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Resources for New Graduate Research Students

The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS) warmly welcomes you to our community of outstanding scholars.  The information below will give you guidance about setting yourself up for a successful start to your research.   

If at any stage you encounter any problems or have any questions please contact the GSHSS Graduate Research Team for assistance via arts-research@unimelb.edu.au

On this page:

Coursework in the PhD

All PhD students commencing in 2012 will have to complete coursework in the first year of their candidature. It is strongly recommended that you commence your studies in the week beginning 20th February 2012 so that you can attend the GSHSS's Welcome and Orientation program, familiarize yourself as a Graduate Research student and begin the year long Workshop program which starts the week beginning 5th March. 

Details about the Coursework can be found on the PhD Coursework web page.

How to Enrol in the Coursework in the PhD

  • You must accept your offer by the Offer Lapse date in your admission letter.
  • To accept or decline your offer refer to the instructions in your admission letter.
  • You must also complete your enrolment by the Enrolment Lapse date in your admission letter.
  • When you reach the 'Select Subjects' step you will have completed all that you can in the student system but your enrolment won’t be complete yet.


To complete your enrolment please send an email to arts-research@unimelb.edu.au and provide the following information so that we can complete your enrolment for you:

  1. Confirm your commencement date
  2. Complete the Workshop and Elective Selection form (130kb pdf), scan and return it to us via email

When we have received your completed Workshop and Elective form and have your commencement date we will complete your enrolment and send you an email to confirm this. It will not be possible to complete your enrolment until we have received the completed form.

Commencement Date

It is strongly recommended that you commence your studies in the week beginning 20th February 2012 so that you can attend the GSHSS and Schools Welcome and Orientation program, familiarize yourself as a Graduate Research student and begin the year long Workshop program which starts the week beginning 5th March. If you are not enrolled in February you can still attend the Welcome. Please RSVP.

Choosing a Workshop and Electives

It is recommended that you discuss your Workshop and Electives selections with your Supervisor before you make a final decision. Workshop classes will commence in the second and third week of Semester 1, 2012 (second week of semester begins on 5th March).

If you are unsure which Workshop or Electives to choose and you would like to complete your enrolment, you should complete the Workshop and Elective Selection form (130kb pdf) with the subjects that you think you will undertake and you can change your selection (as long as there are still places available in that subject) anytime up until two weeks after the Workshop classes have begun.

More information and a chance to meet and chat with the Workshop Coordinators will be available at the Welcome and Orientation session on Thursday 23rd February.

Welcome and Orientation

Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS)

To help you get your research off to a flying start we recommend you attend the GSHSS Welcome and Induction on Thursday 23rd February at 11.00 in the North Lecture Theatre, 1st Floor, Old Arts Building. The (provisional) program is:

11.00 - 12.00    GSHSS Welcome and Information

12.00 - 1.00     Coursework Overview

1.00 – 2.00       Lunch (provided) + tours of facilities available in GSHSS

2.00 - 3.00      Visit School for local induction

To register to attend (and for catering purposes) please email arts-research@unimelb.edu.au

Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR)

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR) will run a Graduate Researcher's Orientation Day on Friday 24th February (date to be confirmed) (see the MSGR Orientation Day for Graduate Researchers web page for confirmation of date).

A program of Induction and Orientation events that are offered across the University (MSGR, Library, Transition and Orientation) can be viewed on the MSGR Orientation and Induction for Graduate Researchers web page.

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR) offers an on-line program Postgraduate Essentials:

This award-winning course provides newly enrolled PhD and research Masters candidates with practical information and skills for their research studies, and opportunities to network with their peers and university experts.

The cohort of Strategies for a Successful Start begins in early January each year. Current PhD and research Masters Candidates can register on the Graduate Research ePortfolio web page to participate. Check this website for updates to course enrolment times throughout the year.

Postgraduate Essentials: Strategies for a Successful Start contains 6 modules, each live for 2 weeks:

  • Starting your PhD
  • Getting Organised
  • Working with your Supervisor
  • Searching the Literature
  • Writing a Literature Review
  • Preparing for Confirmation

Checklist for Responsible Conduct of Research and Intellectual Property Rights

Below are some links to information that you might find useful. We strongly recommend that you read the 'Checklist for Responsible Conduct of Research' pdf found on the Melbourne Research Brochures and Publications web page.

This guide will explain the Code of Conduct for Research. Please ensure you discuss the requirements of the Code with your Supervisor. It is also very important that you and your Supervisor discuss what will be expected of you throughout your candidature. You should make sure you are clear about the following issues:

  • How often should you meet with your Supervisor (once a week, once a fortnight)?
  • How much time are you expected to spend on your research per week?
  • What resources might be needed to complete an adequate thesis based on your topic?
  • What are the time lines to complete your research: Confirmation (PhD), Progress Reports, Seminar presentations?
  • How often and how long will it take for your Supervisor to provide feedback to you about your research?
  • What facilities will the School provide to help you with your research?
  • What financial resources are available to you, e.g. for conferences, study abroad, scholarships, fieldtrips?
  • What courses are needed for successful and timely completion, eg. library skills, computer skills, writing,  presentation etc ?
  • Does your Supervisor recommend a career plan for you, eg. MSGR courses, tutoring in the School?
  • What will be your involvement in School activities, eg. research groups, student groups, seminars, committees ?


You should also be aware of yourIntellectual Property rights and responsibilities. Please consult the 'Intellectual property and commercialisation' section of the Melbourne Research Brochures and Publications web page.

Seminars/Workshops

The GSHSS runs a number of seminars and workshops for Graduate Research students at difference stages of their candidature and specifically tailored for Humanities and Social Science researchers. The following seminars/workshops are on offer throughout the year and students will be notified when registrations are open:

  • How To Do a Literature Review
  • Towards Completion/Publishing/Career
  • Thesis Writer's Circle
  • Winter Renewal
  • Preparing for Confirmation
  • Academic Presentations


MSGR also run a number of seminars. Details are available on the MSGR Developing Effective Researchers web page.

The Library offer classes to help graduate research students. Details are available on the Library Classes and Tours web page.

GSHSS Facilities and Support

The GSHSS offers graduate research students purpose built facilities in the Old Arts Building and provides assistance for travel to attend a conference and undertake a research trip. Details can be found on the Facilities and Support web page.

Details of the assistance provided will be given at the Welcome and Orientation session.

Careers

As you come towards the submission of your thesis you will have access to a GSHSS career and networking community for students. Brought to you by LinkMe, the portal offers practical career resources and tips, and assists you to build your resume and online profile. You can search for job opportunities and to be considered for positions by employers using the portal. You can set up a regular email alert for jobs that match your skill set, directly to your University of Melbourne email account.

 

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