Thesis Support Program
The LLSU-AusAID Thesis Support Program (TSP) provides AusAID research students with individualised support to develop the academic English writing skills needed to prepare a research thesis.
Program outline
The program consists of individualised one-on-one tutorials with designated LLSU adviser. These tutorials can be arranged, on the supervisor’s recommendation, at any time after the students first year of candidature, once the student has drafted a substantial portion of his/her thesis.
TSP tutorials are wholly devoted to the preparation of the thesis (as opposed to other study related matters) and concentrate on language and academic writing issues including:
- organisation and structure
- logical development and flow
- critical engagement with existing research
- as well as grammar and expression errors
Prior to tutorials, students need to submit draft thesis chapters, which provide the basis for all language work in the program.
The overall aim of the program is to develop the students writing skills, including their ability
to identify and self-correct errors in English grammar and expression. Generally, the adviser
will read part of a chapter, identify the areas of concern, and develop strategies and locate
resources that may assist the student to improve their written expression and self-correct
errors. The adviser may also recommend suitable short courses and workshops to further
the student’s language development. It is not the role of the LLSU adviser, however, to read
and comment on an entire thesis. Nor is it the adviser’s role to edit and proofread the thesis.
The supervisor’s comments on revised chapters and continuing areas of concern are
welcome at any time and will be sought by the LLSU adviser at intervals during the program.
Application Process
If you would like to participate in this program, discuss the matter with your supervisor and complete the application form, which must be:
- completed by the student and the student’s supervisor with details of the LLSU Adviser
- signed by the faculty’s AusAID Coordinator
- returned to the University’s coordinator, AusAID Scholarship/APS Officer in the
International Centre for the purposes of inclusion in the student file
LLSU will organise the first meeting between the Supervisor, the Language Adviser and the student and then proceed with the individual tutorials.
Time commitment
Up to 9 individual tutorials (with a maximum of 13 in a calendar year, AusAID will be billed for 9 with LLSU providing 4 free tutorials)
Contact
AusAID support staff