Current Research Students: Frequently Asked Questions
Who Do I Talk to About Making Changes to my Master by Research Enrolment? (includes leave from study, change of address etc)
Masters by Research students should contact the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS) (Ground Floor Reception, Building 149, Old Arts Building) arts-research@unimelb.edu.au if they wish to make any changes to their enrolment. Most enrolment changes will need to be approved by both your home school and the Faculty.
Who Do I Talk to About Problems with my Supervisor?
Masters by Research students who are experiencing problems with their supervision arrangements should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator in their school in the first instance and should also refer to the Faculty's supervision guidelines web page. Faculty course advisers are also available for consultation in the Arts and Music Support Centre.
What Can I Do If I Am Feeling Isolated?
Independent research can at times be isolating. The Faculty encourages research candidates to share their research experiences by providing a range of support activities at the Faculty and school level. Research students are encouraged to attend the Faculty Welcome Day, Student Support Scheme, and to present their research at the annual Postgraduate Students Colloquium. In addition, International Students are invited to attend a dedicated International Information Session.
If you are feeling isolated you should contact the Postgraduate Administrator in your school in the first instance. Support is also available at the Faculty level by making an appointment to speak with a Faculty course adviser in the Arts Student Centre (link to contact details page). You may also find it helpful to make contact with the University of Melbourne Graduate Student Association (UMPA) which is a contact and support group coordinated by postgraduates for postgraduates.
How Does the Faculty Monitor my Progress?
Masters by Research candidates must complete two progress reports during their enrolment. The first review takes place at six months from the commencement date of candidature (full-time equivalent) and the second at 12 months (full-time equivalent). Masters by Research students are required to submit at least two chapters of approximately 10,000 words for review as part of the second progress report. For more information, visit the Research Guidelines web page.
What Happens If I Am Not Ready to Submit my Thesis by my Expected Completion Date (ECD)?
Masters by Research Students who are unable to submit their thesis by their expected completion date should apply for an extension at least two weeks prior to their completion date. Requests for extensions up to 3 months full-time or 6 months part-time will be considered. School approval is needed before the form is submitted to the Arts Student Centre for Faculty approval.
How Do I Prepare for Submission of my Thesis?
Masters by Research students should submit to the Arts Student Centre (Room 104, Old Arts Building) an Intention to Submit form with a 80 word thesis summary at least six weeks prior to their expected completion date.
Masters by Research students should submit three bound copies of their thesis for examination on or before their expected completion date. A thesis submission form should also be completed, including the supervisor and Head of School's signature. These forms are available from the Arts Student Centre (Room 104, Old Arts Building).
Where Do I Submit my Thesis?
Masters by Research students should submit 3 bound copies of their thesis for examination to the Arts Student Centre (Room 104, Old Arts Building).
What Should I Do If I Decide to Drop Out of my Studies?
Masters by Research students experiencing difficulties maintaining their studies should contact their supervisor and school in the first instance to discuss the options available to them. If, following consultation with their school and Faculty, a student decides to discontinue with his/her studies a Discontinuation form should be completed and submitted to the the Arts Student Centre (Room 104, Old Arts Building).
How Can the Faculty Help me Attend a Conference as Part of My Research?
The Faculty of Arts offers a Graduate Research in Arts Travel Scheme (GRATS) Scheme in support of research students. Masters by Research students can apply for up to $650 for either national or international conference presentation. Masters by Research candidates must have been enrolled in the Masters by Research program for at least 6 months full-time equivalent at the time of application to the scheme to be eligible for support under the scheme.