Applicants are required to provide a research title and some preliminary ideas of the research significance and methodology of the proposed study in the Application for Admission and Scholarship form. The enrolling school is then responsible for confirming that the proposed study is feasible as a PhD or MPhil project and can be resourced by the school (including funding and advisors).
It is the responsiblity of the School to ensure good practice is carried out by advisors and schools in discussing, negotiating, and recording information about research projects.
The School then remains responsible through the duration of the candidate's program, for ensuring that an appropriate research plan is established and agreed on by the candidate, advisory team and school. In cases where there are disputes about the agreed research plan, schools should be able to provide a "paper trail" (hard copy or email) of what was agreed and when.
Changes to the research plan, other than a title change, no longer need to be reported to the Graduate School for approval.