Postgraduate research

Please note: Information in this chapter should be read in conjunction with the Resolutions of the Senate and of Sydney Nursing School.

Course information

Sydney Nursing School is committed to excellence in research and fosters a supportive environment for research academics, early career researchers and research students. A dedicted team of academic and administrative staff are available to support research activity.

Students wishing to undertake a research degree at Sydney Nursing School have the opportunity to undertake research training with academics who are leaders in their field, including the following major research areas:

• Acute and critical care
• Cancer and palliative care
• Chronic diseases
• Developing the nursing and midwifery professions
• Health systems, services, policy and regulation
• Mental health
• Midwifery and women's health
• Supporting children, families and carers
• The experience of health and illness across the lifespan
• Trauma and emergency

Sydney Nursing School offers the following research and research preparation degrees:

• Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
• Master of Nursing (Honours)
• Master of Philosophy (Nursing)
• Doctor of Philosophy

Choosing a topic

Many candidates will have decided on a topic or area of study before applying for a research degree and are required to attach a research proposal as part of the application procedure. We strongly recommend that you discuss the proposed research project with an academic member of staff prior to making your application.

To assist with choosing a topic and supervisor, or to discuss your research ideas, prospective candidates may like to explore the research interests of academic staff by viewing current staff projects detailed on the Sydney Nursing School website: sydney.edu.au/nursing/research/current_projects/current_projects_by_staff/ or by visiting Research Supervisor Connect at: sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/.

Guidance on preparing a research proposal or finding a research supervisor may be obtained by contacting the Director of Research Students and Research Development.

Supervision

A supervisor will be appointed for each student. The primary supervisor will normally be a member of academic staff employed by Sydney Nursing School. In accordance with University policy, one or more associate supervisors will also be appointed. These supervisors are normally identified during consultations prior to admission to the research degree.

Research participation

Students are active members of the research community and are encouraged to participate regularly in University and School research forums and conferences.

Three-day research workshops are held at the beginning of Semester 1 and the end of Semester 2 and national and international researchers are invited to join Sydney Nursing School staff and students for presentations and events during Research Week. Research Week is usually held in the between-semester break (June or July). All students are strongly encouraged to attend these events.

Research students are expected to present their work to colleagues and peers. The frequency and focus of presentations is determined by reaching key milestones specific to the type of research degree. This is a great opportunity for students to further develop and test their work. All higher degree research students (Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy) must also complete a probationary review and thereafter, an annual progress review interview during each year of enrolment.

Application

For local students, an application should be made on the appropriate form available from the University's application website: sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_administration/admissions/application_forms.

International students should apply through the International Office: sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/.

Costs

The Federal Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) provides exemptions for Commonwealth-funded higher degree students for the duration of an accredited higher degree course.

Local Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) students may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported place (CSP) for the duration of this course. Please contact Sydney Nursing School for further information.

International students should refer to the following for more information: http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/publications/fees.shtml.

Student Administration

Sydney Nursing School is part of the Division of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy at the University of Sydney and since 2010, the candidature of all higher degree research students (Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy) has been overseen by a Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies.

The Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies for Sydney Medical School, the Faculties of Dentistry and Pharmacy and Sydney Nursing School is supported by the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit which is located in the Edward Ford Building on Camperdown Campus. All administrative items such as applications, requests for suspension or extension, notice of annual progress review and thesis submission are notified through the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit following approval at faculty level. The contact details for the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit have been provided below:

Postgraduate Student Administration Unit
Edward Ford Building (A27)
Fisher Road
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 AUSTRALIA
T: +612 9351 3132
F: +612 9351 8529
E:

The School and Director of Research Students and Research Development make recommendations about candidature to the Chair of the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies. This Board may delegate authority to the Research Subcommittee of the Combined Board (of which Sydney Nursing School is a member), or its Chair.

Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) and Master of Nursing (Honours) students are enrolled and administered through Nursing Student Services at Sydney Nursing School.