Training in research, career, and life skills

During your candidature, you should regularly participate in workshops to enhance your research, career, and life skills. You might, for example, watch online videos, participate in conferences, and attend CDU workshops, either in person or online. At a minimum, you must

complete the recommended training on research integrity
attend at least five approved workshops--in a series called the Research Enhancement Program.

Research Enhancement Program

Research-based workshops provide skills training for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, supervisors and staff.

All students commencing a Higher Degree by Research program are required to participate in a minimum of five generic skills workshops/seminars throughout their candidature. The training helps you develop the skills to complete your degree and establish a career afterwards.

Researcher Development Calendar

Plan your researcher development experience using our Research and Innovation Events Calendarwhich aims to include all researcher development opportunities happening across the University. Email research.degrees@cdu.edu.auif you have any suggestions for future events.

Current HDR students will receive a monthly newsletter from the Office of Research & Innovation that includes upcoming events.

Dean of Graduate Studies Training

The Dean of Graduate Studies (DGS), Professor Tara Brabazon, provides weekly writing and drop in sessions for HDR Students as well as new content on the CDU Graduate Studies YouTube channel every Friday. Contact Tara for more details.

Utilise research skills and improve your career preparedness through a short-term industrial internship

Higher Degree by Research Student Internships

APR.Intern is Australia’s only national PhD internship program spanning all sectors and disciplines – now also open to Masters by Research students. The program connects postgraduate research students with industry through short-term research placements, empowering students to thrive in a practical environment.

Competitions for HDR students

Three minute thesis 3MT

The Virtual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition, developed at The University of Queensland. Specifically

candidates must present their thesis within three minutes
anyone who has passed their Confirmation of Candidature is eligible
this format inspires candidates to develop the capacity to communicate their research and insights concisely to all audiences.

Read more about The Virtual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) here.

Visualise your thesis VYT

Within one minute, candidates attempt to develop a video, often using Powerpoint, that displays and presents their thesis as engagingly and informatively as possible. This competition is becoming increasing relevant to the modern world, in which researchers and employees need to demonstrate the digital and marketing skills to promote their work enticingly. Read about the Visualise Your Thesis competition here.