Skills and resources
Preparing yourself for graduate study before you officially commence can really help you make a successful start and avoid many of the transition issues which invariably arise. This might mean picking up a few new skills, attending a library information session or thinking carefully about how to frame a thesis topic.
| Information Technology | Languages | Oral presentations | Conducting research | Conducting statistical research |
| Time management | Tutoring | Academic writing | Writing a thesis |
Information Technology
- IT guide for students: A glance through this will give you an idea of the programs that are available to you as a graduate student.
- Pick IT Up Online: A free suite of modules available to all students. Use it to become proficient in Microsoft Office, Macromedia's design and media software, project management and basic computer skills. Training modules can lead to the International Computer Drivers Licence Certification, recognised worldwide.
- Upskills Program: IT skills seminars are also offered through the School of Graduate Research.
Languages
- Academic Skills Unit (ASU): If your first language is not English, the ASU provides resources, online activities and staff to help you improve your English language skills.
- School of Languages and Linguistics: If your study requires knowledge of a language other than English, see the School of Languages and Linguistics for information and advice about studying a second language.
- Asia Institute: You can also take an Asian language at the Asia Institute.
Oral Presentations
You may need to make presentations during your course, perhaps in class, as a guest lecturer, or at a conference. If the thought of speaking in front of a group fills you with fear or you'd like your presentations to have more impact, look out for:
Research
- To make sure you know how to use all the Library facilities, you should attend classes made available as part of the Library's Information Skills program.
- The Library website also offers advice about searching the catalogues.
Statistical research
Statistical Consulting Centre: If you need advice or training on statistical research, the Statistical Consulting Centre offers assistance to graduate research students (i.e. Masters, PhD and Doctorate).
Time management
The most successful students are the ones who know how to manage their time and the competing demands upon it.
- Academic Skills Unit (ASU): If you feel like things are getting out of control, or you'd just like to improve your time management, contact the ASU to find out about their workshops or make an appointment with an ASU adviser.
Tutoring
Tutoring undergraduate classes is a great opportunity for graduate students, however it can be a challenging task, especially for those without a background in teaching.
- Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE): Offers occasional courses in teaching small and large groups. The CSHE publication, Tutoring and Demonstrating, A Guide for the University of Melbourne, is also very useful and is available online.
- The Transition Program also has a publication called Students in Transition: A guide for first-year tutors (456Kb). For a hard copy, please email Rebecca or phone 8344 7932.
Academic writing
- Academic Skills Unit (ASU): If you feel that particular aspects of your writing - grammar, expression, clarity or structure - need improving, talk to the ASU. You can attend one of their seminars or make a personal appointment with an adviser. While they won't write your essay or thesis for you, an adviser can help you identify your strengths and areas needing improving, thus developing your own skills.
Writing a thesis
Even if you've mastered your writing skills, researching, writing and presenting a major thesis can be a whole new story.
- Academic Skills Unit (ASU): For help with thesis planning, structure and developing your editing skills.
- School of Graduate Research (SGR): Can also help you grasp the important concepts of thesis writing, including getting started, writing a literature review, and managing your information.
- University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA): For thesis advice and information.
One other thing: it might sound pretty obvious, but if you have never written a long thesis before, it can help to look over some Masters or PhD theses (available in the Baillieu Library or your department library). You will get a better idea of how a thesis is constructed, and what is expected.