The master's lifecycle

The master's thesis lifecycle

Enrolment, registration, and monitoring (progress reports) are managed by your Faculty.

You will need to address applications for changes to enrolment (eg, from full-time to part-time study; a suspension or extension; changes in supervisors) to the relevant Faculty Dean.

Direct any queries regarding examination to Te Kura Tāura, who administer the examination of master's theses.

Compulsory stages of candidature

Enrol

Enrolment establishes:

• your proposed senior supervisor
• your proposed research topic
• expectations over frequency of meetings with proposed supervisors
• that there are suitable resources available to support the proposed area of research.

Thesis registration

This is a very important document that sets up the process of student-supervisor interaction and completion. This document should be given a lot of thought and attention.

Progress reports (every six months)

Progress reports are required to:

• report on achievements over the past six months
• facilitate the planning of upcoming (six monthly) milestones and aims
• identify any issues for discussion.

Effectiveness of these reports depends on:

• taking seriously the process of reflection and planning
• candid responses from all (students and supervisors)
• a willingness to discuss and address any issues that arise through the process of reflection and planning.

Thesis submission

Your tasks:

• ensure that you are enrolled and that your fees are up-to-date
• submit a PDF version of your thesis and the completed Declaration Form to Te Kura Tāura (by email)
• International students - contact the Enrolments Team to discuss your visa situation.

Optional stages of candidature

1. Suspension of study
2. Change of supervisor/topic/department
3. Change between full-time and part-time study
4. Study away from Christchurch
5. Extension to submission date

Discuss these changes with your Senior Supervisor first, and contact your Faculty/Department Administrators or Graduate Research Coordinator to confirm the requirements for these changes.