Official guides / Graduation
Milestones - Graduate Research
Monash University
Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTCPage text
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Milestones are formal reviews of your research progress and a compulsory process at Monash for all graduate research students. It is used to mark the stages of progress in your degree, based on equivalent full time (EFT) enrolment.
| 6 Month Review | Confirmation of Candidature | Progress Review | Final Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy - PhD | Review with Director of Graduate Research and/or delegate | Oral presentation & Progress Report 12 months | Oral presentation, draft thesis chapter or written paper & Progress Report 24 months | Public seminar, thesis summary & chapter outline 36 months |
| Master of Engineering Science (Research) – MEngSci(Res) | Review with Director of Graduate Research and/or delegate | Oral presentation & Progress Report 8 months | Oral presentation, draft thesis chapter or written paper & Progress Report 16 months |
Please refer to the faculty specific milestone requirements for Doctoral degrees and Research Master’s degrees for further details.
Milestones are a great way to get independent. structured feedback from qualified professionals, build oral and written skills and support progress so your end goal of a high quality thesis can be achieved. They are also a celebration of the work you have done so far. View them as building blocks to the path of success.
Project management principles can be applied to any research project to achieve the project goals and objectives within the pre-defined time frame, i.e. your candidature time. Your project plan will set the time and pace for your entire project and the milestones in the plan will serve as indicators that work is proceeding on schedule.
Each department/school manages its milestone management process differently so speak to your respective department administrators about milestone preparation and organisation.