Higher degree research students
Courses and seminars
Training @ La Trobe offers courses run by the university for staff and postgraduate students. Courses include:
- Professional Development such as Public Speaking and Communication Skills
- IT skills such as PowerPoint and Endnote
La Trobe University Postgraduate Association (LUPA). LUPA runs a series of workshops to assist postgraduate students. These are run by academic staff from across different faculties in the university and include topics such as:
- Writing a Literature Review
- Quantitative Research Methodology
- Time Management
Check the LUPA website for the current list of workshops.
Orientation to Research is a course run by the Language and Academic Skills (ESL) unit and is designed for any new higher degree research student who has English as a Second Language. The course is designed to help students quickly settle into their research by discussing expectations of research in Australia.
RGSO Lunchtime Seminar Series (PDF 37KB). This series of seminars is run for staff and postgraduate students. Check this semester’s timetable to see those of interest for you.
Getting started with your research
| Do you know about..? | Description | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
Endnote (Bibliographic package) |
This is a computer program that will help with your referencing and keeping your references organised and up-to-date.. |
Endnote can be purchased for a nominal amount from The Smart Shop, Level 2 The Agora. Students at other campuses can check with their IT department. Register for a training program with STEPS. |
| Faculty/school /department librarians |
Each faculty has specialist librarians in the library. You can make an appointment with one of these librarians to discuss your research topic and the appropriate research tools for finding literature. They will assist you with relevant database searches also. |
Go to the information desk in the library and ask about your faculty librarian. Alternatively you can view a list of Faculty librarians. |
Research proposal requirements in your school |
Some schools require PhD students to give a formal research proposal in the first 6-12 months of candidature. Some schools require only a written proposal; others ask you to present your proposal to a conference of postgraduates or at a school seminar. |
Check with your supervisor about the proposal requirements for your school. |
Postgraduate co-ordinators |
You will mainly work with your supervisors over the time of your research here at La Trobe. However, you should be aware that each school also has a postgraduate co-ordinator. If you have any concerns that you may not be able to discuss with your supervisors, you can talk to the postgraduate co-ordinator. |
Ask at the school office who your postgraduate coordinator is. If your school has a HDR handbook for students, the coordinator’s name will be printed in there or on the school’s website. |
School seminars |
Each school runs a series of seminars so students and staff can share their research. These are run during semester, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. They are useful to attend because they are models of how you present in your discipline and of how research is carried out. Later in your study, you may be expected to present at one of these seminars. |
The seminars are advertised on your school noticeboard, on the website or in the University News, which can be accessed at University News |
Handbook for Supervisors and Candidates |
This is a publication by the RGSO and has all the administrative details you need to know during your candidature. |
You can access this on the RGSO website. You will also have been given a copy on enrolment. |
RGSO |
As well as the administrative details in the handbook, all the forms you need during your candidature are on the website. |
