Supporting student research
Take up the opportunity, as a graduate researcher at VU, to learn from experienced researchers and academics. You’ll have access to high-quality research supervision and opportunities to participate in a vibrant and intellectually engaging research culture.
We work closely with supervisors and our graduate researchers to ensure that they have access to a comprehensive range of support programs. The programs help develop the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a research degree and practise as an independent researcher.
On this page
Research training program
Our central Research Training Program features over 100 seminars and workshops every year.
The program has a strong focus on building key research capabilities such as :
- written and oral communication in research
- research design and statistics
- qualitative and quantitative analysis
- information literacy for research.
For further information, visit Research Training Program.
Research facilities
Our graduate researchers have access to world-class facilities and infrastructure including specialist laboratories and training facilities.
Graduate research students also have access to:
- study areas
- photocopying and printing facilities
- phones
- departmental technical support (if required and available)
- library and information services including e-research and online resources
- Australian and overseas inter-library loans, subject librarians and other library staff.
Induction program
Our induction program provides orientation and support for newly-enrolled graduate researchers. It covers important information about research student life and services at VU.
Induction is generally offered in April and September every year. New students are notified which session they will need to attend at the time of enrolment.
Coursework units
In Semester 1, 2012, VU introduced core coursework units for new PhD scholars designed to assist you as you prepare for candidature. These units offer additional formalised learning and support in conceptualising and contextualising research and research integrity and ethics.
Students who are enrolled full-time in the PhD program will normally be expected to complete both units in the first semester. Part-time students will normally be expected to undertake one unit per semester across the first year of study.
For more information about the PhD coursework units, contact Dr Amanda Pearce.
Writing support for research students
The Graduate Research Centre and the School of Language and Learning offer individual assistance to postgraduate research students wishing to improve their thesis and academic writing skills. To find out more about these services or book an appointment, see Writing Support for Research Students.
Research Ambassadors
Research Ambassadors provide individual support to both research students and staff in a range of areas including:
- quantitative and qualitative research design and data analysis
- document formatting
- software, eg. EndNote and NVivo
- data and file management
- library research databases
They are based at both Footscray Park and City Flinders campuses.
Contact us
Nicole Drage
Research Training Officer
Phone: +61 3 9919 9584
Email: Nicole.Drage@vu.edu.au