Proposal to Transfer from Doctoral to Master’s Candidature

If you have received a proposal to transfer you from doctoral to master’s candidature and you would like support, we’re here to help.

A proposal to transfer from doctoral to master’s candidature is a recommendation made by the Progress Review Panel where your progress is deemed unsatisfactory after your second attempt at your progress review milestone.

You can accept the proposed transfer decision or not accept the proposed decision and have the outcome reviewed by the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee.

What should I do if I receive a proposal to transfer from doctoral to master’s candidature? 

• Read the letter carefully. 
• You have 10 working days from the date of notification of the proposed decision to respond in writing.
• If you choose to accept the decision, you can respond in writing and indicate you are accepting the transfer to master’s.
• If you choose to not accept the decision you may request a review of the outcome by the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee on the following grounds:

i. Misapplication of process occurred that resulted in material disadvantage to the candidate, and or

ii. New evidence that was now known or available at the time of the original decision is now available and could have affected the outcome of the decision.

• Further details regarding the Proposal to transfer from Doctoral to Master’s candidature process can be found in the Higher Degrees by Research Progress Procedure.

What should I include in my request for a review of outcome? 

• Identify the original decision being reviewed and attach a copy of the decision letter.
• Specify the grounds for reviewing the decision and explain how each ground applies in your case.
• Include any other relevant evidence to support your position.
• DUSA Advocates have a template you can use and we can review your draft written submission and provide feedback before you submit it to the Graduate Research Academic Progress Committee. 
• You can access our Written submission template: Proposal to transfer from Doctoral to Master’s Candidature here. 

How can DUSA Advocates help me? 

DUSA Advocates are professional, experienced staff who provide free, independent and confidential support regarding academic and personal matters to all Deakin students. 

A DUSA Advocate can:

• Assist you to understand the proposal, the process of responding, and the possible outcomes.
• Review your draft written submission and provide feedback.
• Accompany you to your Review of Outcome hearing as your support person.
• Provide you with referrals to support services both within Deakin University and externally.
• Contact us today to arrange a free appointment.

Please note that DUSA Advocates experience very busy periods, particularly at the end of each trimester where we need to assist a large number of students, so it is important that you book an appointment to see an Advocate as early as possible.