Essential guidelines and processes for doctoral researchers

Early stage

Guideline	Information	Download
Higher Research Degree Resource Guidelines	These Guidelines outline the minimum resources, excluding supervision, that the University of Waikato will provide to all students enrolled in its higher research degrees (MPhil, PhD, DHSc, DMA, EdD and SJD) onshore in New Zealand.	Download a copy of the HRD Resource Guidelines
Generative AI in Postgraduate Research Degree Guidelines	This document sets clear expectations for the responsible, ethical, and transparent use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by postgraduate researchers (including doctoral and research master’s candidates) and supervisors when supporting postgraduate research across all Divisions/Faculty of the University of Waikato.	Download a copy of the Generative AI in Postgraduate Research Degree Guidelines
Confirmed Enrolment Presentation Guidelines	This document outlines the purpose and requirements of the oral presentation, guidance on preparation, an overview of how the presentation day is conducted, and the subsequent steps in the confirmation process.	Download the Confirmed Enrolment Presentation Guidelines (PDF 160kb)
Guidelines for Development of Dual PhDs with Overseas Universities	A Dual PhD represents a strategic partnership between two research intensive institutions where resources, training and investment and supervision responsibility for a research candidate are shared. This document proposes a set of principles for the establishment of a Dual PhD between the University of Waikato and an overseas University.	Download the Guidelines for Development of Dual PhDs with Overseas Universities (PDF 206kb)
Guidelines for PhD Thesis in Monograph Format	The PhD Thesis in Monograph Format is the most traditional thesis style, where the thesis is written in the form of progressive narrative chapters that build on each other, either chronologically or thematically, to develop the main arguments of the thesis This document summarises the key expectations and considerations for completing a PhD Thesis in Monograph Format.	Download a copy of the Guidelines for PhD Thesis in Monograph Format
Requirements for PhD with a Creative Practice Component	A PhD which includes a creative practice component is an alternative to the traditional PhD by single ‘unpublished’ thesis document. This model is an option for students who intend to integrate a creative practice component such as a music or dance performance, creative written work, exhibition or design, with a thesis. This document outlines the structure, presentation requirements, entry expectations, and examination processes for this PhD.	Requirements for PhD with a Creative Practice Component (PDF 162kb)
Guidelines for PhD Thesis in Publication Format	The PhD Thesis in Publication Format is an alternative format thesis style where the work submitted for examination includes a core portfolio of articles written in a publication-formatted style, accompanied by narrative chapters to set the work in context. This document summarises the key expectations and considerations for completing a PhD Thesis in Publication Format.	Download a copy of the Guidelines for PhD Thesis in Publication Format
Guide to Preparing a Full Research Proposal for Confirmed Enrolment	This document outlines the key requirements for preparing the full research proposal needed for confirmation of enrolment. It summarises what the proposal must include, the assessment criteria, and the expectations for supervisors and doctoral researchers during the conditional enrolment period.	Download the Guide to Preparing a Full Research Proposal for Confirmed Enrolment (PDF 586kb)

Mid stage

Guideline	Information	Download
Guidelines for Authorship of Publications from Research Theses, Dissertations and Research Projects	These guidelines explain how authorship should be allocated for publications arising from student theses and research projects, ensuring contributions are recognised fairly and in line with intellectual property expectations. They outline when contributors should be acknowledged rather than listed as authors and provide direction for resolving authorship disputes.	Download the Guidelines for Authorship of Publications from Research Theses, Dissertations and Research Projects (PDF 94kb)

Submit for examination

Guideline	Information	Download
Guidelines for Proof-reading of Theses	These guidelines outline what constitutes acceptable proof‑reading for masters’ and doctoral theses. They also set expectations around supervisor involvement, candidate responsibilities, documentation of changes, and appropriate acknowledgement of the proof‑reader.	Download the Guidelines for Proof-reading of Theses (PDF 208kb)
Guidelines for Video Conferencing Technology in Higher Degree Oral Examinations	These guidelines outline the conditions under which video conferencing may be used in higher degree oral examinations, noting that physical attendance is preferred but remote participation is permitted when necessary. They set out the technical, procedural, and quality requirements to ensure the examination remains controlled, fair, and of a high standard.	Download the Guidelines for Video Conferencing Technology in Higher Degree Oral Examinations (PDF 175kb)
Protocols for the oral examination of a doctoral thesis examined within a Māori context	These protocols outline the key steps for conducting a doctoral oral examination within a Māori context, including mihi, karakia, the examination proceedings, and closing practices. They also set expectations for convenor eligibility, venue requirements, and the conditions for whānau involvement.	Download the Protocols for the oral examination of a doctoral thesis examined within a Māori context (PDF 341kb)
Whānau Information Sheet for Oral Examination	This document explains the purpose and structure of the doctoral oral examination, outlines the roles of all participants, and clarifies how whānau may offer appropriate cultural and personal support during the process.	Download the Whānau Information Sheet for Oral Examination (PDF 453kb)