Faculty of Arts

Applicants who demonstrate a great potential for research but do not meet eligibility criteria for direct entry into a Masters or PhD research program can apply for the Higher Degree by Research Preliminary.

The Higher Degree by Research Preliminary (10490) is a preparatory program designed on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the discipline. Although similar to honours, the HDR Prelim is unique due to its flexible length and structure, and because it is not a stand-alone qualification.

1. Entry requirements
2. Key information
3. Structure 
4. Results
5. Useful links
6. Course enquiries
   

Entry requirements

Admission requirements are set out in the Course Overview.

Applicants are typically expected to have a bachelor degree with relevant major, demonstrating high academic performance as required for honours entry.

All UWA students need to meet English Language Competency.

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Key information

• 48 credit points (typically)
  
• 1 year full time, 2 years (max) part time
• Course code: 10490

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Structure

HDR Prelims are based on the disciplines' Honours program.

HDR Prelim programs are more flexible than Honours, allowing disciplines to make variations to structure on a case-by-case basis. Variations may occur if an applicant can demonstrate existing skills and knowledge in the relevant area, or where the applicant's future research topic would greatly benefit from a different set of units.

Applicants complete a Course Pathway worksheet in consultation with the Honours Coordinator to determin the structure of their program, and submit it with their HDR Prelim application.

Importantly, the HDR Prelim is not a stand-alone qualification - its purpose is to give students an opportunity to adequately prepare and demonstrate academic suitability for entry into higher degree by research.

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Results

Results will be classified as follows:

• Preliminary Qualified (PQ) 70-100 per cent
• Preliminary Not Qualified (PN) 0-69 per cent

Results for individual components and the overall course result of PQ/PN will appear on your academic transcript.

Students must achieve 70 per cent or above (the equivalent of First Class Honours or Second Class Division A Honours) to have reached the standard required for admission to a higher degree by research.

Students should note that even if they have a result of Preliminary Qualified, they must still apply for admission to a higher degree by research in the usual way: entry is not automatic.

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Useful links

• Information in the Handbooks about this course
• Rules relating to this course
• UWA University Policy regarding Higher Degree by Research Preliminary programs - see policy details.
• Faculty of Arts policy, procedures and guidelines relating to Higher Degree by Research Preliminary programs are currently under review. Current Students and Staff can access these policies - see policy details.

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Course enquiries

For more information please contact the Faculty of Arts Student Office.

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