MDP Update
Changes to the Monash PhD
We are changing the way we approach professional development in the Monash PhD from a mandatory structure to a flexible, choice-based model.
This change responds to what you told us: you want greater flexibility in how you approach professional development (PD) during your PhD.
Your options
Currently, students complete the Monash Doctoral Program (MDP) in one of two ways: either through 120 hours of PD activities such as workshops, experiences or internships (PD or GRIP Mode), or through discipline-specific coursework units (Coursework Mode).
Drop down the section that applies to you:
PD & GRIP Mode Students
I have completed over 100 hours of PD
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I have not yet completed at least 100 hours of PD
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I don't know how many hours I have completed yet
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Coursework Mode Students
I have completed all of my units
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I have not yet completed my units
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I am currently enrolled in a unit
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I'm not sure if I've completed all my units or if my course is changing
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Timeline of change
- 27th October: Students who are not affected by this change will be notified.
- 29th October: Students who have a choice to make will receive details about their options.
- Friday 21st November: last date to nominate your choice (for affected students)
- 1st January 2026: Student records will begin to be updated effective this date.
I haven’t received an email about the transition, what should I do?
You may not have received an email if you fall into any of the categories below. You can check if you will receive an email below and when to expect it.
| Why have you not received an email: | When will you get your email? | |
|---|---|---|
| Due to submit your thesis by 31 December 2025 | The change will not affect you as it comes into effect 1 January 2026. | You will only receive an email if you extend your thesis submission date into 2026. Any affected students who have extended their thesis submission date will be contacted in early 2026. |
| On leave from your studies | Your email will be held until you return from leave. | |
| Have not commenced your studies yet | If you are affected, you will receive your email after you commence. | |
| Recently commenced (Oct 2025 onwards) | We have new students commencing every day. To make sure we are capturing everyone, we will be sending out emails to new students within 4 weeks of their commencement if they are affected. Note: some students may not be affected if they have enrolled directly into the new course version without mandates, so will not receive an email. | |
| Enrolled in a Joint Award where Monash is HOME | Some courses have bespoke requirements, requiring us to contact you separately with individual advice. | You will receive your bespoke email by Friday 7 November. |
| Enrolled in an Industry PhD | ||
There are also some students who already do not have any MDP requirements and therefore will not be part of the MDP transition:
- Enrolled in your course prior to the MDP existing (pre-2015)
- Enrolled in a course that is not part of the MDP:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Neuropsychology
- Enrolled in a Joint Award where Monash is HOST
If you do not fall into any of the above categories, please reach out to mdp-transition@monash.edu so that we can assist you.
Ongoing professional development support
Regardless of your choice or mode, Monash will continue to offer professional development opportunities throughout your PhD. Use the Research Training Competency Framework and talk with your supervisors to explore options including workshops, global experiences and internships that align with your research and career goals.