research
methods paper in the Diploma, or the completion of such a paper prior to or
concurrently with enrolment in the thesis.
38
3. Completion of the following named Postgraduate Diplomas and the following
endorsements in the PGDipArts may allow progression to the relevant Masterate
degree as indicated below
Completed Postgraduate Diploma Relevant Masterate
PGDip Health Science Master of Health Science
PGDip Maori Visual Arts Master of Maori Visual Arts
PGDip Nursing Master of Nursing
PGDip Public Health Master of Public Health
PGDip Arts (Defence Studies) Master of Arts (Defence Studies) or
Master of Defence Studies
PGDip Planning Master of Resource and Environmental Planning
PGDip Arts (Public Policy) Master of Public Policy
PGDip Arts (Social Work) Master of Social Work or
Master of Applied Social Work
Progression to the relevant Masterate requires completion of the Postgraduate
Diploma with a GPA of at least 5.0 (B), and
Progression may require the inclusion of an appropriate theoretical paper and/or
an appropriate research methods paper in the Postgraduate Diploma, or the
completion of such a paper(s) prior to or concurrently with enrolment in the
Masterate coursework or thesis
Where the Postgraduate Diploma has been awarded, surrender may be required
before the Masters degree can be awarded.
4. The following Postgraduate Diplomas have been designed as “stand-alone”
diplomas. Each has specific entry requirements, and completion does not
normally allow progression to MA, MPhil, or named Masterate programmes.
Students who wish to proceed to Masterate-level study should seek academic
advice prior to commencing the diploma.
PGDip Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
PGDip Discursive Therapies
PGDip Social Service Supervision
5. The following Postgraduate Diplomas are post-masterate diplomas, and require
prior completion of a Masters (or Doctoral) degree for entry. Hence there is no
“progression” to masterate level study.
PGDip Clinical Psychology
PGDip Industrial/Organisational Psychology
PGDip Psychological Practice
Document Reference: HSS CB 07/116
Approved: 26/10/07
39
Part Time or Full Time Study
Most postgraduate programmes in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences are
available for either part-time or full-time study. The choice between part-time and full-time
study is an important one, and should be made carefully at the outset of your programme.
You should take into consideration your personal commitments, such as work and/or family
responsibilities, as well as your academic goals.
Full-time study is defined as enrolment in 105 credits or more during a 12 month period
(either Feb to Feb, or July to July). Part-time study is defined as 90 credits or less during a 12
month period (either Feb to Feb, or July to July). The College recognises that the distribution
of papers across semesters sometimes means that a part-time student will have more credits in
one semester than another, and hence our definition is based on the 12 month period.
You should also be aware of the following:
1. Postgraduate qualifications can be awarded with honours or distinction for high levels
of academic achievement, provided that all requirements have been completed within
defined time limits. The applicable time limits differ for full-time and part-time
students. See the section on Time Limits.
2. The choice between full-time and part-time student status affects your eligibility for
student allowances. Normally, part-time students are not eligible to receive student
allowances, although they may be eligible for student loans. If you have questions or
concerns about your eligibility for loans and/or allowances, please contact StudyLink
on 0800 88 99 00.
3. The choice between part-time and full-time status may affect your eligibility for certain
scholarships and awards, as some are only available to full-time students. For details,
please see the Massey University awards web site at http://awards.massey.ac.nz.
4. For students completing a Masterate thesis as part of their qualification, the choice
between full-time and part-time study will affect which thesis paper(s) you should enrol
for. If you are full-time you should take a 120-credit thesis paper (see Notes below). If
you are part-time you should take two 60-credit thesis papers, usually labelled Thesis
Part I and Thesis Part II (see Notes below).
5. For students completing qualifications which include a thesis you may change between
part-time and full-time before beginning your thesis. Once you have started your thesis
you cannot change. Please consider your commitments, current and future, carefully
before choosing whether to enrol part-time or full-time in your thesis. It is strongly
recommended that part-time students begin their thesis in February.
A list of subjects available for Masterate-level study in Humanities and Social Sciences
follows. Section A shows thesis numbers for the MA, and Section B show thesis numbers for
the named Masterates.
40
Note 1: In some disciplines a full-time thesis is 90 credits and part time thesis is two 45
credit papers.
Note 2: If you were enrolled in a 120 credit thesis and are studying part-time, please
contact the Manawatu College Office for instructions regarding re-enrolments.
Section A - Master of Arts
Subject Full Time Part Time
Thesis Part I/A Part II/B
(120 credits) (60 credits) (60 credits)
Defence & Strategic Studies 149.899 149.894 149.895
Development Studies 131.899 131.816 131.817
Economics 178.899 178.897 178.898
Education 180.891 180.895 180.896
Emergency Management 130.899 130.816 130.817
English 139.899 139.816 139.817
Geography 145.899 145.897 145.898
History 148.899 148.816 148.817
Linguistics 172.899 172.816 172.817
Māori Studies 150.899 150.816 150.817
Mathematics 160.899 160.897 160.898
Media Studies 154.899 154.816 154.817
Museum Studies 167.899 167.816 167.817
Nursing 168.899 168.816 168.817
Philosophy 134.899 134.816 134.817
Politics 200.899 200.816 200.817
Psychology 175.899 175.894 175.896
Psychology 175.898 (90 cr) 175.895 (30 cr) 175.896 (60 cr)
Rehabilitation 147.899 147.816 147.817
Religious Studies 135.899 135.816 135.817
Second Language Teaching 272.899 272.816 272.817
Social Anthropology 146.899 146.816 146.817
Social Policy 279.899 279.816 279.817
Sociology 176.899 176.816 176.817
Statistics 161.899 161.897 161.898
Visual and Material Culture 197.899 197.816 197.817
Women’s Studies 170.899 170.816 170.817
41
Section B - Named Masterates
Subject Full Time Part Time
Thesis Part I/A Part II/B
(120 credits) (60 credits) (60 credits)
Defence Studies 149.893 (90 cr) 149.892 (45 cr) 149.891 (45 cr)
Health Sciences
Environmental Health 214.899 214.897 214.898
Maori Health 150.899 150.816 150.817
Psychology 175.899 175.894 175.896
Rehabilitation 147.899 147.816 147.817
Sport & Exercise 234.899 234.897 234.898
Maori Visual Arts 150.821 150.825 150.826
Public Health 231.899 231.816 231.817
Public Policy 144.899 144.816 144.817
Resource & Environ Planning 132.899 132.815 132.816
Resource & Environ Planning 132.897 (90 cr)
Social Work 179.899 179.816 179.817
42
43
Time Limits for Graduate Students
The following paragraphs outline regulations regarding time limits that apply to postgraduate
qualifications in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Note: Different programmes have different time limits dependent on whether you are full-
time or part-time. Therefore, it is important when you enrol to establish whether you
are full-time or part-time.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) 1. Full-time students must complete all the requirements within one (1) calendar year of
first enrolling.
2. Part-time students must complete all the requirements within three (3) consecutive
calendar years of first enrolling for part-time study.
Master of Arts (MA) 1. Students must complete all requirements within six (6) consecutive calendar years of
first enrolling for the degree.
2. Full-time students
To be eligible for Honours, students must complete all requirements within two (2)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for full-time study.
3. Part-time students
To be eligible for Honours, students must complete all requirements within five (5)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for part-time study.
4. Change of enrolment – full-time to part-time or vice versa
To be eligible for Honours, students must complete all requirements within four (4)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for the degree.
Master of Arts by Thesis only (MA) 1 Students must complete all requirements within four (4) consecutive calendar years of
first enrolling for the degree.
2. Full-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within one (1)
calendar year of first enrolling for full time study
3. Part-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within three (3)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for part time study.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) The regulations that relate to a particular master’s degree in the College of Humanities and
Social Sciences apply.
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) 1. There is no time limit for completion of this qualification.
2. Full-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within one (1)
calendar year of first enrolling for full time study
44
3. Part-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within three (3)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for part time study.
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (PGCertArts) There is no time limit for completion of this qualification.
Graduate Diploma in Arts (GDipArts) 1. There is no time limit for completion of this qualification.
2. Full-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within one (1)
calendar year of first enrolling for full time study
3. Part-time students
To be eligible for Distinction, students must complete all requirements within three (3)
consecutive calendar years of first enrolling for part time study.
For all other qualifications please refer to the Calendar – specific regulations may apply
which will impact on your programme of study.
45
Extensions, Suspensions, Withdrawals and Other
Administrative Procedures
There are various avenues available for students who due to exceptional circumstances need
to extend the deadline for completion of their postgraduate work. Please consult with your
paper coordinator, your research supervisor, or your School Graduate/Programme coordinator
to discuss which is the appropriate procedure for your circumstances. These include the
following:
1. Extension for Assessment Components in Taught Papers a. If you are unable to complete an assignment or other assessment component by
the due date due to unforeseen circumstances, contact your paper coordinator to
discuss an extension.
b. A formal application for extension is not usually required, but you may be asked
to provide appropriate evidence (medical certificate, statement from employer,
death notice) regarding your circumstances.
c. If circumstances warrant, it may be possible to arrange an extension beyond the
end date of the paper. If this occurs, the paper coordinator will award a Not
Finalised (NF) grade at the end of semester.
2. Extensions for Research Components and/or Overall Programme a. An extension of time may be appropriate when you have been unable to meet the
normal deadlines to complete your programme of study due to unforeseen
circumstances outside of your control. Such circumstances may be personal (such
as illness, injury, or bereavement) or related to your research (such as delays in
obtaining ethical approval, or delays in recruiting participants).
b. Applications for extension must be made before the relevant deadline. For
students whose programmes commenced in Semester 1, this will normally be 28
February. For students whose programmes commenced in Semester 2, this will
normally be 30 June.
c. Extensions are normally for a period of one to two months; longer periods of
extension may be approved if justified by the circumstances.
d. If an extension longer than one month is approved for the completion of a
research component, then you will be re-enrolled in the thesis or research report
at the time the extension is approved, and you will be required to re-enrol for the
additional period of study and to pay the fees appropriate to your re-enrolment.
e. Please use the College’s Application for Extension form, which is reproduced in
appendix C, and can be downloaded from:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_booklets.cfm
3. Suspensions a. A suspension may be appropriate when study is prevented for a period of time
(normally exceeding one month in duration) due to unforeseen circumstances,
such as illness or injury, bereavement, family responsibilities, work
commitments, and so forth. A suspension “stops the clock” in your programme of
study, so that you are not penalised for circumstances that are outside of your
control.
46
b. Applications should be made as soon as you realise that your studies will be
prevented for a period of time. Applications prior to the suspension period are
preferred, but retrospective applications will also be considered.
c. Normally, the maximum period of suspension is one year, but longer periods of
suspension may be approved if circumstances warrant. The College does not
normally consider applications for periods of suspension of less than one month.
d. Where a suspension application is approved, qualification completion dates are
consequently amended. You will be advised in writing of the amended dates. A
separate application for an extension of time is not required.
e. During the period of suspension, you are not entitled to receive tuition or
supervision, to access or receive any university services, or to initiate/continue
data collection.
f. If you are enrolled in a thesis component, then you may be required to maintain
your thesis enrolment during your period of suspension. Depending on your
particular circumstances, it may be possible to carry forward tuition fees paid in
one year to a subsequent enrolment period. You will be advised of the
requirements that apply in your situation.
g. Please use the College’s Application for Suspension form, which is reproduced in
Appendix D, and can be downloaded from:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_booklets.cfm
4. Carry Forward of Postgraduate Registration a. If you apply for an extension of time or a suspension of studies on the grounds of
exceptional circumstances, and your application is approved, you may be advised
to apply for Carry Forward of Postgraduate Registration.
b. Applications are subject to payment of an application fee and approval by the
Academic Director. No further tuition fees are due for the period to which
registration is carried forward. The Carry Forward of Postgraduate Registration
application form can be downloaded from:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-humanities-social-
sciences/study/postgrad/pg_admin_booklets.cfm
c. Students who were enrolled on a part-time basis in a 120-credit thesis option
should apply for Carry Forward of Postgraduate Registration for their second year
of thesis enrolment. To be eligible, a part-time classification must have been
established at the commencement of the thesis.
5. Withdrawals from Taught Papers If you decide to withdraw from a taught paper, the consequences depend on the date of
withdrawal relative to the duration of the paper.
a. If you withdraw before 10% of the tuition period has elapsed, there will be
neither academic nor financial penalty. Tuition fees will be refunded, and the
paper will not appear on your formal academic record.
b. If you withdraw before 75% of the tuition period has elapsed, there will be no
academic penalty but you will remain liable for tuition fees for the paper. The
paper will appear as WD on your formal academic record.
c. If you withdraw after 75% of the tuition period has elapsed, there will be an
academic penalty and you will remain liable for tuition fees for the paper. The
paper will appear with a failing grade (DNC) on your formal academic record.
47
Note:
If you need to withdraw due to critical personal circumstances (illness, injury,
bereavement, or other traumatic event), then you should also submit a Fee Appeal. If
your Fee Appeal is upheld, then the fees you have paid will be transferred to the next
academic year. Contact the College office at your campus of study to obtain further
information about Fee Appeals.
6. Withdrawals from Thesis Papers If you are considering withdrawing from a thesis, you should contact the programme /
graduate coordinator in your School to discuss the implications. If you decide to
proceed with your withdrawal you must contact the HSS Postgraduate Administrator
(refer pg 17 for contact details) to action the withdrawal. Withdrawals from a thesis
cannot be actioned through any other channel. If you withdraw from a thesis this
means that you have abandoned the qualification, and a note to this effect will appear
on your academic record. This is a permanent decision and you cannot re-start the
thesis at a later date. Resumption of study towards the same qualification would
require a fresh application for admission.
48
49
Class of Honours/Grade Point Average
(GPA)
The awarding of a postgraduate qualification with a class of honours, or with distinction, is
determined by the Grade Point Average (GPA) that a student achieves.
The procedure for calculating the Grade Point Average is as follows:
a. Each letter grade is assigned a grade point value, on a 0 to 9 scale, with fail grades
assigned a point value of 0, and A+ grades a point value of 9.
b. The grade point value is multiplied by the credit value of the paper, to give a weighted
grade point value.
c. The weighted grade point values are summed; this summation represents the numerator.
The credit values of all papers contributing to the qualification are summed; this
summation represents the denominator.
d. The numerator is divided by the denominator to yield the GPA.
e. The class of honours, or distinction, is determined according to the GPA, as follows:
GPA 7.0 or higher First Class Honours, or Distinction
GPA between 5.5 and 6.99 Second Class Honours, Division I
GPA between 4.0 and 5.49 Second Class Honours, Division II
GPA less than 4.00 Third Class Honours (for BA(Hons) only)
Note: Papers that are graded Pass/Fail are excluded from the GPA calculation.
In the majority of cases, calculation of the GPA is straightforward. When students complete
the minimum number of credits for the qualification, and pass all components on the first
attempt, the above formula is easily applied.
However, in circumstances where the academic record contains an aegrotat pass, a fail grade,
credit from other universities, and/or more than the minimum number of credits for the
qualification, additional rules for the calculation of GPA are required.
The following rules for GPA calculation will apply to students commencing qualifications
from 2003 onwards:
Aegrotat grades Where the academic record contains an aegrotat grade(s), it is treated in the same way as a
pass grade. That is, the credits associated with the paper are credited to the qualification, but
the aegrotat grade is not assigned a grade point value. The grade does not contribute to the
numerator of the GPA formula, and the credits associated with the paper do not contribute to
the denominator of the GPA formula. Thus, the student is neither advantaged nor
disadvantaged.
Fail grades Where the academic record contains a fail grade(s), with fail defined as D, E, F, or DNC, the
credits associated with the paper contribute to the denominator of the GPA calculation but not
to the numerator.
50
Credit from other tertiary institutions Where a student has transferred credit from an incomplete qualification at another institution
to a Massey postgraduate qualification, the credits awarded are credited to the qualification,
but the grade(s) obtained at other institutions are not used in the calculation of the GPA. This
parallels the treatment of aegrotat and pass grades.
Credits above minimum requirements Where a student passes more than the minimum number of papers required for completion of
a qualification, all compulsory papers, together with those papers with the highest grades,
shall be used in the calculation of the GPA.
Grade
GPA Unit
Value of Grade
Class of Honours/Distinction
GPA Cutting Points
A+
A
A-
9
8
7
1st Class Honours/Distinction
7.00 - 9.00
B+ 6 2nd
Class Division I 5.50 - 6.99
B
B-
5
4
2nd
Class Division II
4.00 - 5.49
C+
C
3
2
Pass
(or for BA(Hons) and
BHlthSci(Hons) 3rd
Class
Honours)
less than 4.00
D 0 Fail
E 0 Fail
DNC 0 Fail
Document Reference: HSS CB 02/100
Approved: 27/09/02
51
Graduation
If you have completed your qualification then you must apply to graduate:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/student-life/graduation/graduation.cfm. It is your
responsibility to make sure you submit your application before the closing dates as late
applications will NOT be accepted.
Postgraduate students who have submitted a thesis, or students waiting for results from
Summer School (Semester 3), may not receive their results before the closing date for
graduation applications. You will still need to apply before the closing date even if your
results have not arrived.
You can apply to graduate online, or download a paper application form, at:
http://graduation.massey.ac.nz/
Or you can obtain an application form by:
Phone: 0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739)
Email: [email protected]
Visit: Campus Information Centre
Post: Graduation Applications
NSATS
Massey University
Private Bag 11- 222
Palmerston North
You can choose to graduate:
In person - have your scroll presented to you in person at a graduation ceremony.
In absentia - graduate at a ceremony without attending. Your scroll will be posted out.
In Council - your degree, diploma or certificate will be awarded by the Academic Board at
one of their meetings and the scroll posted to you if you don't wish to attend.
At a Māori ceremony - your award can be made in absentia and your scroll will be held and
presented at a ceremony to honour Māori graduates (Albany and Manawatu only).
The following deadlines apply for students wishing to graduate in person:
Campus Ceremony Deadline
Albany April 1 February
Manawatu May 1 March
Manawatu November 1 September
Wellington May 1 March
Further information about graduating can be found on the following web page:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/student-life/graduation/graduation.cfm
52
Note for students completing a thesis:
If you have completed a thesis and wish to graduate in person at one of the graduation
ceremonies you need to allow sufficient time for your thesis to be marked. A thesis can take
4-5 months to be marked. While you are entitled to take up to 28 February to submit your
thesis, if you submit in January or February your thesis will not be marked in time for you to
graduate in person at the April / May ceremonies. To allow sufficient time for marking you
should submit your thesis by 31 October of the preceding year. Final copies of your thesis
must be lodged with the Graduate Research School as per the University Guidelines for the
Submission of Theses (see page 63) before your Graduation application can be confirmed and
approved.
53
COLLEGE GUIDELINES
AND
PROCEDURES
Information for Research Students and Staff
54
55
Thesis Enrolment and Deadline for Submission
Thesis Enrolment
Students intending to enrol in a thesis should note the following information carefully.
Progression from Papers:
To progress on to the thesis, you will need to achieve a B average in the 120 credits of taught
papers.
Part-time vs Full-Time:
Before enrolling in your thesis paper you must consider carefully all your commitments,
personal and work, before deciding whether to enrol part-time or full-time. Once you have
committed to either part-time or full-time study for your thesis you will not be able to change.
Continuous Enrolment and Fees Payable:
Once you have commenced your enrolment in the thesis, you must re-enrol in the thesis paper
each and every year you are studying for your thesis and you must pay fees each and every
year. This requirement continues up to the submission of your thesis.
Deadline for Submission of Thesis
The thesis submission deadline for the majority of students is 28 February. If your thesis is
not submitted at that time then you will need to re-enrol for the following year, and pay the
appropriate tuition fees, provided that you have not exceeded the time limit for your degree
You will be advised of the deadline for thesis submission at the point when you are admitted
to a research postgraduate degree. If your submission deadline is amended due to an extension
or suspension, or your thesis enrolment commenced in July, you will be individually advised
of the submission deadline that applies. .
If you have any questions about your thesis submission deadline, please contact the
Manawatu College office for information.
If you wish to graduate in person at a May ceremony please refer to the section on Graduation
(page 51) for further information about timelines for submission of thesis.
56
57
College Research Supervision Guidelines
1. Each School must have resources (human and financial) to support each graduate
student who is accepted for enrolment in a research programme, ie thesis or research
report or practicum. The research topic needs to be carefully defined bearing in mind
resources available.
2. Each student should be allocated at least one supervisor, but preferably, where possible,
two supervisors. These people may be requested by the student or allocated on the basis
of topic or method expertise. Allocation of supervisors is done taking cognisance of
workloads of staff that are able to supervise students.
3. Where two supervisors are allocated, they should be able to work together and not give
conflicting advice to the student being supervised. The role of each should be discussed
and outlined in the statement of expectations that is drawn up between the parties
concerned.
4. A statement of expectations should be drawn up between the student and the
supervisor(s) regarding such issues as frequency of meetings, means of contact, times of
contact, requirements for submission of written work, turnaround time for feedback on
written work, presentation of seminars, publications arising from the research. All
parties concerned should sign this statement. This statement may need to be revised as
the year progresses.
5. Procedures should be in place and made known to students and staff regarding the
support and mentoring available when staff and students encounter difficulties/problems
in the supervisory relationship.
6. All research students should have the opportunity to be integrated into the culture of the
school by means of presentation of seminars and attendance at seminars. This
expectation should be included in the information provided to prospective students.
7. Interim progress reports (twice yearly) for students enrolled in Masters’ theses or
research reports should be submitted to the School/Programme Graduate Coordinator.
This will enable them to ascertain progress of students and identify any issues that need
to be addressed in order to assist the student to complete the research in the required
timeframe, or to make other recommendations as appropriate.
8. Through students’ supervisors, each School should provide students enrolled in a
research report or thesis with clear written guidelines about academic requirements and
expectations, responsibilities and support sources as well as advice on how to avoid
plagiarism.
58
9. Examination of research reports (30 and 60 credits) and theses (90 and 120 credits):
As a best practice guideline, a peer review process1 is recommended for internal
quality control of student theses/research reports before they are submitted for
examination.
All research reports shall be graded by two examiners, at least one of who shall be
independent of the research work, with external moderation.
External moderation requires an assessment of research reports by a person (or
persons) external to the university.
Moderation can mean in practice:
full external examination of all reports;
a selection of reports being examined externally;
a selection of reports being moderated externally on an annual basis;
a selection of reports moderated externally on the basis of a rolling review
and the review to be no more than a three-year cycle. (HSS GSC03/94, 3 September 2003)
All theses shall be graded by two examiners who are independent of the research
work and one of whom is external to the university.
People with expertise in the topic area, the method/methodology and, if possible,
experience in examining theses/research reports, should be invited to be
examiners.
Payment of examiners will be at the discretion of the Head of School.
Guidelines for the examination of the research reports or theses should be sent to
the examiners to give them an idea of the expectations of the School for reports or
theses of varying sizes, and information about the grading system used by the
University.
Students should be informed that research reports could take 4-8 weeks to be
examined.
Students should be informed that theses could take 4-5 months to be examined.
Each School should develop an appropriate process for dealing with discrepancies
in examiners’ reports, with the Head of School, as chief examiner, making the
final decision. (See Policy and Procedures for Examination Adjudication page
71.)
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/111
Approved: 26/09/08
1 A peer is an academic peer who has research supervision skills and experience in the crafting of theses/research
reports for examination and the examining of theses/research reports
59
Policy on the Moderation of Postgraduate Papers
Research-based papers
Moderation of students’ research outputs by means of external examination is a means of
ensuring neutrality and informed oversight, free of the influences of the university at which
the student is enrolled and the supervision that has been provided. Current practice should
continue.
For both theses (90 credits or more) and research reports (up to 60 credits), two examiners are
required. For theses, both examiners must be independent of the research, and at least one
must be external to Massey. For research reports, at least one of the examiners must be
independent of the research.
Taught papers
Moderation for taught papers is a process by which a neutral but informed consideration is
given to the appropriateness of teaching and assessment practices of a paper to the discipline
within which it is taught and the level at which it is pitched, with the aim of ensuring that
papers offered maintain quality and recognised standing. For all taught postgraduate papers, a
system of moderation should be implemented by the School(s) or Centre(s) involved.
Moderation of taught papers should be undertaken by academics with a knowledge of the
discipline within which the paper is taught but who do not teach on the paper being
moderated. In normal circumstances, moderators would be people of recognised standing
external to Massey University and should be selected in consultation with the Head of
Programme/ Head of School or Centre.
Procedures for Moderation of taught papers
The system of moderation should be agreed between Heads of Schools or Centres, teaching
staff and moderator(s), but should involve at least one of the following, depending on the
needs of the programme involved:
Evaluation of paper outlines and assessment instruments
Moderation of a range of assessed samples of one or more completed assignments per
year, rotating to ensure regular moderation of assignments within the programme
Moderation of assessed samples of all assignments
Moderation of all work submitted by students
Moderation of all assessed assignments of selected students within a programme
according to defined criteria: for example, benchmarking of grades in the A range,
resolution of borderline grades, validation of student ranking in papers, cross-checking
of variations in individual student performance across papers.
Information provided to external moderators may include a reminder of the issue of
intellectual property in relation to the course materials.
60
The moderation report should be passed on by the paper coordinator(s) to the Head of
Programme/Head of School or Centre. Should a moderator suggest changes to the existing
programme, the paper coordinator and Head of Programme/Head of School or Centre should
give serious consideration to these findings and, where they are accepted as a result, plan a
process for their implementation.
Moderation frequency should be at least once every four years for the programme and where
possible there should be rotation of external moderators.
For those taught papers which have an existing requirement for moderation by an external
body as part of their accreditation process, those requirements will override the College policy
on moderation.
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/118 (rev 21/11/08)
Approved: 21/11/08
61
College Policy Regarding Research Supervisors and
Examiners
Purpose:
The objective of this policy is to ensure that the best possible supervisors and examiners are
appointed.
The criteria set out below are the ideals that should be considered when appointing
supervisors and examiners.
The components should be read as a whole rather than as single points in isolation.
Principles:
Supervisors should have expertise in the area proposed for study and the methodology
proposed for use by the candidate.
Examiners should have expertise in the area of the research report or thesis and the
methodology.
Policy:
Supervision
A research supervisor should normally
1. Hold a relevant degree at least equal in rank to that for which the candidate is
completing the research report or thesis.
2. Not be a member of the candidate’s immediate family, not be in an intimate personal
relationship with the candidate, and wherever possible, not be the line manager with
respect to the candidate.
3. Have completed formal supervision training prior to commencement of the supervisory
relationship.
4. Be PBRF eligible.
5. Be employed on a continuing contract. If the research supervisor is employed on a
fixed-term contract, the termination date of the supervisor’s contract should be at least 6
months beyond the anticipated completion date of a research report, or at least 12
months beyond the anticipated completion date of a thesis.
Examination
An examiner should normally
1. Hold a relevant degree at least equal in rank to that for which the candidate has
completed the research report or thesis
2. Not be a member of the candidate’s immediate family, not be in an intimate personal
relationship with the candidate, and, wherever possible, not have an employment
relationship of any kind with the candidate
3. Be PBRF eligible (or equivalent), if a university staff member. If not a university staff
member, then be currently active in a research environment or relevant clinical
environment.
62
4. Have experience in examining research reports/theses or be supported in that role by an
experienced colleague. It is desirable that both examiners have experience in examining
research reports/theses. It is mandatory that at least one of the examiners has such
experience.
Note: Former Massey staff members may be eligible to serve as external examiners,
provided that at least 12 months have elapsed between the last day of the examiner’s
tenure at Massey and the commencement of the examination process, and that the above
criteria are satisfied.
Document Reference: HSS CB 07/117 (Revised)
Approved: 29/10/07
63
University Guidelines for the Submission of Theses
The following is reproduced from the current Massey University Calendar Final
Examinations Section 10.
a. A candidate whose examination includes the presentation of a thesis ( ≥ 90 credits) shall
have an approved supervisor or supervisors before commencing work on the research.
b. Before the thesis is forwarded to the examiners, the Head of Academic Unit shall supply
a certificate from the supervisor that the thesis embodies work carried out by the
candidate under direct supervision and also stating the part the supervisor played in
preparation of the thesis.
c. For the purposes of the assessment of the masters degree thesis a candidate shall be
required to submit three copies of the thesis as required by the policy of the individual
college that has supervised the thesis. Students should contact their College Office for
guidance on submission procedures for their individual College.
d. For the purposes of the assessment of the doctoral degree thesis a candidate shall be
required to submit to the Graduate Research School (if located on Manawatu Campus),
or to Massey contact (if located on Albany or Wellington campuses) four securely
bound copies of the thesis. Students not located close to a campus can post or courier
their theses to the Graduate Research School.
e. Paper copies and the digital copy of the thesis shall, unless the Librarian otherwise
approves, conform with the format requirements as detailed in the current library
handbook A Guide to the Presentation of Theses
http://www.massey.ac.nz/~wwwlib/learnit/presentationoftheses.htm.
f. (i) The relevant Academic Director (for Masters theses) or Dean of Graduate
Research School (for Doctoral theses) may agree to accept a thesis solely in
digital form, where the nature of the research is such that it is not appropriate for
the thesis to be submitted in a printed form. Approval of the use of digital format
in this way should be sought by the candidate at an early stage of enrolment in the
thesis.
(ii) The relevant Academic Director (for Masters theses) or Dean of Graduate
Research School (for Doctoral theses) may agree to accept part of a thesis solely
in digital form, where there are tables of data or other information that are
effectively appendices to the thesis.
g. The paper and the digital copies of the thesis must be accompanied by a declaration
signed by the student stating that the paper and the digital copy are the same (subject to
the provisions of subsections in (i)).
h. The candidate shall be given a receipt for the copies of the thesis by the Graduate
Research School or the relevant Contact Office. As soon as the assessment has been
completed, and the final version approved, in the case of successful candidates, the
candidate or the candidate's supervisor shall be responsible for the return to the
Graduate Research School two hard bound copies and one electronic copy of the thesis,
64
unless otherwise stated in the course regulations. One hard copy and one electronic copy
shall be lodged in the Library of the Campus of study, with the hard copy being securely
housed for archival purposes. The second hard bound copy shall be returned to the
Academic Unit.
i. The two copies destined for the Library will be fully catalogued, and in the case of the
digital copy, metadata tags will be added. The print copy will be lodged permanently in
secure facilities in the Library, although available for consultation within the Library.
The digital copy will be lodged permanently in the University's digital repository.
Unless the AVC (Research) has approved an embargo, the print and digital copies will
be publicly accessible.
j. A thesis including parts of the thesis which were solely in digital form, will be publicly
accessible through the University's digital repository, unless embargoed. In the case of
an embargo of the full digital copy held by the University, only the author, title, abstract
and metadata will be publicly accessible through the University's digital repository
while the embargo remains in place.
k. University records of examiner's comments on the assessment of the thesis shall be
archived in accordance with the Archives Act 1957 and the Public Record Bill.
Note:The requirements to submit a digital copy will apply normally, and as appropriate, to
students who enrol in a thesis on or after 1 January 2007.
65
College Guidelines for the Submission of Research
Reports
The following guidelines are consistent with Section 10 of the Assessment and Examinations
Regulations for research reports documented in the current Massey University Calendar. All
candidates completing research reports in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences are
expected to conform to the regulations below.
1. A candidate whose examination includes the presentation of a research report (30 or 60
credits) should communicate with supervisor(s) before commencing work on the
research.
2. Research reports should, unless the University Librarian otherwise approves, conform
with the format requirements as detailed in the current library handbook A Guide to the
Presentation of Theses. This is available through the Library or at:
http://www.massey.ac.nz/~wwwlib/learnit/presentationoftheses.htm. Students should
also consult their supervisor with respect to the conventions required by the programme
or discipline of study.
3. A candidate presenting a research report for examination shall be required to submit two
copies to the Head of School.
4. Subject to Head of School approval, research reports may be submitted for examination
as softbound copies.
5. When the research report is forwarded to the Examiner(s), the Head of School shall
supply a certificate signed by the supervisor that the report embodies work carried out
by the candidate under direct supervision and stating the part that the supervisor played
in preparation of the report.
6. Upon completion of the examination and subject to approval of the Head of School, two
additional copies of a research report may be lodged in the University Library, one copy
for archival purposes and one copy for lending. The initial copy should be returned to
the Supervisor and held in the School.
7. Copies of research reports to be lodged in the Library should be sent or delivered to the
Information Desk of the Library after approval from the Head of School.
8. The lodgement of detailed data in the candidate’s School or in the Library should meet
any specified requirements in respect of preservation of these raw data (e.g., previously
specified requirements of the Massey University Human Ethics Committee).
9. Research reports not otherwise required to be lodged in the Library should be retained
in the School in which the research was completed.
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/111
Approved: 26/09/08
66
67
College Guidelines for the Examination of Theses
(excluding Doctoral Theses)
Note: This document should be read in conjunction with the College Research Supervision
Guidelines and College Guidelines for Examiners’ Reports in this handbook.
Examination of Theses 1. Examiners’ reports are received by the Chief Examiner (Head of School or nominee)
who must be independent of supervision and examination of the work of the candidate.
No Examiners’ reports should be released until all have been received.
2. An Examiners’ meeting will be convened by the Head of School or nominee, where
reports are discussed and a final thesis grade determined. The Chief Supervisor will be
invited to attend this meeting.
3. The thesis will be examined and the grade awarded on the basis of the thesis as initially
submitted.
4. Subject to the approval of the Head of School, a candidate for a Masterate degree may
be examined orally on the subject of the thesis.
5. If amendments to a thesis are recommended or required by Examiners, the Head of
School or nominee will advise the candidate of the name(s) of those who will approve
the amendments and the time frame permitted for such changes. No change to the final
proposed grade will be made subsequent to completion of any amendments.
6. College guidelines shall be followed for submission of examination results.
7. College Policy and Procedures for Examination Adjudication in this handbook shall be
followed in the case of a serious difference of opinion between thesis Examiners.
8. Once the results are approved, the Head of School will formally thank the Examiners on
behalf of the University.
9. Feedback should be provided to the student. This normally takes the form of full
Examiners’ reports (provided written consent has been given), without the name,
identity or institution of the Examiners, or the recommended grade of individual
Examiners.
10. In the event that a delay in the examination process extends beyond four months, due
care will be taken to ensure that the student’s interests are considered and that the
student concerned is advised when she/he may expect to receive notification of the
examination outcome.
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/111
Approved: 26/09/08
68
69
College Guidelines for Examiners’ Reports
1. Preamble
Guidelines to the Examiner should contain a preamble relating to Massey University’s
expectations of the role of the Examiner in the examination process (eg internal vs
external Examiner).
2. Background to the Degree and Research Report
Information should be given on background to the degree or qualification and
requirements for various research reports (Special Topic, Masterate Thesis).
3. Examination Procedures
Examination procedures should be clearly outlined to Examiners (including, for
example, the number of Examiners, the audience for the report, the timeframe and the
channels of communication between the Examiner and the School).
4. Report Requirements
Guidelines concerning the content for the report should be specified and may include
reference to:
(i) an overall evaluation of the substance and quality of the thesis;
(ii) an indication of particular strengths or weaknesses of such features as research
procedures, theoretical rigour, interpretation and argument, practical significance;
and
(iii) comments on particular strengths or weaknesses in presentation and reporting.
5. Grading Guidelines
Information should be given regarding mark-grade equivalencies and the cut-off points
for classes of Honours or Distinction.
6. Copyright and Confidentiality
The Examiner should be informed as to whether the report will be disclosed to the
student, either verbally or as a written document. If Examiners object to the disclosure
of the contents of their report, they should be asked to indicate this in writing.
The Examiner should be instructed not to disclose his/her suggested grade to the
candidate.
Examiners should be reminded that thesis material is copyright to the student.
7. Information to Students
Examiners should be advised that students are informed in writing about the
examination process, including how they will be notified of the outcome, and whether
they will have access to Examiners’ Reports.
Document Reference: HSS CB 00/6
Approved: 02/03/01
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Policy and Procedures for Examination
Adjudication
The following guidelines have been developed for students completing postgraduate theses or
research reports at postgraduate level (excluding Doctoral theses) in the College of
Humanities and Social Sciences. Procedures developed by Schools within the College are
expected to be consistent with the following guidelines:
1. In the event of a serious difference of opinion between thesis Examiners, the Chief
Examiner (Head of School or nominee) will appoint a Review Panel. (Serious
difference normally refers to a discrepancy of more than two (2) grade points between
the marks of the different Examiners and where such a difference cannot be resolved by
less formal procedures.)
2. The panel will comprise a member of the School’s Graduate Committee (who will also
act as Convenor) and one other academic staff member neither of whom shall have been
party to the research or examination. The second member of the Review Panel is
expected to have expertise either in the substantive field of research or in the research
methods used in the thesis.
3. The Review Panel will be given copies of the thesis and the Examiners’ reports. The
Panel will not undertake a new examination of the thesis, but will be required to base its
advice on the Examiners’ original reports. Panel members may communicate with the
Examiners.
4. At the conclusion of its deliberations, the Review Panel will make a recommendation to
the Head of School as to what action should be taken.
5. In the event that the Review Panel recommends the appointment of an external
adjudicator, it will recommend a person external to the University to be appointed to
this position. With reference to the Review Panel’s recommendation, the Head of
School will appoint an adjudicator external to the University who will be given a copy
of the thesis and the Examiners’ reports.
6. The adjudicator will report to the Review Panel on the relative soundness and accuracy
of the original Examiners’ recommendations and offer an opinion as to whether the
Examiners were fair in their original assessments. In providing this opinion, the
adjudicator should provide reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with the Examiners’
assessments.
7. The adjudicator will provide a recommended grade to the Review Panel but will not
normally be asked to set additional requirements for the candidate.
8. The Convenor of the Review Panel will recommend a grade for the thesis to the Head of
School for submission to the College Board.
Document Reference: HSS CB 08/111
Approved: 26/09/08
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Policy for Remarking of Research Reports and
Theses Awarded a Passing Grade
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences does not accept applications for remarking of
research reports and theses.
Students may appeal the grade for a research report or thesis on procedural grounds only,
relating to supervision and/or examination processes. In such case, the university’s grievance
procedures should be followed.
Students who have failed should see the Policy for Resubmission of Research Reports and
Theses (next page)
HSS GSC 06/71 Revision 2
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Policy for Resubmission of Failed Research Reports
and Theses
Regulation 6(d) of the Generic Regulations for Graduate and Postgraduate Degrees, Diplomas
and Certificates in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences specifies that
At the discretion of the Chief Examiner, a failed research report or thesis may be revised
and re-submitted once and may be subject to re-examination. Following successful re-
examination, the candidate will not be eligible for honours or distinction.
Note: Where the term “research report” is used, it should also be understood to mean
research report, research essay, or research exercise, and to include both 30 and 60
credit entities.
Policy
1. Resubmission of a failed research report or thesis is at the discretion of the Chief
Examiner of the relevant academic unit.
2. A decision of whether resubmission will be permitted is made prior to the declaration of
a fail grade by the Chief Examiner of the relevant academic unit.
3. Resubmission will not normally be permitted unless one of the examiners has
recommended a pass grade at first presentation of the research report or thesis. If neither
examiner has recommended a pass grade, then both examiners should have
recommended a grade in the D range and should have indicated that, in their opinions,
the research report or thesis could be brought up to a pass standard if the candidate was
allowed the opportunity for revision.
4. A candidate may be permitted to revise and resubmit a research report or thesis for re-
examination once.
5. A candidate who is permitted to revise and resubmit a research report or thesis is
entitled to receive supervision during the revision period.
6. A candidate who has been permitted to resubmit a research report or thesis for re-
examination will not be eligible to have the qualification to which the research report or
thesis contributes awarded with a class of honours or with distinction. (In the case of
Bachelor Honours degrees, which must be awarded with a class of honours, permission
to resubmit the research report will also require transfer to an alternative qualification,
normally the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.)
7. Where a research report or thesis has been submitted for re-examination, the grade that
is awarded to the revised research report or thesis shall be regarded as final.
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Administrative Procedures
1. Any candidate who is granted the option of resubmission must be notified of this option
in writing, and be given a deadline for responding to the option. The candidate should
be given access to the examiners’ reports; the identity of the examiner, the
recommended grade, and any comments that were classified as confidential or that are
inappropriate should be removed prior to release of the reports.
2. The notification to the candidate must also specify the deadline for resubmission of the
revised research report or thesis, the enrolment requirements that will apply during the
revision period, and the re-examination procedure.
3. A candidate revising a thesis will have a maximum of four months (full-time) or six
months (part-time) to revise a thesis and submit it for re-examination. No extensions
will be granted to these time periods. If the revised thesis is not submitted for re-
examination by the due date, the thesis shall be failed.
4. A candidate revising a research report will have a maximum of two months (full-time)
or three months (part-time) to revise a research report and submit it for re-examination.
No extensions will be granted to these time periods. If the revised research report is not
submitted by the due date, the research report shall be failed.
5. The candidate must be re-enrolled in the research report or thesis for the academic
year(s) in which revision and resubmission occur. Re-enrolment will be managed
through the College office.
6. The Chief Examiner will ensure that appropriate supervision is available to the
candidate during the revision period.
7. Applicable tuition and associated fees will be charged during the revision period as for a
normal enrolment. Students will not be eligible for Carry Forward of Postgraduate
Registration on the grounds of exceptional circumstances. Students revising a thesis
may be eligible for Carry Forward of Postgraduate Registration on the grounds of part-
time study, but only if (a) bona-fide part-time status had been established prior to
original submission, and (b) tuition fees for 90 or 120 credits of thesis enrolment were
paid in the most recent year of enrolment.
8. When a revised thesis is re-submitted, it should be sent for re-examination by the
original internal and external examiners. If either or both of the original examiners are
unavailable, then a new examiner(s) must be approved by the Chief Examiner.
9. When a revised research report is submitted for re-examination, it should be sent for re-
examination by the original examiners. If the supervisor was one of the original
examiners, the Chief Examiner shall give consideration to replacing the supervisor with
a second independent examiner.
10. The normal process for determining the award of a grade shall apply following
resubmission, including adjudication if necessary. The determination of the Chief
Examiner shall be final.
HSS GSC06/70 (Revision 3)
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UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES
AND
PROCEDURES
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79
University Policies and Procedures
Massey University has a number of policies, procedures, regulations and codes that are
relevant to postgraduate students and postgraduate research. These are available at the
Policies, Procedures and Regulations web page, http://policyguide.massey.ac.nz
A policy is defined as
A written statement which defines the University’s position or strategy in regard to the
matter(s) the policies addresses. A policy defines the parameters for decision-making and
clarifies compliance issues for staff.
A procedure
Describes the steps to be performed to obtain a specified outcome or output. Establishes the
purpose of the activity and who is responsible for the action. Communicates acceptable
practice and sets boundaries.
Full details of University policies and procedures in the areas of
Academic
Campus Facilities
Finance
Health and Safety
Information Technology Services
International
People and Organisational Development
Research
Risk Management
University Management
Are available at http://policyguide.massey.ac.nz
The following codes may be relevant to postgraduate students and/or postgraduate research.
These, and other, codes are available on the Policy Guide web page under specific subject
headings
Code of Ethical Conduct for Research, Teaching, and Evaluations using Human
Participants
Code of Responsible Research Conduct and Procedures for Dealing with Misconduct in
Research
Disciplinary Procedures for Students
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81
The University - Student Contract
The University and the Student form a contractual relationship when the University enrols the
Student as a member of the University community. What follows are the terms of that
Contract which the University and the Student accept are to govern their relationship, along
with statute, and with the regulations and rules of the University.
The University will: 1. Use best endeavours to provide the Student with tuition and supervision of a
professional standard in the course(s) in which the Student is enrolled.
2. Act reasonably and fairly in exercising its powers under the regulatory framework and
this Contract.
3. Give reasonable notice of any changes in the course(s) required because of changes in
funding, staffing or other reasonable cause.
The Student will: 4. Use best endeavours to fulfil the requirements prescribed by the University for the
course(s).
5. Observe the Regulations and Rules of the University and accept the jurisdiction of the
University in all matters connected with academic progress and with discipline.
6. Pay the fees prescribed by the University for the course(s).
The University and the Student also agree: 7. The Contract is formed when a Confirmation of Enrolment form is issued for the
course(s).
8. The Contract will continue for the period for which the Student is enrolled by the
University and will then end. However, clause 12 will continue to apply after the
Contract ends.
9. The University and the Student may enter into further contracts, in subsequent periods,
by repeating the process in clause 7.
10. The relevant Admission Form, Enrolment Form, Confirmation of Enrolment and
material published in the Calendar also form part of this Contract, but nothing else shall
be incorporated into the contractual relationship between the Student and the
University.
11. Liability for failure to perform this Contract is excluded where that failure has been
caused by circumstances beyond the control of the University or the Student.
12. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Contract, or otherwise relating to
the performance by the University or its staff of their responsibilities to the Student,
shall be resolved through the Grievance Procedures prescribed by the University
Calendar, page 30; or http://calendar.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-
massey/calendar/statutes-and-regulations/en/student-grievance-procedures.cfm, which
shall be the exclusive procedures for resolution of such a dispute.
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83
APPENDICES
84
85
Appendix A
Research Supervision Statement
Date
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to state that the research carried out for the master’s thesis/research report entitled
was completed by
in the School of ………………………………………………………………………………...,
Massey University, New Zealand, under my direct supervision. This thesis material has not
been used for any other degree. I played the following part in the preparation of the thesis:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Thesis Supervisor
This is to state that the research carried out for the abovenamed Master’s thesis/research
report is my own work and has not been used for any other degree.
Student
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Appendix B
Examiner’s Grade and Recommendation
Candidate: …………………………………………………………………………………..
Thesis Title: …………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
GRADE:
Grade: …………………….
Mark: …………………….
RECOMMENDATION:
Please Circle 1 accepted as is,
2 *accepted with minor revisions,
3 *conditionally accepted pending substantial revision, or
4 failed.
*Note: The grade is awarded on the basis of the thesis as initially submitted.
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89
Appendix C
Application for Extension: Information for
Applicants
Use this application form if you are applying for an extension of time in your postgraduate
programme in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. You may apply for an
extension of time to:
(a) complete your qualification with eligibility for honours or distinction, or
(b) complete your qualification without eligibility for honours or distinction.
Why are extensions granted?
An extension of time may be appropriate when you have been unable to meet the normal
deadlines to complete your programme of study due to unforeseen circumstances outside of
your control. Such circumstances may be personal (such as illness, injury, or bereavement) or
related to your research (such as delays in obtaining ethical approval, or delays in recruiting
participants).
How do I apply?
Complete this application form, and attach appropriate supporting evidence (for example, a
medical certificate, a death certificate, a statement from your employer, or a statement from
your research supervisor). Then forward the application form with the evidence to one of the
following:
the supervisor of your research report or thesis
the Programme Coordinator for your programme
the Graduate Coordinator for your School
The recipient of your application will complete the School/Centre recommendation section,
and will then forward to the College Office for consideration.
When should I apply?
Applications must be made before the relevant deadline. For students whose programmes
commenced in Semester 1, this will normally be 28 February. For students whose
programmes commenced in Semester 2, this will normally be 30 June.
How much additional time will be approved?
Extensions are normally for a period of one to two months. Longer periods of extension may
be approved if justified by the circumstances.
Will I need to re-enrol and pay fees?
Yes, you will be required to re-enrol for the additional period of study and to pay the fees
appropriate to your re-enrolment.
90
How will I know whether my application has been approved?
The outcome of your application will be advised in writing to the address supplied on your
application; please allow 15 to 20 working days for this to arrive. The letter you receive will
also advise the enrolment requirements that apply.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Contact your research report or thesis supervisor, your Programme Coordinator, or the
Graduate Coordinator for your School/Centre. If none of these people can answer your
question, they will refer you to the College Office.
HSS GSC 06/61 (b) Revised 11/08/06
91
Appendix C MASSEY UNIVERSITY
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Application for Extension
Student Name:
ID Number:
Qualification for which you are enrolled:
Address:
School/Centre:
Campus: Albany Manawatu Wellington Distance
(circle one)
Status: Part-time Full-time
(circle one)
PERIOD OF EXTENSION REQUESTED: (Weeks / Months)
Reason(s) for Application:
Signature of Student: Date:
Reminder: Please attach relevant supporting documentation
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RECOMMENDATION FROM SCHOOL/CENTRE School to attach copy of student’s academic record (full history report from SMS) and any relevant
information and/or prior correspondence
Signature of Research Supervisor:
Name: Date:
Signature of Graduate Coordinator or HOS:
Name: Date:
COLLEGE DECISION
Application for Extension to
Approved / Declined
Signature of PVC or Nominee:
Date:
Revised Completion Dates:
With Honours/Distinction:
Without Honours/Distinction:
Copies to: School/Centre
Lending Services, Library
Academic Services, NSATS
HSS GSC 06/61 (b) (Revised 11/08/06)
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Appendix D
Application for Suspension: Information for
Applicants
Use this application form if you are applying for a period of suspension in your postgraduate
programme of study in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Why are suspensions granted?
A suspension may be appropriate when study is prevented for a period of time (normally
exceeding three months in duration) due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or
injury, bereavement, family responsibilities, work commitments, and so forth. A suspension
“stops the clock” in your programme of study, so that you are not penalised for circumstances
that are outside of your control.
How do I apply?
Complete this application form, and attach appropriate supporting evidence (for example, a
medical certificate, a death certificate, a statement from your employer, or a statement from
your research supervisor). Then forward the application form with the evidence to one of the
following:
the supervisor of your research report or thesis
the Programme Coordinator for your programme
the Graduate Coordinator for your School
The recipient of your application will complete the School/Centre recommendation section,
and will then forward to the College Office for consideration.
When should I apply?
As soon as you can when you realise that your studies will be prevented for a period of time.
Applications prior to the suspension period are preferred, but retrospective applications may
also be considered.
How long will the suspension period be?
Normally, the maximum period of suspension is one year, but longer periods of suspension
may be approved if circumstances warrant. The College does not normally consider
applications for periods of suspension of less than three months.
If your study has been disrupted for less than three months but greater than one month, you
may wish to apply for an extension of time.
Am I entitled to any supervision or university services while suspended? During the period of suspension, you are not entitled to receive tuition or supervision, to
access or receive any university services, or to initiate/continue data collection.
Will I need to re-enrol and pay fees?
That depends on the qualification that you are completing, and whether you are currently
enrolled in a thesis component. If you are, then you will need to maintain your thesis
enrolment during your period of suspension. Depending on your particular circumstances, it
may be possible to carry forward tuition fees paid in one year to a subsequent enrolment
period. You will be advised of the requirements that apply in your situation.
94
What happens to the deadline to complete my qualification?
Where a suspension application is approved, qualification completion dates are consequently
amended. A separate application for an extension of time is not required.
You will be advised in writing of the amended dates to:
(a) complete your qualification with eligibility for honours or distinction, and
(b) complete your qualification without eligibility for honours or distinction
How will I know whether my application has been approved?
The outcome of your application will be advised in writing to the address supplied on your
application; please allow 15 to 20 working days for this to arrive. The letter you receive will
also advise the enrolment requirements that apply.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Contact your Thesis Supervisor, your Programme Coordinator, or the Graduate Coordinator
for your School/Centre. If none of these people can answer your question, they will refer you
to the College Office.
HSS GSC 06/62 (a) Revised 11/08/06
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Appendix D MASSEY UNIVERSITY
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Application for Suspension
Student Name:
ID Number:
Qualification for which you are enrolled :
Address:
School/Centre:
Campus: Albany Manawatu Wellington Distance
(circle one)
Status: Part-time Full-time
(circle one)
PERIOD OF SUSPENSION REQUESTED
From: to
Day Month Year Day Month Year
Reason(s) for Application:
Signature of Student: Date:
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RECOMMENDATION FROM SCHOOL/CENTRE School to attach copy of student’s academic record (full history report from SMS) and any relevant
information and/or prior correspondence
Signature of Research Supervisor:
Name: Date:
Signature of Graduate Coordinator or HOS:
Name: Date:
COLLEGE DECISION
Application for Suspension
From: to
Day Month Year Day Month Year
Approved / Declined
Signature of PVC or Nominee::
Date:
Revised Completion Dates:
With Honours/Distinction:
Without Honours/Distinction:
Copies to: School/Centre
Academic Services, NSATS
HSS GSC 06/62 (b) Revised 11.08.06
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Appendix E
MASSEY UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Library Research Consultation
Research Consultation
Date information
Today's date: ……………….……..….. required by: ………………….….……………
Name: ………………………………………………………………….…….………..
Departmental address ………………………………………………………….……………
Phone number ………………………. E-mail address: ………….…….….….………
Home address: ……………………..………………………………………….….………….
Phone number: ……………………………………………………………….….…………..
Project: Masterate, PhD, Research: ………………...…………………….………….…..
Other (please specify): ………………………………..…….…………………….…
Topic: (please describe the scope and context of your topic in sentence form)
Keywords: (please define any specialised or ambiguous terms)
Countries of interest: ……………………………..……..……………………………
Time period?: …………………………………………………………………
Any relevant references?: ………………………………………………………………...
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Appendix F
Guidelines for Workload in Postgraduate Papers
For papers without written final examinations, including the research reports and theses, the
following word limits are suggested.
15 credits 5000 - 6000 words
30 credits 8000 - 10,000 words
60 credits 15,000 - 20,000 words
90 credits 20,000 - 30,000 words
120 credits 30,000 - 40,000 words
These guidelines are designed to give an explicit relationship between workload and credits
value, for example a 30 credit paper should be roughly half the workload of a 60 credit paper
and double that of a 15 credit paper.
Programmes may set narrower word limits within each of these broad limits. Programmes
will communicate to students such alterations.
Some assessment may not easily fit within a word count formula, for example statistics
exercises, oral history projects; in these instances, programmes should set guidelines to
recognize this.
When papers have a final written examination there is a need to reduce the internal
assessment workload. It is not advisable to reduce workloads in a direct relationship to the
percentage that an examination is worth, but some adjustment should be made, depending on
the discipline and the nature of the examination.
Document Reference: HSS CB 10/234
Approved: 24/9/10
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Appendix G
The Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF)
Definition of Research
Research is original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding.
It typically involves enquiry of an experimental or critical nature driven by hypotheses or
intellectual positions capable of rigorous assessment. It is an independent, creative,
cumulative and often long-term activity conducted by people with specialist knowledge about
the theories, methods and information concerning their field of enquiry. Its findings must be
open to scrutiny and formal evaluation by others in the field, and this may be achieved
through publication or public presentation. In some fields, the results of the investigation
may be embodied in the form of an artistic work, design or performance.
Research includes contributions to the intellectual infrastructure of subjects and disciplines
(e.g. dictionaries and scholarly editions). It also includes the experimental development of
design or construction solutions, as well as investigation that leads to new or substantially
improved materials, devices, products or processes.
The following specific activities are excluded:
Preparation for teaching;
The provision of advice or opinion, except where it is consistent with the definition of
research;
Clinical trials, except where they are consistent with the definition of research;
Scientific and technical information services;
General purpose or routine data collection;
Standardisation and routine testing;
Feasibility studies (except into research and experimental development projects);
Specialised routine medical care;
The commercial, legal and administrative aspects of patenting, copyrighting or
licensing activities;
Routine computer programming, systems work or software maintenance (but note that
research and experimental development into applications software, new programming
languages and new operating systems is included); and
Any other routine professional practice (e.g. in arts, law, architecture or business).
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