Selection of Research Topic and Supervisors

Choosing a research topic, the School in which you will undertake your research and the supervisors who will assist you through the process of completing your degree are some of the most important decisions you will make. By thoroughly investigating your options before you commence candidature, you can avoid some of the more common difficulties that new students can face.

Before applying for admission, it is recommended that you discuss your proposed research project and how it matches with the research interests of your School of enrolment. It is not uncommon for a candidate in a laboratory based discipline to be offered a choice of topic from a number of quite well defined projects, consistent with the interests of the School’s research groups. Candidates in non experimental fields may have the freedom to choose their own topic within wider limits.

In general terms, research projects undertaken in the University’s areas of research strength have the advantage of having a concentration of resources and facilities and a lively research culture which stems from a critical mass of good students and research staff. In addition, it is important to remember that not all research topics have the necessary scope for a higher degree by research. Others are too big to be completed within the timeframe for the degree and some topics may not be able to be supervised or resourced within the University.

Ensuring that you choose a research project that can be well supervised and resourced within your School of enrolment can prevent disappointment and wasted time later in candidature.

If you do not have particular supervisor(s) in mind, contact the School’s Head or Postgraduate Coordinator and ask who is likely to be nominated to supervise you and then arrange to meet or talk to your proposed supervisors to ensure that you are comfortable with the School’s choice and that they will have the expertise, experience and time required to supervise you well. Where possible, it is a good idea to talk to other members of the research group or School about your proposed supervisors and their track record of supervision and to ask other research students who are supervised by these staff whether or not they are happy with the amount of support they have received.