Developing Skills
There are several places on campus that can provide support and help you develop your academic skills including writing & editing, research, English and even stats! There are courses aimed at both coursework and research students and the Institute strongly recommends you take advantage of as many of these courses and services as you can. Courses can fill up fast, so get your applications in early!
Asia Institute Research Workshops
Each month the Institute’s academic staff pass on their knowledge about everything from researching, writing and presenting academic work, and engaging with other researchers to fieldwork, funding and career development. Workshops are designed for research students to share their own knowledge and experience with fellow researchers, and provide an excellent opportunity for you get to know other students in the Institute.
Coursework students doing a minor thesis are welcome to attend!
Watch the weekly bulletin for info on dates and location.
Online Resources
Developed by the Language and Learning Skills Unit (LLSU), these online resources are invaluable for students at any level.
Courseworks
For postgraduate coursework students, an online resource to help improve writing, editing and structural writing skills, as well as the a-z of your degree, from getting started to getting a job and everything in between.
Airport
Aimed at undergrad students, but has a plethora of information and tips on essay writing, language, structure, editing etc…
Language & Learning Skills Unit
The Language & Learning Skills Unit is highly recommended and offer a variety of courses, services and resources including:
- Arts Study Skills for Masters Coursework Students
- Writing the Minor Thesis
- One-on-one appointments for help with writing, editing and structure
- ESL assistance
They also offer a number courses and services for international students.
Upskills
The School of Graduate Research's Academic Skills Program is a series of short courses and seminars open to all University of Melbourne postgraduate students. Each semester short courses and seminars are offered in the following areas:
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Academic & Thesis Writing
- Computer/IT Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Research Skills
- Grants & Scholarships
- Professional Skills
- Managing Postgraduate Study
- PhD Completion
- Qualitative Research Forums
Postgraduate Support Scheme
The Institute strongly recommends all students undertaking research attend the Faculty's Postgraduate Support Scheme. The Scheme provides students in the Faculty with a structured semester-length program of fortnightly seminars, providing practical information and advice about all aspects of their candidature. While aimed at research MA and PhD students, coursework students should also feel free to attend relevant sessions. The program is convened by Dr David Bennett (English Department).
Topics include:
- Strategies for planning and writing a research thesis
- Research ethics approval for your project
- Online data-searching and the University Library
- Making the most of the student/supervisor relationship
- Candidature confirmation, conversion and progress-reporting requirement
- How to apply for travel grants and other funding
- MA and PhD thesis examinations: the procedures and what examiners expect
- Career-planning and C.V. writing
To book a place, please email Arts Research or phone +61 3 8344 6461.
Statistical Consulting Centre
The Statistical Consulting Centre offers up to five hours of statistical advice to any currently enrolled Masters by research, PhD or MD student in 2006. If you need help beyond five hours, this will be on a fee-paying basis. The purpose of the service is to assist Masters by research, PhD or MD students with their research, not coursework. The emphasis in the statistical advice will be on education and training. Places are strictly limited, so make sure you read their webpage carefully for instructions.
Cartographic Services
School of Philosophy, Anthropology and Social Enquiry offers high quality cartographic and drafting services for research projects, publications and teaching at very competitive rates. SSEE has a well-equipped Cartographic Laboratory with desktop mapping facilities where maps, figures and diagrams can be produced to customer specifications. Using advanced software such as Mirage, Illustrator, Macromedia Flash, Dreamweaver, ArcMap and MapInfo, they can convert data into a number of forms - in both colour and black and white - ready for publications, theses and/or presentations including: draft maps, diagrams and graphs, disk storage such as spreadsheets, web-published maps, interactive web maps and GIS data.
They offer a complete service, from design through to final product, and provide a fast turnaround. Cartographers are available for consultation and advice and will provide samples of work if requested.