animation & interactive media
higher degree
by research

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what is research?

The essential characteristic of research activity is that it leads to publicly verifiable outcomes which are open to peer appraisal. RMIT accepts the OECD definition of research and experimental development as:

"...comprising creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order in increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications."

research
why do a higher
degree by research?

Higher Degree by research study provides:-

• The opportunity to obtain a higher qualification while you gain
_knowledge through in depth study of an area that is of particular
_interest to you.
• Prestige - a learned reputation and identity within the field of study.
• Personal challenge.
• Structure for a personal project by requiring you to set goals and
_deadlines for yourself.
• A free and open exchange of ideas with like-minded people in a
_supportive educational environment and culture.
• Access to repositories of knowledge within and outside the
_University
• Student status provides an entree to industry expertise often not
_normally available.
• An environment where investigations are developed on the
_importance of ideas rather than the dictates of commerce.
• Access to University and industry resources.
• A means to establish links and build useful relationships with other
_people working in your field of research.
• A way of keeping abreast of the latest thinking and developments
_within the medium.
• An ongoing relationship with AIM Alumni which has become the
_backbone of the local industry.

what RMIT offers

RMIT provides the rigour of a formal academic process. It also offers the stimulation of being a part of a community of like-minded people engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and interested in exploring the medium at its frontiers within an environment and culture which respects the worth of good ideas. RMIT is often able to formalise national and international strategic alliances with other people working in your field of research. It also offers informed and editorial comment on your work from experts in the field.

supervision Two supervisors will be appointed as appropriate to the individual program. The Senior Supervisor's role is one of facilitation and to guide academic process. The candidate's role is to organise their time and adhere to their schedule and undertake a degree which meets the demands of such a qualification.

Frequency and nature of meetings between students and supervisors is an arrangement to be worked out by both parties which may vary from program to program and student to student. It may also vary during the life of the project. The candidate will prepare the proposal in conjunction with their Senior Supervisor. This proposal is evaluated by the Higher Degrees Committee as being worthy of the award. It is then up to the candidate to complete the tasks they have set for themselves within their proposal.

Where expert advice would be useful to a research project, consultants may be formally attached to the candidate's program.

An Image
maintained by: the AIM centre
further information: Rhonda Smithies
last updated: 8/9/2001
© Copyright 2001
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
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