Melbourne School of Health SciencesNursing

Guidelines for conversion for a candidature from Master of Nursing by (Research) to Doctor of Philosophy

The candidate can apply to convert from a Master of Nursing to a PhD candidature under advice from their supervisor. The application for conversion normally takes place at the end of one year of full-time Master's candidature. At this time, the candidate presents an overview of the project to a Conversion Panel. The presentation acts as both a conversion and confirmation process.

The candidate needs to complete the application for conversion of candidature supplied by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.

In addition to the requirements outlined in that document, Nursing requires that candidates:

• Include a proposal between 3,000 - 4,000 words. The proposal should include a rationale for the expansion of the scope of the project from a masters to a PhD. The candidate should ensure that the criteria used for assessing the proposal and sample chapter by the independent nursing scholars are adequately addressed in the submission
• Submit a sample chapter or a published peer-reviewed article between 5,000 and 10,000 words. If a peer-reviewed article is submitted, it must arise from the candidate's Master's studies

The candidate should ensure that the criteria used to assess the proposal and sample chapter by the independent nursing scholar are adequately addressed in the two documents.

Four weeks prior to the conversion panel meeting and conversion seminar, the two documents must be submitted to the Chair of Higher Degrees and the principal supervisor. The documents are sent out for independent review by an appropriate nursing scholar who is external to the conversion panel and supervisory team for the candidate. This scholar is decided upon by the Chair of the Higher Degrees Committee and the principal supervisor.

The independent nursing scholar is required to write a report relating to the two documents, which is submitted to the principal supervisor and the Chair of the Higher Degrees Committee. This report is made available to all members of the conversion panel prior to the meeting. The candidate does not view this report; however, the report can be made available to the student following the Panel meeting. The independent nursing scholar is required to review the sample chapter or publication, and proposal in light of the following five criteria;

1. The student clearly outlines the significance of the research to nursing
2. The theoretical approaches adopted for the study are relevant and clearly articulated. The student demonstrates a clear understanding of the approaches being used
3. The literature review is well critiqued and the limitations of previous work clearly identified. The student is able to demonstrate how this research builds from and adds to the current state-of-knowledge in the area. The student's mastery of the topic is clearly supported
4. The chosen methodological approach offers the capacity for a comprehensive exploration of the topic, and is suitable for the research aim and research question
5. The research plan outlines research of sufficient scope to be considered suitable for PhD candidature

The independent nursing scholar also assesses the two documents with reference to the marking guide for a Master of Nursing (Research) thesis (see below) and awards an equivalent grade and mark. The two documents are assessed together so that one mark and grade can be given. It is expected that for the documents to be of an adequate standard, which warrants conversion to a PhD, the mark received should be at a H2A or above.

Guidelines for awarding a grade and mark for submitted work (sample chapter or peer-reviewed publication, and proposal)

The work must demonstrate the candidate's ability to:

• Critically read the literature and identify a research problem
• Formulate a research question, study aim or hypothesis
• Demonstrate an understanding of the method used
• Demonstrate the ability to select a method suitable for the research question, study aim or hypothesis
• Make interpretations about the significance of any results to the discipline
• Develop a coherent argument or perspective

The independent nursing scholar should assess the above requirements in determining both a grade and a mark for the two submitted documents.

Outstanding (H1) 90-100%

• Outstanding in exposition and scholarship
• Substantially exceeds the expected requirements
• Includes original work of high quality and significance
• Expected outcome is of publishable quality

Excellent (H1) 80-89%

• Excellent in exposition and scholarship
• Exceeds the expected requirements
• Includes original work of high quality
• Expected outcome is of publishable quality

Very Good (H2A) 75-79%

• Very good in exposition and scholarship
• Meets the expected requirements
• Expected to be of publishable quality after minor amendment

Good (H2B) 70-74%

• Meets the expected requirements
• Substantial amendment required for publication

Adequate (H3) 65-69%

• Barely meets the expected requirements
• Major amendment required for publication

Failed (<65%)

• Fails to meet the expected requirements

Further assistance with developing your conversion application is available here.

The process

1. Once the date for review of the conversion application is determined, the candidate will be advised in writing by the Chair of Higher Degrees as to the membership of the Conversion Panel. The Panel will consist of the Head of School (or delegate), Chair of Higher Degrees Committee (or delegate), the Principal Supervisor, plus at least one other member to be decided by the Chair of the Higher Degrees Committee in consultation with the Principal Supervisor.

2. Following submission of the documents for independent review, the candidate must also submit the two documents (preferably electronically) to all Panel members two weeks before the Panel meeting. Panel members are expected to provide written feedback to the student one week prior to the Panel meeting.

3. The candidate presents their work to Nursing's staff and student community during this two-week period, prior to the Panel meeting and Panel members will attend the seminar.

Following the panel meeting, the candidate will be advised as to whether the conversion of their candidature from a Master of Nursing to a confirmed Doctor of Philosophy candidate is to be recommended to the Higher Degrees Committee of the School of Graduate Studies.

You should consider this process a preliminary defence of your thesis.

Your satisfactory confirmation/conversion will be greatly assisted by;

1. The clear articulation of your thesis. Endeavour to express your thesis in a couple of sentences
2. Delineation of the evidence that is being mustered to support this thesis. Explain why you are gathering this data and your chosen methodological approach
3. Indication of the early development of your argument and the logical use of preliminary evidence. Demonstrate your ability to muster evidence and to construct and express your argument

Remind yourself of these three questions:

What is your point?

How do you intend to prove it?

Of what consequence will it be to nursing scholarship?