researchprogram

whatisreseach?
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."



whyundertakereseach?

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.


researchsupervision
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.


expectations
This is a higher degree. Applicants are expected to be mature, self reliant, highly motivated and dedicated people who have a capacity for independent intellectual investigation. Candidates will be responsible for meeting deadlines, providing and completing all requisite documentation, to initiate and keep regular appointments with their supervisors and help to develop and contribute to a burgeoning research culture.


activeparticipation
Research candidates are expected to be an active member of the School's research community through participation in the program's special interest groups, discussion groups, workshops and special events. At some stage during their candidature, each student is required to participate in at least one Peer Group Review assessment. This forum provides critical analysis and feedback to candidates nearing formal examination as an aid in the final preparation of their work.

Each candidate also required to present reports on the progress of their investigation to their peers in a public forum throughout their enrolment period. In addition, candidates should be aware of the benefits of publishing their research findings in refereed journals or at learned conferences.