Points to consider

Too often, students concentrate on the content of what they are doing at the expense of the process, and realise too late that they don't really understand what is expected of them. Some things to think about:

• How will graduate research differ from your previous academic experience?
• What skills will you require for successful completion?
• How can you acquire the skills that you do not already have, and improve or develop those that you do have?
• What problems commonly occur during graduate research projects and how can you avoid them?

Before starting

• Read the Terms of Candidature for Research Higher Degrees.
• Read about starting research (see the resources listed below).
• Discuss the research process with current and previous graduate students in your and other disciplines; ask them for their advice for success.
• Familiarise yourself with the resources, assistance and training available through the library and introduce yourself to your reference librarian.
• Familiarise yourself with the resources available for graduate students in your school and elsewhere in the University.
• Read the University’s Guidelines on Research Ethics and Research Conduct.
• Read the University’s Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal.
• See also the Graduate Research and Scholarships Offices online resource for writing research proposals.
• Read the University’s Intellectual Property Policy.
• Learn to use bibliographic software such as Endnote.
• Learn to touch type (there are various typing tutors available online).
• Consult the Learning, Language and Research Skills website about workshops and seminars for graduate students.