Joint and Dual Award Programs
The University of Newcastle is dedicated to providing quality research training of PhD candidates and enriching the experiences of our PhD candidates while undertaking their chosen field of study.
The Jointly Awarded (JADD) and Dual Award (DADD) Doctoral Degree programs enable PhD candidates to complete their degree jointly at the University of Newcastle and an overseas partner institution and receive recognition for such on their degree testamur(s). The candidates gain international and cultural experiences, exposure to different academic environments, and access to international supervisors, equipment and facilities, international networking opportunities, and enhanced future employment opportunities.
These programs are internationally recognised as a means of establishing and enhancing strong and enduring relationships with international research universities and researchers. They can establish and enhance international research collaborations, provide opportunities for joint publications, provide access to new funding schemes and make the University a more attractive destination for both domestic and international PhD candidates.
The JADD program is one in which the candidate receives a single testamur bearing the seals of the University of Newcastle and the partner university. The DADD program is one in which the candidate receives two testamurs, one from the University of Newcastle and one from the partner institution each recognising that the program was carried out in partnership with the other institution.
A comparison table outlining the differences between Dual Award and Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree programs can be found here.
Institutions with whom a Fully Executed Candidate Agreement has been signed for the award of Dual Award Doctoral Degree programs:
- Universite de Liege, Belgium
- University of Bordeaux Montaigne, France
- Xi'an University of Technology, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
- Beijing Normal University, China
- International Medical University, Malaysia
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
Institutions with whom a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the award of Dual Award Doctoral Degree programs:
- Karolinska Intitutet, Sweden
- Universidad Technica Frederico Santa Maria, Chile
- Henan Polytechnic University, China
- The University of Science and Technology Liaoning, China
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China
1. A Proposal to Establish a Dual Award Program form must be completed by the supervisor in consultation with the candidate and supervisor at the partner institution.
2. If approved by the Dean of Graduate Research, a Graduate Research staff member will liaise with the partner institution and develop a Candidate Agreement to be signed by the PhD candidate, delegated authorities of the University of Newcastle and delegated authorities of the partner institution.
The following is a list of institutions with whom an Institutional Agreement has been signed for the award of Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree programs:
The Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree program is established with an approved partner institution and governed by an umbrella institutional agreement.
1. A signed and current Institutional Agreement for the award of joint PhDs between the University of Newcastle and the other institution must be in existence
- If such an Institutional Agreement is not in existence then one must be established. If the proposed partner institution meets the criteria for the establishment of an Institutional Agreement and the award of Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degrees then an Application to establish an Institutional Agreement: Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree must be completed.
2. After the execution of the Institutional Agreement, an Application to establish a Candidate Agreement : Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree form must be completed by the PhD supervisor in consultation with the candidate and supervisor at the partner institution.
3. A Graduate Research staff member will liaise with the partner institution and develop a Candidate Agreement to be signed by the PhD candidate, delegated authorities of the University of Newcastle and delegated authorities of the partner institution. The supervisor should not enter into such discussions.
To be designated as a partner institution for the establishment of joint doctoral degree programs (Jointly Awarded or Dual Award), the partner institution must be an overseas institution and meet all of the following criteria:
- The institution must be in the top 3% of world rankings according to the latest QS World University Rankings (or the specific discipline/faculty must be within the top 3% if the institution as a whole is not)
- There are established research links and/or collaborations between those establishing the joint PhD program
- The resources (including supervision) available to the PhD candidate at the partner institution at least match those provided at the University of Newcastle
If the partner institution does not meet the criteria specified above then consideration for establishment of a joint Doctoral Degree program will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Graduate Research who will take in to consideration:
- the QS ranking of the proposed institution/discipline
- any ongoing or prior collaborations between those wishing to establish the joint degree
- availability of adequate resources for the PhD candidate
- strategic value of the proposed joint program.
The Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree and Dual Award Doctoral Degree Policy provides a concise set of guiding principles for the Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree and Dual Award Doctoral Degree programs. This policy is a reference point for PhD candidates, University of Newcastle staff members and partner institutions to assist in establishing Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree or Dual Award Doctoral Degree programs and outline the University’s expectations and requirements.
The Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degrees and Dual Award Doctoral Degrees Policy is available in the Policy Library.
Joint and dual doctoral award programs provide researchers with a means to establish and enhance their international research collaborations, provide further opportunities for joint publications and access to new funding schemes.
Arguably, however, supervising a Jointly Awarded Doctoral Degree (JADD) or Dual Award Doctoral Degree (DADD) candidate requires extra dedication and commitment on the part of all supervisors than would otherwise be the case on behalf of University of Newcastle-only enrolled candidates. Specifically, it is likely to involve greater coordination and collaboration with supervisor(s) at the partner institution and further responsibility to act on behalf of the University of Newcastle. For instance, as the supervisor, you are expected to review the final draft of the thesis prior to submission, even if the partner university supervisor also conducts a review.
An Information Sheet has been produced to set out specific expectations for University of Newcastle members of a JADD or DADD candidate’s supervisory team.
Should you have any inquiries regarding Dual Award or Jointly Awarded programs, please contact Arianne Galvin, Manager, Strategic Recruitment.
Telephone: 02 49217261
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.