Research Support

Undertaking a higher degree by research program is a demanding enterprise. To make the most of your time at the University of Newcastle you should take full advantage of the academic, personal and technical support that is available to you.

Online Modules

The Graduate Research team has interviewed the University's leading academics on a range of issues relating to the HDR experience, from getting started to wellbeing to developing an academic career. Check out the below modules on how to get the most out of your degree, learning from the best in the field in the process.

Primary contacts

Your supervisor is your key contact throughout your degree. They will provide guidance on all aspects of your research. You will meet regularly with your supervisor to ensure you are making progress in your degree.

Each School appoints a Deputy of Head of School (Research Training), who is responsible for monitoring the general progress and welfare of research students in that academic area. Each School's contacts can be found on the HDR HQ SharePoint supports page.

Graduate Research is your central point of contact for information and support on the administration and management of your research degree. As an enrolled student we will subscribe you to the HDR HQ Newsletters so you can keep up-to-date with the latest news on Higher Degrees by Research.

Graduate Research welcomes visitors to our office for discussions regarding all aspects of the Higher Degree by Research journey.  Please note that appointments are essential for face to face meetings. Appointments can be made through the following link: Graduate Research Appointment.

Graduate Research is located in the HDR Learning Hub, Social Sciences Building (SR-G04).

Research Computing

The University offers specialist research computing support to enable powerful new and existing technologies to be applied across all stages of the research lifecycle, from data collection to analysis, processing, visualisation, and data publishing. HDR candidates have access to this support, which is delivered by the Academic Research Computing Support (ARCS) team.

For more information on how your research computing needs can be met, visit the Research Advantage page.

Workshops

Please refer and subscribe to the Research Training Calendar on HDR HQ to keep up-to-date on upcoming research training opportunities. All HDR students are given access to this SharePoint site soon after commencing their degree. If you experience any issues accessing the site please email research-training@newcastle.edu.au.

The Academic Learning Support team offer workshops and a wide range of materials to support your learning.  

If you or your supervisor believe that you would benefit from improving your English language skills you should approach the on-campus English Language Centre for more information on intensive courses and one-on-one programs.

Library

The Library offers a dedicated Researcher Support service with advice and support for undertaking literature searches, systematic reviews, referencing, citation analysis, current awareness, promotion of research, and management of research data. They can also advise on choosing the right publisher, including how to avoid predatory publishers and which publishers offer Open Access publications. Contact your Faculty’s Research Liaison Librarian for more information.

Specialist Support

The university has a comprehensive program of support services available to all students, including the Careers and Counselling Services (including the After-Hours Crisis Support Line) and the Chaplaincy. There are tailored support services for international students, Indigenous students or those who require disability support.

As a postgraduate student, you are a member of the University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA). UNSA supports postgraduate students in a number of ways, including academic and skills-based workshops, social events, clubs and societies, providing a support network and important advocacy work.