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
Getting started with your research
| Do you know about..? | Description | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
The Library's Research Smart Seminars |
The Library offers a range of skill development and information seminars for postgraduate students and researchers.This includes teaching how to use Endnote - a computer program that will help with your referencing and keeping your references organised and up-to-date. |
You can book into a class by going to the Research Smart Seminar site. |
| 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 and writing circles |
Each school runs 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. Some schools also run writing circles where students can work together to develop their writing. |
The seminars are advertised on your school noticeboard and website. |
Research Services for Higher Degree Research Students |
As well as the administrative details and forms you need during your candidature, Research Services provide advice to help you along the research road and to completion of the thesis. |
Research Services Seminars are available for students, supervisors and researchers. |
