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MSc & PhD (Postgraduate Research Only Degree)

FAQs

What funding is available to current research students?

Relative to other departments, students in Psychology are offered considerable financial support for conference travel and research expenses. There are three annual sources of funding from the School of Psychology to assist postgraduate research students with their research and their research-related travel costs. These are:

  1. Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS);
  2. Postgraduate Research Grant (PRG);
  3. School Travel Allowance (STA).

A call for funding requests through any of these three schemes is made in March each year by A/Prof David Alais (Associate Head, Research). A second call is made in September - but only for the PRG and STA schemes. Note also that the maximum available amounts noted for these schemes may not always be awarded. It is important that you discuss funding requests with your supervisor before incurring any expenses.

The School also provides funds for thesis production costs to students without an APA/UPA stipend.

APPLY NOW - Postgraduate Research Support 2012 First Round
  • Postgraduate Research Support Information [ Word ] [ PDF ]
  • Postgraduate Research Support Form [ Word ] [ PDF ]



A/Prof David Alais' presentation describing these funding sources at the March 2011 PG Introductory Meeting can be downloaded here.

In addition to the above sources, the School also offers a number of internal scholarships from time to time. These include:

  • The Campbell Perry International Travel Scholarship
  • The Lucy Firth Scholarship
  • The Margaret Stewart Fund Scholarship
  • The School of Psychology Completion Scholarship

Information about when these are offered and application details are announced on the School’s news website and via email by Dr Marc de Rosnay (PG Coordinator, Admissions and Upgrades).

We also strongly encourage you to subscribe to the University's Postgraduate Research Scholarships Email Bulletin to keep up to date on current sources of funding.

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What is the procedure for upgrading from the MSc to the PhD?

Research only students wishing to upgrade their MSc candidature to the PhD should familiarise themselves with the School's policy here.

What requirements do I need to fulfill during my candidature?

In addition to the production of a research thesis, there are three areas of requirements that you need to meet for progression in your research candidature. Fulfillment of these requirements is considered in the Annual Progress Report. This report is completed in conjunction with your Annual Progress Interview with the Postgraduate Coordinator.

The three areas are:

  • Attendance and Supervision Requirements
  • Thesis Requirements
  • Coursework Requirements

Please see the University's Progression Requirements website for more information.

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Where do I get the forms for varying my candidature - E.g. Changing FT to PT; Changing my supervisory team; Applying for suspension, leave of absence, etc?

All forms required to vary your candidature are available at the Faculty of Science research students website here.

Note that most forms will require your supervisor's signature. The forms may also require a signature from the Head of School/Delegate. The Delegate in the School of Psychology for research only student progress is Dr Bruce Burns. Please give your forms to Bruce, not to the Head of School.

Where do I find information about extending my APA/UPA or APA-I scholarship?

Please see the University's Research Scholarships website.

Click on the FAQs and Forms link on the left hand side - Instructions on how to apply for extension of scholarship is available to download at the bottom of the new page.

Where do I find information about including published work in my thesis?

It's now very common for students to include published work in their theses, and there are rules governing how this can be done. Please see the University Postgraduate Studies Handbook, Research Section (search keyword 'published work'), and in particular, the document titled 'Submission of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Theses Containing Published Work'

I'm three months away from submitting my thesis, now what?

The Faculty of Science has prepared an excellent information sheet for students ready to submit their thesis. It contains details on word limits, thesis binding, examination of electronic theses, and links to essential forms. Please take a moment to read it.

Note that it is critical that you lodge an "Intention to Submit" form to the Faculty of Science. This is a vital step as it triggers a request to your supervisor to nominate suitable examiners. Finding suitable and available examiners can take a while, so do not delay in completing the "Intention to Submit" form. It's OK if your estimate of when you expect to submit is off by a week or two. However, if your submission is much later than expected (say, a few months), then it may be necessary for your supervisor to confirm that the examiners are still available.

Have a look at this flowchart which outlines the steps for thesis submission.

I've submitted my thesis, now what?

Thesis examination takes on average 3.5 months. This flowchart outlines the steps for finalising your thesis examination.

I've submitted my thesis, how do I regain library access?

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If you have submitted a thesis and you no longer have library access you may apply for a temporary library card.

Please see the University's Campus Card Centre website for more information.