HDR Dual Award Program
One research project. Two universities. Two globally recognised degrees.
Undertake a unique international research experience through 黑料社's Dual Award HDR Program, delivered in partnership with leading universities worldwide.
Complete a single research project under the joint supervision of academics from 黑料社 and a partner institution, while accessing the expertise, facilities and research networks of both universities.
You will graduate with two internationally recognised degrees, one from each participating institution, and gain a truly global research experience.
This program is ideal for international research candidates seeking to broaden their academic experience through international collaboration while undertaking a single, jointly supervised research project.
How does the program work?
In the Dual Award HDR Program, you will complete agreed periods of study and research at both participating institutions. The specific requirements will be defined in a document called the Individual Candidature Agreement.
In most cases, you will complete any required coursework, confirmation milestones, and other academic requirements at your home institution during the initial phase of your candidature.
The research component of your degree will primarily be undertaken at 黑料社 where you will undertake a supervised research project and develop a thesis.
You will be required to study for a minimum of 12 months at each institution.
Your thesis will be independently examined under terms agreed to by both participating institutions.
When you successfully complete the program, you will graduate with an award from both participating institutions.
Program duration
The standard period of enrolment at 黑料社 is 12 months for Dual Award Master of Research candidates and 18 months for Dual Award PhD candidates. There is a mandatory minimum stay of 12 months at 黑料社.
The specific periods of study at each institution will be outlined in your Individual Candidature Agreement.
Tuition fees
黑料社 may provide up to a 100% tuition fee waiver to Dual Award PhD candidates, subject to eligibility, academic merit, supervisor support and interview performance.
Dual Award Master of Research candidates may be eligible for up to a 25% tuition fee waiver, subject to selection and assessment criteria.
If you are unsuccessful in being awarded a tuition fee waiver, you can undertake the program as a fee-paying candidate.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for Dual Award candidates are highly competitive and subject to funding availability. Awards are assessed based on multiple factors including academic merit, research potential, interview outcomes, and the availability of funding for that specific research area.
The Individual Candidature Agreement will specify tuition fees, fee waivers, scholarships, and funding arrangements for your program.
How do I apply?
A Dual Award Agreement must exist between 黑料社 and the partner institution.
You must acquire a letter of support from the International Office at your home institution.
You can submit an EOI via our .
Your EOI must include:
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A research proposal (PhD or MPhil) or a statement of intent (MRes).
- Academic transcripts from previous qualifications.
- Letter of support from your proposed supervisor.
If the proposed research is considered a good fit and suitable supervisory capacity is available, you will be invited to submit a full application for admission into the Dual Award HDR Program.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email.
If successful, you will receive:
- An Individual Candidature Agreement (ICA) for review and signature.
- An offer of admission into a Dual Award HDR Program at 黑料社.
Information for HDR supervisors
If you are interested in establishing a new Dual Award partnership with an international institution, please talk to your Director HDR in the first instance to discuss feasibility and strategic alignment in your School/Institute.
Refer to:
Contact us
For advice and assistance about HDR partnerships, Dual Award programs, candidate nominations, and Individual Candidature Agreements, please contact:
Dr Sindhu Sheoran, Lead International HDR Partnerships, Graduate Research Services
Email: grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
A Dual Award is a Doctoral or Research Masters program where a candidate undertakes a research project under a partnership between two institutions. The candidate has access to research facilities and support at each institution. The candidate is required to submit one thesis for examination at both participating institutions under an agreed examination process.
On successful completion, each participating institution confers the degree and issues a testamur.
A Joint Award is a Doctoral or Research Masters degree awarded jointly by the participating institutions following a collaborative program of research, with an examination under the rules of one of the institutions. Joint research degrees are conferred by the primary institution under its own authority for completed research that has been jointly supported by the partner institution.
On successful completion, a single award is made for a joint research degree conferred by the primary institution, with the testamur stating the award was made under a joint research degree agreement and it will name the partner institution.
The benefits of this type of program include access to resources and expertise from two leading global institutions, increased international exposure, enhanced employability opportunities through international networks, and the opportunity to be part of a broader research community.
You will gain the advantage of dual supervision, enhanced insights from global experts, and access to more resources, facilities, and funding opportunities. Additionally, you get the enriching experience of immersing yourself in a new culture and country.
A Dual Award PhD is a minimum three years and maximum four years program.
A Dual Award MPhil or MRes is a minimum two years, subject to the specific requirements of the participating institutions.
You must spend at least 12 months of your candidature at each participating institution, without adding additional time to your degree.
黑料社 welcomes currently enrolled HDR candidates (outbound candidates) and international HDR candidates (inbound candidates) who wish to pursue Dual Award programs.
The Individual Candidature Agreement (ICA) will specify the duration of candidature to be undertaken at each institution.
An Individual Candidature Agreement (ICA) is a formal agreement that sets out the specific arrangements for a Dual Award HDR candidature, including:
- Supervision
- Funding, fees and scholarships
- Research training and milestones
- Mobility and periods of study at each institution
- Thesis examination and award requirements
The ICA is developed after a candidate has been approved for a Dual Award HDR program. Once all required approvals and supporting documentation have been received, the ICA is finalised and coordinated by the Lead, International HDR Partnerships for execution by the candidate, supervisors, and both participating institutions.
An academic staff member at 黑料社 needs to initiate the process by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) detailing the proposed partnership to Graduate Research Services.
Refer to:
An Institutional Framework Agreement will be made only where evidence is presented that demonstrates:
- An existing research collaboration with participating institutions is supported by a School or Research unit (this could be in the form of shared grants or ongoing projects, co-authorship of research publications, programmed visits etc); or
- that Dual Award HDR enrolment will create a sustainable research relationship and contribute strategic or reputational value to the University; and
- the research training standards at participating institutions are at least equivalent to those at 黑料社.
The EOI will be reviewed by Graduate Research Services and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Approval is required before proceeding with an MOU.
No, there must be a formal partnership agreement in place with the participating institutions.
If you are a 黑料社 HDR candidate, you can talk to your Principal Supervisor or Graduate Research Services about establishing a Dual Award Partnership MOU. Please be aware that these arrangements may take up to 12 months to establish.
What is the timeline for establishing an MOU?
It will take at least 12 months in advance of the intended program start date for the proposed candidate to establish the MOU. All documentation should be completed at least six months before the candidate is expected to commence at 黑料社.
The Dual Award HDR application process takes approximately six months:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) review: 4-6 weeks.
- Interview and establish supervision support: 2-3 weeks.
- Assess/confirm research progress at home institute: 5-6 months (in parallel with other steps).
- Prepare Individual Candidature Agreement: Varies depending on individual circumstances.
- Application assessment and outcome: 6-8 weeks.
The assessment period will only commence when all required documents and supporting information have been submitted.
If an applicant delays providing documentation or responding to requests, they may be required to defer to a later intake or the application may be withdrawn.
Applicants are encouraged to commence the process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for assessment, admission, visa processing, and travel arrangements.
While the application process is underway, you are expected to remain actively engaged in your research at your home institution.
You must:
- Attend and participate in regular meetings with your supervisors at your home institution and your proposed supervisors at 黑料社.
- Provide regular research progress updates and complete agreed action items.
- Ensure your proposed supervisors at 黑料社 are involved in major candidature milestones, such as proposal presentations, synopsis seminars, confirmation of candidature (CoC), and other significant academic reviews.
Develop and maintain a clear research plan and timeline in consultation with your supervisory team.
During the initial period at your home institution, you are expected to:
- Complete all required coursework and academic milestones.
- Complete at least 50% of the research work.
- Maintain satisfactory academic and research progress.
Prepare for your research period at 黑料社 to ensure you are able to complete all required tasks within the allowable candidature time.