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 dedicated team of academic and administrative staff is 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
• trauma and emergency
• cancer and palliative care
• chronic disease and ageing
• developing the nursing and midwifery professions
• health systems, services, policy and regulation
• mental health
• midwifery and women's health
• paediatric, child and youth health
• health and illness across the lifespan

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

• Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
• Master of Philosophy
• 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 before 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 at Sydney Nursing School or visit Research Supervisor Connect.

You can receive guidance on preparing a research proposal or finding a research supervisor by contacting the Director of Research Students and Research Development at Sydney Nursing School.

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.

Research workshops are held at the beginning of Semester 1 and the end of Semester 2. For 2012, Research Week will be held in July. National and international researchers are invited to join Sydney Nursing School staff and students for presentations and events during Research Week. 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 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

Application for all research programs is online. Please refer to the application details listed with the relevant course offering.

Costs

The federal government's Research Training Scheme 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 for the duration of this course. Please contact Sydney Nursing School for further information.

International students should visit the International Student Office for more information.

Student Administration

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 matters 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 unit areas follows:

Postgraduate Student Administration Unit
Edward Ford Building (A27)
Fisher Road
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 AUSTRALIA
T +61 2 9351 3132
F +61 2 9351 8529
E

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