Confirmation of Candidature

The research proposal is used to assess performance so far, and the feasibility of the research program. It is an action plan for candidature and a major reference point for the reviews of progress.

A student's research proposal must be approved by the Academic Unit for candidature to be confirmed and before a student can proceed with their research.

• A student's research proposal is distributed to the confirmation of candidature review panel for initial feedback.
• The written feedback is provided to the student on the 'Research Proposal Assessment Feedback Tool' where they are expected to incorporate or address this as part of their presentation.
• The student presents their research at an open forum to the panel and an audience after which questions from the audience are invited. Once the audience leaves, any further questions are clarified. 
• Panel deliberates without the student in the room and advises an outcome to the student following a decision.
• Approved research proposals are then updated by the student with required changes and the final version is submitted to the Program Services Team.

During your candidature you can access STEMM relevant training to support the preparation of your research proposal and presentation.

A series of workshops develops foundational research writing and communication skills. 

Online resources and further information is available via the following learnonline site: 

Writing Resources for research degree candidates in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Maths, and Medical and Health Disciplines

In addition to the UniSA Research Proposal and Confirmation of Candidature information, UniSA STEM has the following formatting requirements and word limit:

Research proposals are to be up to a maximum of 6,000 words for the main body, plus supporting information/appendices. Appendices allow for further ready by the panel if they choose to.

Format of your proposal:

• File format: PDF
• Font type: Arial
• Font size: 12 point
• Line Spacing: 1.5 line spacing
• Margins: 2cm all sides
• Header/Footer: Single line spaced and smaller font allowed

• Research Proposal
• Statement of Agreement
• Induction Plan
• Student Project Participation Agreement (if applicable)
• Data Management Plan (final PDF version without the draft watermark, Principal Supervisor can provide this from the DMP system)
• iThenticate Report
• Research Integrity Module Certificate of completion

Research Data Management

You need to be registered to use iThenticate. An account can be established by submitting an email request to iThenticate@unisa.edu.au from your UniSA Student email account.

Information on how to access and use iThenticate has been made available via a learnonline site: iThenticate

If you are unable to submit your research proposal within the time available, you must apply for extension to submit,  no later than one (1) month before your confirmation of candidature due date and usually up to a maximum of three (3) months.

Request an extension