Research Students (RHD)
Preparing for a Research Higher Degree

Well before commencing a Research Higher Degree (RHD), preparation takes place through undergraduate study and postgraduate introduction to research. Choosing a Degree Program, Major and individual Courses to complement an area of interest specific to you will greatly enhance your specialised research.

The Assistant Dean Research Training is available to discuss your personal RHD preparation and options. Each school and most disciplines also have RHD Coordinators who can provide advice specific to your area of interest.

A common pathway to a Research Higher Degree is via an Honours Year. This has the advantage of preparing students for research while also enhancing career prospects in its own right for those who are not interested in progressing to research.

Honours Year

An Honours degree allows students to pursue those aspects of their chosen discipline which most interest them. With this qualification, students develop their research and writing skills and are better equipped to pursue employment or higher degrees, such as a Master of Science, Master of Environmental Management or by research, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The Honours year prepares students for securing future research and career pathways. Students who successfully complete Honours will be able to demonstrate:

• a highly developed capacity to read, understand and evaluate a large body of scientific literature;
• an ability to communicate effectively;
• an ability to write effectively using a variety of appropriate styles;
• mastery of specific field, analytical, and data collection and processing techniques;
• higher order thinking skills involving the identification of research problems, selection of research techniques, evaluation of a variety of data forms and critical analysis;
• a capacity to devise and employ effective and creative strategies in problem solving.

Our brochure Why Study Honours? can be downloaded by anyone still wondering why they would want to do an extra year of study. They may also be interested in the range of Support Schemes and Scholarships available to research students.

More Information?

A list of the Honours Research Topics 2011 offered by our disciplines and associated research centres and groups is now available for download. Please note that although in many cases there are opportunities available in specific areas, students interested in pursuing Honours are encouraged to contact the Research Group, RHD Coordinator or Head of Discipline for their area of interest to discuss their personal research goals.

A Science & IT Honours & Research EXPO was held on 31 August 2010. All students and potential students who were unable to attend are encouraged to visit the EXPO website for further information and to download copies of the various brochures that were available on the day.