Support and Services

Funding and benefits

Research funding

To support your research project, you will have access to a minimum of $1,500 each year. This money can be used for expenses such as travel to a conference or consumables you might need to carry out your research. All use of these funds must be approved by the supervisor and head of school.

A free laptop

As a University of Newcastle research student, you will be issued with a new laptop at the commencement of your studies.

If you complete your degree the laptop is yours to keep. Find out the details of the Research Degree Laptop Scheme.

Online

Log on

All University of Newcastle students have access to a range of online services including student email, blackboard and library services.

Our computer labs, libraries and the student hubs offer a mix of computers and printing facilities for student use. As a postgraduate student you will have access to a range of specialised/reserved facilities.

You will also be able to connect your University supplied laptop to our network from hotspots located in popular indoor and outdoor areas around the Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses.

Online learning - Blackboard

Through an online learning system called Blackboard, you will have access to both coursework specific material and content relevant to all University of Newcastle students.

Blackboard is also an online forum where you can interact with your lecturers and fellow research students.

You can also access Blackboard course sites on any compatible mobile device by downloading the free mobile application - Blackboard Mobile Learn.

The Office of Graduate Studies

The Office of Graduate Studies is a department solely devoted to the provision of support and the delivery of quality programs and services to our research higher degree candidates.

The Office is responsible for the overall administration of RHD candidature including:

• Admission
• Enrolment
• International Meet and Greets
• Induction
• Academic progress and monitoring
• Examination of thesis

In addition the Office of Graduate Studies administers research scholarships including:

• Scholarship applications
• Conditions
• Payment of stipend
• Overseas Student Health Cover and other benefits

Meet and Greet

Before you will be able to enrol, you will need to visit the Office of Graduate Studies and complete several formalities. During the Meet and Greet the Office of Graduate Studies staff will provide you with some important information related to your candidature and assist you with your enrolment.

Seminar series

We run regular free seminars to aid the academic skills acquisition of our candidates in relation to their Research Higher Degree and encourage all research students to take advantage of what's on offer.

Seminars cover key topics such as thesis writing and motivation, which can be particularly beneficial if you need to develop new skills, are facing hurdles or procrastinating. Participating in seminars is also a great opportunity to network with other research students.

Pre-Confirmation Program

The Office of Graduate Studies has designed and developed the Success @ Confirmation course for research higher degree candidates in their first year of their program. The program assists RHD candidates to develop their research and professional skills for success at confirmation, the first checkpoint of a RHD.

The Success @ Confirmation program has three components which include individual consultations, workshops and connections to other University support services.

Learning Support Program

The Centre of Teaching and Learning also run research higher degree specific workshops aimed at providing students with opportunities to increase their academic skills. Specifically designed to assist with proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, details are available through the research higher degree skills and training web page.

Facilities

The library

Our libraries will be an invaluable resource throughout your research degree experience.

You will have access to more than 1.3 million items, over 370,000 eBooks and over 80,000 electronic journals. You can also make requests for information via SMS, email or phone, 24 hours a day.

Our libraries also feature comfortable informal work areas - meet friends, collaborate, or simply use as a change of scenery whilst you do some reading.

If you are having difficulty finding particular books or journals, our dedicated library team members are there to help.

Student hubs

Our student hubs are one-stop-shops for getting information about the University, completing online forms, submitting or collecting assignments, getting a parking permit, logging on at an internet express terminal, or getting together with friends to chill out in the café and lounge areas.

Info commons

These bright, lounge-style learning spaces at the Newcastle City precinct, Newcastle and Central Coast campuses provide you with a 24-hour service.

The Commons have computers, individual work cubicles, printing facilities, lounge areas and cafés, as well as student rovers on hand to offer you support.