www.grs.unsw.edu.

au unsw postgraduate research

student handbook 2010/11
 2010 timeline for completion
higher degree research candidature

Starting Semester 1, 2010 Starting Semester 2, 2010

Start date between Start date between Start date between Start date between
1/1 and 16/3 17/3 and 31/3 1/7 and 25/8 26/8 and 31/8

Attend Postgraduate Attend Postgraduate

Attend Postgraduate
Research Student Induction Research Student Induction
Research Student Induction
25 August 2010 March 2011
16 March 2010

Candidate confirmed at Annual

Candidate confirmed at Annual If required: Lodge Progress Review within the first Early 2011
Late 2010 Progress Review within the first 12 request for Restricted 12 months of enrolment
months of enrolment Access and
Confidentiality 6 months y
oph
Maste
r of P Philos
hiloso prior to submission r of
phy ste
Ma
Annual Progress review Early 2012
Maste earch
Late 2011 Annual Progress review rs by Lodge Notification y Res
Rese
arch Masters b
of Intention to Submit
thesis 2 months prior Annual Progress review Early 2013
Late 2012 Annual Progress review
to submission
PhD
PhD Annual Progress review Early 2014
Late 2013 Annual Progress review Submit thesis for
examination
PhD 3-4 yrs /
Masters 1.5-2 yrs /
MPhil 1-1.5yrs

COMPLETION
Max: PhD 4 yrs /
Masters 2 yrs /
MPhil 1.5yrs

Authorised by the Dean of Graduate Research

Published by School of Graduate Research
Artwork and Printing by P3
© Copyright The University of New South Wales 2010
CRICOS Provider number: 00098G

The information in this publication was correct at time of printing (January 2010)
The University reserves the right to make changes as appropriate
2010 essentials
for new postgraduate
research students
02

Published by School of Graduate Research

Artwork and Printing by P3
© Copyright The University of New South Wales 2009
CRICOS Provider Number: 00098G

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

 03

welcome from the

dean of graduate research
As a new research student at UNSW you are joining
over 900 other people from Australia and countries
around the world who have chosen to come here
to pursue a higher research degree in 2010. I am
pleased to welcome you to UNSW and wish you
the very best for a successful start to your research
career. During your degree you will be presented
with many opportunities to network with other
students and to interact with research leaders in
your chosen field, both here and at other institutions.
I encourage you to take full advantage of these
unique and valuable experiences as it is these types
of opportunities, as well as the discipline specific
skills you will learn, which will contribute to your
development into an independent researcher.
A very warm welcome also to those of you coming to important sources of information
Sydney for the first time. Whether from other parts of on policies, procedures and other
Australia or from other countries, our strong research information and will be invaluable
reputation relies on your excellent contributions to to you throughout your degree.
the research effort at UNSW. I note with pleasure that Alternatively, please drop in to the
UNSW has attracted students from over 100 different GRS during office hours or email
countries over the past ten years. The rich cultural us at any time (contact details in
and academic diversity of our research student following pages) and our staff will
population is extraordinary and I hope that you all assist with your enquiry.
take advantage of student events to meet each other
Again, welcome and I look forward
and share your diverse experiences.
to meeting you during the course of
As Dean of Graduate Research I want to ensure the year and wish you every success
that your transition to postgraduate research is as a postgraduate research student
as smooth as possible. The Graduate Research at UNSW.
School (GRS) is the administrative unit that supports
research students and this Essentials booklet
provides a snapshot of the key things that new
students need to be aware of in the first few months
of candidature.
For more detailed information, consult the
2010/11 Research Student Handbook or the GRS PROFESSOR LAURA POOLE-WARREN
website (www.grs.unsw.edu.au). These are Dean of Graduate Research

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

04

contents
8 must do’s in the first 4 weeks of semester_ _____________6

4 things you need to know about your candidature_ ______8

The Graduate Research School__________________________10

Graduate Research School Staff and Structure ___________________ 11
Graduate Research School Contact Details______________________ 11
Scholarship Team Contacts____________________________________ 14
Resources___________________________________________________ 15
Seminars and Events__________________________________________ 16
Other Services_ ______________________________________________ 16

Research Management and Support at UNSW ____________17

Leadership and Direction______________________________________ 17

Contacts_________________________________________________19
Graduate Research School_ ___________________________________ 19
COFA Student Centre_________________________________________ 19
UNSW@ADFA Research and Research Training Office____________ 20
UNSW@ADFA Student Administrative Services Unit_______________ 21
Your School and/or Faculty_____________________________________ 21
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences_______________________________ 23
Faculty of the Built Environment_ _______________________________ 23
Australian School of Business__________________________________ 23

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

 05

College of Fine Arts (COFA)____________________________________ 23

Faculty of Engineering________________________________________ 23
Faculty of Law________________________________________________ 23
Faculty of Medicine___________________________________________ 23
Faculty of Science____________________________________________ 23
UNSW@ADFA________________________________________________ 23

UNSW Campus Maps_______________________________________24

Administrative Research Student Units__________________________ 24
Kensington Campus_ _________________________________________ 25
Canberra Campus____________________________________________ 26
Paddington Campus__________________________________________ 27

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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8 essential things to do in your

first 4 weeks

1 Visit
Not sure if you are correctly enrolled?
www.my.unsw.edu.au and check that
your enrolment details.

2 Set up your online University account – all official

UNSW correspondence is sent to this email address

http://www.it.unsw.edu.au/staff/email/exchange/

It is important that you check your UNSW email

account regularly.

3 Obtain your UNSW student card from the appropriate

campus office.

4 Attend the Postgraduate Research Student Induction

for all new research students:

Date: 16 March (Semester 1)

25 August (Semester 2)
3.15pm Campus Tours
4 – 5pm Information fair with
service providers
BBQ
5 – 6.15pm Formal Speaker
Program
6.15 – 7.15pm Reception
(drinks and nibbles)
Venue: Leighton Hall, The Scientia

In addition, attend any School or Faculty Research

Inductions Sessions.

Student Development – International also provides

orientation and social activities for new International
Students.

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

 07

5 Make sure you have a copy of the 2010 Research

Student Handbook (available at the Graduate
Research School)

6 Bookmark the Graduate Research

School website –
www.grs.unsw.edu.au/homepage.html

7 Find out who your Outreach Librarian is and connect

to the library’s High Degree Research Student’s
Mentoring Service – http://info.library.unsw.edu.au/

8 supervisor
Meet with your supervisor, co-supervisor or joint
and ensure you have discussed your
research area, resources, meeting frequency,
expectations and requirements to get your research
underway.

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4 things you need to know about

your candidature
1 approved
You must be enrolled every semester unless you are on
program leave.

You must apply to take program leave. Program leave

is on a semester basis and this must be applied for
and approved prior to the Census Date (31 March or
31 August) to take effect in that semester.

If you are an international student studying on a

student visa you must be enrolled full-time each
semester.

2 You must formally apply to make changes (variations)

to your candidature

Variations in candidature include:

• Changing between full-time
(35hrs per week) and part-time
(15-20hrs per week) enrolment
• Conversion from a Masters degree
to a PhD
• Adding or dropping coursework subjects
• Scholarship extension
• Visa extension
• Change in residency status
• Spending time conducting research overseas

Further information regarding variations in candidature

can be found in the Research Student Handbook or on
the Graduate Research School website.

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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3 Census Dates – the census date is the last day you

can vary and change your enrolment or apply for
program leave in any given semester.

If you have made any changes to your candidature

since commencing your studies you must inform the
Graduate Research School (Kensington & COFA
students) or the Student Administrative Services Unit
(UNSW@ADFA students) by:
• 31 March – Semester 1
• 31 August – Semester 2

4 Scholarship conditions
All scholarships have specific conditions of award that
you must be aware of relating to leave, extensions,
paid work etc. If you do not have a copy of this
information you should contact the Graduate Research
School (Kensington & COFA students) or the Research
and Research Training Office (UNSW@ADFA students)
to obtain these conditions.

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

10

the graduate research school

The Graduate Research School is the central administrative
unit for higher degree research training.

The School manages all administration associated with

candidatures, scholarships and loans, thesis submission
and graduation, and it provides advice on UNSW policies
and procedures.

The School is located on the Second Floor, South Wing, of

the Rupert Myers Building. The School has a reception desk
and resource area for postgraduate research students.
Students are welcome to drop into the Graduate Research
School anytime between 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.
The Graduate Research School staff are happy to assist
you with any enquiries and if required can point you to the
appropriate service or contact within the University.

The School has a website for postgraduate research students.

On this site you will find contact details for the School, a
comprehensive set of frequently asked questions, current
policies and procedures, skills development courses, useful
resources as well as information and advice. Please use this
site as the first point of contact with your enquiries.
www.grs.unsw.edu.au

GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

Rupert Myers Building

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Graduate Research School Staff and

Structure
During your candidature you may need to contact, or may
be contacted by, the following people:

PROFESSOR Laura poole-warren

Dean of Graduate Research

Margaret O’Byrne
Manager, Graduate Research School

Phil Moffat Julie Fox DR SHONA BLAIR

Scholarships Manager Manager Research Administration Student Liaison Manager

Scholarship Administration Officers Reception

Research Administration Officers
1st point of contact with the
Graduate Research School

Graduate Research School Contact Details

Graduate Research School
The University of New South Wales
Second Floor, South Wing,
Rupert Myers Building
Gate 14, Barker Street
UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052

Phone: +61 2 9385 5500

Fax: +61 2 9385 6238
Email: enquiries.grs@unsw.edu.au

Drop by in person to the Graduate Research School

reception desk 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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Dean of Graduate Research

Professor Laura Poole-Warren has executive responsibility
for the Graduate Research School and has overall
responsibility for higher degree research training at UNSW.
The Dean is the signatory on all official UNSW letters to
postgraduate research students.

Manager, Graduate Research School

Margaret O’Byrne heads the School. Margaret may contact
you about a variety of issues including scholarships, fee
payments, changes in University policy and procedures.
Margaret is also available to speak to students that
experience difficulties or who would like to provide
feedback on the Graduate Research School services. To
make an appointment with Margaret please contact Megan
Biok: m.biok@unsw.edu.au or phone +61 2 9385 7661

Graduate Research School Reception

Reception will be your first
point of contact with the
School. Reception is open
Monday – Friday from 9am –
5pm. We encourage all new
students to drop in, or to make
any enquiries about your
enrolment or candidature.

Student Liaison Manager

Dr Shona Blair, the Student Liaison Manager, is available
to provide confidential advice to students who are
experiencing any issues with their candidature. Shona
also manages the production of the Graduate Research
School publications, the website and events. If you have
any questions or feedback regarding any of these please
contact Shona.
Email: s.blair@unsw.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9385 6067

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Research Administration Team

The research administration team is managed by Julie Fox.
The research administration team is responsible for:
„„Admissions and enrolments
„„Scholarships and student loans
„„Variation to candidatures
„„Leave requests
„„Thesis submission
„„Pre-graduation information

Questions relating to candidature can be directed to the

research administration officers. (contact details follow)

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

arts.grs@unsw.edu.au
Faculty of the Built Environment
fbe.grs@unsw.edu.au
Australian School of Business
business.grs@unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Engineering
engineering.grs@unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Law
law.grs@unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Medicine
medicine.grs@unsw.edu.au
Faculty of Science
science.grs@unsw.edu.au

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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Scholarship Team Contacts

Scholarship Administration Team
The Scholarships team, which manages all aspects of
scholarships for research student scholarships, is managed
by Phil Moffat. For questions relating to scholarships please
contact the Scholarships Team.

Scholarships
scholarships.grs@unsw.edu.au

Please direct enquiries for the Australian Defence

Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA) and the College of Fine
Arts (COFA) to the appropriate student office at each
campus, details provided below:

ADFA Student Administrative Services

Top floor, Administration Building
Australian Defence Force Academy
Phone: +61 2 6268 6000
Email: sas@adfa.edu.au

ADFA Research & Research Training Office

Building 21
Australian Defence Force Academy
Phone: +61 2 6268 8497
Email: d.robinson@adfa.edu.au

College of Fine Arts (COFA) Student Centre

College of Fine Arts, UNSW
Room BG03, Level G, Block B
Phone: +61 2 9385 0608
Email: j.elliot@unsw.edu.au

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Resources
„„Research Student Handbook
A comprehensive guide for
postgraduate research students that
provides information on all aspects
of candidature including information
on enrolment, progression, financial
support, thesis submission and
relevant UNSW services and
contacts.

„„UNSW@ADFA

For students at UNSW@ADFA, the Research & Research

Training online calendar lists courses, workshops,
seminars and events available to you each semester:
www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/units/research/index.html

„„Graduate Research Student News

The Graduate Research School
publishes a monthly newsletter
containing information of interest to
postgraduate research students.
This newsletter is available from the
1st of each month and will be sent
to your university email account.

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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Student Resource Area

A resource area is available for
postgraduate research students
within the Graduate Research
School. Here you will find a library
of booklets, flyers and forms; two
computers with online access and a
lounge area.

Seminars and Events

The full list of seminars and events can be found on the
Graduate Research School website –
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/resources/workshops.html

The Graduate Research School also holds social and

informal functions for student groups. These events are
advertised through the Graduate Research Student News
and on the Graduate Research School website.

Other Services
The Graduate Research School can also provide you
with up to date information on University policies and
procedures, service providers and can also provide
confidential advice to postgraduate research students.
Further information and a full listing of University service
providers and contact details can be found in the Research
Student Handbook.

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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research management and

support at UNSW
Leadership and Direction
The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Fred Hilmer,
has overall management responsibility of the University. The
University is divided into a number of Divisions (consisting
of administrative units) and Faculties (consisting of
academic Schools).

There are nine Faculties across the University and

each Faculty has a Dean, Associate Dean (Research/
Research Training) and Higher Degree Committee who
are responsible for higher degree research related matters
within your Faculty.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor Les Field, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research),
is responsible for all matters relating to research at UNSW.
Professor Field heads the Division of Research, which
incorporates the areas below.
www.dvcresearch.unsw.edu.au

Research Management Structure at UNSW

Professor Les Field

Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Research)

Graduate Research School Grants Management Office NewSouth Innovations Research Strategy Office

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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The Graduate Research School

The Graduate Research School will be your main point of contact within the Division of
Research throughout your degree.
Web: www.grs.unsw.edu.au

grants management office

Most new students will not need to contact the Grants Management Office unless
working on an industry sponsored grant or contract. The Grants Management Office
manages the administration of research grants at the University and is also responsible
for managing human and animal ethics approvals.
Web: www.gmo.unsw.edu.au

NewSouth Innovations
NewSouth Innovations (NSi) focuses on the commercialisation of research
and technology emanating from UNSW. NewSouth Innovations has an
experienced team who help manage the demanding process of taking a
technology from a bench-top concept to the marketplace. NSi can help
postgraduate research students and inventors work with public and private sector
enterprises to protect their intellectual property and to develop new products and
processes. You may be directed to seek advice from NSi by the Graduate Research
School if there is a specific Intellectual Property issue related to your research.
Web: www.nsinnovations.com.au

RESEARCH STRATEGY OFFICE

The role of the Research Strategy Office is to enhance the University’s research
performance and profile by working with researchers to identify opportunities for
research funding, prizes and awards, to improve research grant application quality
and to act as a source of expertise on ‘grantsmanship’, particularly through support for
UNSW researchers at various stages of their careers.
Web: www.dvcresearch.unsw.edu.au/strategic.html

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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contacts
Graduate Research School
The Graduate Research School staff are happy to assist all
postgraduate research students with any enquiries and if
required can point postgraduate research students to the
appropriate service or contact within the University.

The School is located on the Second Floor, South Wing,

Rupert Myers Building, Kensington Campus.

Students are welcome to drop into the Graduate Research

School anytime between 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Alternatively, you may call or email the Graduate Research

School.

Web: www.grs.unsw.edu.au
Email: enquiries.grs@unsw.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9385 5500

COFA Student Centre

The COFA Student Centre coordinates the student
administration activities of the College of Fine Arts. The
Centre provides information and advice to both current and
prospective students and is responsible for a wide range of
services for postgraduate research students which include:
„„Program information
„„Enrolments

„„Student ID and borrowers cards

„„Leave of absence
„„Program withdrawal
„„Thesis submission and examination
„„Graduations

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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The Centre is open Monday - Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm and

is located at the College of Fine Arts, Paddington.

Web: www.cofa.unsw.edu.au/schoolsunits/units/studentcentre
Phone: +61 2 9385 0608
Email: j.elliot@unsw.edu.au

UNSW@ADFA Research and Research

Training Office
The UNSW@ADFA Research & Research Training Office
administers scholarships, annual progress reviews and
thesis submission for UNSW@AFDA postgraduate research
students. The Office is located in the Research hub in
Building 21. Building 21 also incorporates the Research
Student Precinct and Research Student Lounge. The
precinct houses a pool table, table tennis table, computers
and printers for use by postgraduate research students.
There is a TV room and DVD recorder for use by research
students and daily newspapers are also available.

Web: www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/units/research/index.html
Email: d.robinson@adfa.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 6268 8497

The Office also organises workshops to develop and

enhance research students’ skills. The Research Workshop
Program is run twice a year in cooperation with all
Canberra Universities and UNSW@ADFA. The Program
provides postgraduate research students the opportunity
to explore relevant issues and enhance research skills. This
inter-university Program also addresses the key learning
areas of Knowledge, Inquiry, Communication, Organisation,
Creativity and Ethical practice. The Program is offered free
to all postgraduate research students.

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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UNSW@ADFA Student Administrative

Services Unit
The role of Student Administrative Services Unit is to
provide quality administration to support and promote
the academic programs of students and to enhance their
educational experience at UNSW@ADFA.

The core functions of the Unit are:

„„Facilitating
student admission, enrolment, timetabling,
academic progression and advice, assessment
processing and graduation
„„Providinginformation through a central enquiries office
and producing information guides for students
„„Undertaking student welfare activities through the
provision of formal and informal functions and events
and the provision of pastoral care and advice

Web: www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/student/contact/index.html
Email: sas@adfa.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 6268 6000

Your School and/or Faculty

You should always check with your own School and Faculty
first about procedures, systems, infrastructure, support and
resources. The people who are best placed to assist you
within your School and Faculty include:

Your Supervisor/Co-Supervisor
In all instances the first person to go to with any enquiries
should be your supervisor/co-supervisor as they are most
likely to be able to provide you with advice and information
of direct relevance to your area of study.

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Your School Postgraduate Coordinator

Each School has a Postgraduate Coordinator who
coordinates and administers the School’s higher degree
research programs. The Postgraduate Coordinator is
responsible for overseeing the candidature of each
postgraduate research student in the School and, after your
supervisor/co-supervisor, the Postgraduate Coordinator is
best person to provide you with advice about all aspects of
your candidature at the School level.

Associate Deans (Research)/Associate

Deans (Research Training)
All Faculties have an Associate Dean (Research) and some
Faculties also have an Associate Dean (Research Training/
Research Students) or Director of Postgraduate Research.
The role of this person is to provide advice to the Faculty
Dean on Research in the Faculty. You may wish to contact
the Associate Dean if you have queries about Faculty
procedures related to research or research training or if you
need advice outside your School.

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Faculty of
Arts & Social Sciences
www.arts.unsw.edu.au

Australian School of Business

www.business.unsw.edu.au

Faculty of the Built Environment

www.fbe.unsw.edu.au

College of Fine Arts (COFA)

www.cofa.unsw.edu.au

Faculty of Engineering
www.eng.unsw.edu.au

Faculty of Law
www.law.unsw.edu.au

Faculty of Medicine
www.med.unsw.edu.au

Faculty of Science
www.science.unsw.edu.au

UNSW@ADFA
www.unsw.adfa.edu.au

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unsw campus maps

UNSW campus maps are available to download
from the following website:

www.facilities.unsw.edu.au/Maps/maps.html

Administrative Research Student Units

Graduate Research School College of Fine Arts

Kensington Campus Student Centre
Paddington Campus

unsw@adfa Student
Administration Services
Canberra Campus

unsw@adfa Research and

Research Training Office
Canberra Campus

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Kensington Campus

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

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Canberra Campus

2010 ESSENTIALS FOR NEW POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS

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Paddington Campus

UNSW GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL