Research Higher Degree Students

School Information and Support

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences aims to provide additional support for the research process and activities of its own RHD candidates.

Firstly, we provide a high standard of thesis supervision. If you have any queries about supervision arrangements you should contact the Deputy Head of School - Research Training, Dr Marguerite Johnson. Secondly, we provide a range of material resources such as financial support, study rooms, professional development workshops, conference attendance support, and statistical support. Specific information about these resources is regularly updated on this website.

Thirdly, we provide opportunities for candidates to present papers on their thesis work in a supported environment during their candidature through the RHD symposiums that take place each semester.

• Financial Support
• School RHD Induction Manual
• Research Seminars & Symposia
• Skills Training for Research Higher Degree Candidates
• RHD Resource Rooms
• RHD Candidate Access to Staff Tea Rooms
• School RHD Publication Prize
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Supervision Excellence
• RHD Candidate Web Pages
• Careers Service for RHD candidates
• RHD Student Forum

Financial support

All RHD candidates have access to $1500 per year (full-time equivalent study). The total amount available over the life of the candidature is as follows:

• $6000 - PhD (3.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent)
• $3000 - MPhil (2 years full-time or part-time equivalent)

Unspent monies each year are 'rolled-over' during the period of candidature.

RHD candidates must apply for access to financial support, which may be used for:

• Free laptops: As of 2008 RHD candidates will be provided with a free laptop in addition to their $1500 per annum (pro rata)
  • More information 
• Computer software
• Conference registration and associated costs in presenting a conference paper
• Conducting fieldwork
• Reimbursement for essential research books
• Miscellaneous research costs
• Thesis printing and binding

Conditions apply to the funding. Policies and the application procedure are detailed in the School RHD Manual below. For further advice on policies and applications please contact the School RT Convenor. Further financial support is available and negotiable, dependent on the nature of the research project (for example, extensive fieldwork). The University also offers a range of scholarships.

School RHD Induction Manual

Upon enrolment each RHD student receives a hard copy binder with useful RHD information and contact details as part of their induction to RHD study with the School. The Manual is regularly updated and the complete contents can be accessed by clicking here, or various sections are available below;

• Conference Grant Form
• Conference Funding Policy  
• Miscellaneous Research Support Application Form
• Fieldwork Support Application Form
• Fieldwork Funding Policy
• Thesis Submission Support Policy  
• Essential Books funding application form 
• Re-imbursement Claim Form 
• Variation of Candiditure Form 

Research Seminars & Symposia

The School runs a series of discipline-based research seminars and public lectures that RHD candidates are warmly encouraged to attend. In addition, the School hosts two RHD symposia each year at which RHD candidates can present their work.

Skills Training for Research Higher Degree Candidates

Each year the University runs professional development workshops specifically designed to assist RHD candidates to develop their research and thesis writing skills.

Click here for more information 

RHD Resource Rooms

Callaghan

Research Higher Degree candidates and honours students have access to the following School resource rooms:

• RHD Computer and Resource Room - W215
  Behavioural Sciences Building
  Computers (SPSS & NVivo), Printer & Scanner, Meeting table, Work desks & lockers
• RHD Computer and Resource Room - MCG16A
  McMullin Building
  Computers, Printer & Scanner, Meeting table, Work desks
• RHD Computer and Resource Room - MC148 McMullin Building
  Computers, Printer & Scanner, Meeting table, Work desks
• RHD Computer and Resource Room - GP217
  General Purpose Building
  Computers (SPSS & NVivo), Printer & Scanner, Meeting table, Work desks & lockers
• RHD Reading Room - MC117
  McMullin Building
  Previous Research Students' Thesis Library

Please contact the School Office (McMullin Building - MC127) to arrange access.

Ourimbah

• RHD Computer and Resource Room - HO1.74
  Humanities Building
  Desks, computers, networked printer, scanner and filing cabinet.

RHD Candidate Access to Staff Tea Rooms

All RHD candidates are warmly encouraged to make use of all staff tea rooms and associated facilities in these rooms. The tea rooms provide a communal space to facilitate informal interaction with RHD candidates and staff, and can be found in the following locations:

Callaghan

• McMullin Building: MCLG22, MCG47, MC138
• Behavioural Sciences Building: W221, W316, W347
• General Purpose Building: GP3.10, GP1.28

Ourimbah

• Humanities Office: H01.26 (adjoining the kitchen)

School RHD Publication Prize

The School of Humanities and Social Science RHD Publication Prize is annually awarded to RHD candidates who have their work published in an internationally recognised journal. The prize is $300 and is formally awarded at the annual NUPSA (Newcastle University Postgraduate Student Association) dinner.

RHD candidates should regularly inform the School of any publication outcomes they have by contacting Helen Moffatt  in the School Office.

Vice-Chancellor's Award for Supervision Excellence

If you've recently successfully finished your RHD candidate, you may like to nominate your supervisor/s for this University award, which recognises the important role that supervisors play.

Click her for further information

RHD Candidate Web Pages

All RHD candidates in the School have the option of having a web page created for them that outlines their contact details, thesis topic, research interests and outcomes to date. RHD candidate pages are updated annually. For an example of the format and content of the page, click here to see the Current RHD Candidate pages. To have a web page established, please contact the School Web Manager.

Careers Service for RHD candidates

The University Careers Service is available during your candidature and up to 2 years post graduation. They can assist you with finding work, interview tips and practice sessions, and drafting of a resume and addressing job selection criteria.

Click her for details

RHD Student Forum

The RHD Student Forum will be held on the RHD Symposium day each semester in 2012. However, students can contact the RHD School Forum Convenor or the Forum Representatives diectly via email at anytime. Alternatively access the School RHD blackboard site for discussion boards and contacts.

2009 RHD Forum Representatives

• Emma Joel
• Hope Sneddon

For further information contact the:

• RHD School Forum Convenor: Dr Steven Threadgold