Behind every great research student is a comprehensive support network. That’s why UTS offers a range of academic, health and wellbeing services to support you throughout your research candidature.
Support for your research
Supervisors
Your supervisor/s should be your first port of call for research advice and support. They provide project guidance, work with you to set goals and monitor progress, and oversee all stages of your research degree.
Faculties
Your faculty or research centre provides academic and administrative support for your research project. This includes researcher development opportunities, student engagement activities, and candidature management procedures, including assessments. Your main contact in the faculty will be the Responsible Academic Officer (RAO).
Access Faculty research contacts.
Graduate Research School
The Graduate Research School is the central support unit for graduate research at UTS.
The GRS team:
- plays an administrative role during the application and admission stage of your degree
- provides skills development opportunities during each stage of your degree
- assists with candidature management, scholarships and study queries
- organises social events to help you settle into the UTS research community.
Research Degree Candidature
The research environment and support services in place for Graduate Research students are outlined in the following guidelines, rules and policies:
The UTS Graduate Research Education Framework (GREF)
Graduate research programs at UTS are structured in accordance with the Graduate Research Education Framework (GREF).
The UTS GREF is a university-wide initiative that involves Faculties, research centres and the GRS. The framework has two main aims: to support the advancement of knowledge through original graduate research and to develop the graduate research student as a researcher prepared for a career in academia or industry.
This framework articulates the support they will receive and are expected to engage with while undertaking a graduate research degree at UTS.
The UTS Graduate Research Education Framework:
- Involves a panel of supervisors;
- Is guided by a Graduate Research Study Plan (GRSP);
- Comprises three formal candidature stages including assessment;
- Is monitored annually through a Review of Progress (ROP);
- Includes mandatory and optional training components;
- Involves undertaking a program of research that adheres to research management best practice;
- Culminates with the submission of a final thesis for examination;
- Provides a supportive Research Environment.
Researcher development
As a graduate research student, you will be supported throughout your candidature with a wide range of learning and skills development opportunities. There are many courses and workshops offered across UTS, including those facilitated by the Graduate Research School, faculties, schools, research centres and the UTS Library.
Download an overview of the Researcher Development and Support Programs (PDF, 0.7MB) available to HDR students, or browse all upcoming GRS events on Humanitix.
Guided by the GREF and HDR Capability Framework, you and your supervisors will use a Graduate Research Study Plan (GRSP) to help you take ownership of your unique research journey, from beginning to end. By identifying development goals and specific steps to achieve those goals, you’ll ensure that you are making the most out of your HDR study and progressing toward a meaningful conclusion.
UTS Research Office
The UTS Research Office provides expert advice on funding opportunities, research contracts and partnerships, and administrative processes, including data collection and ethics applications.
UTS Library
The UTS Library runs a series of workshops to help you build fundamental research skills. These include finding information, managing data and referencing, to name a few. The library is also home to research databases and software, as well as an extensive collection of resources both in print and online.
For more information on academic support, please refer to the Graduate Research Environment Guidelines.
Health and wellbeing
Physical and mental health plays a significant role in your research success—being well lets you focus on your studies without distractions.
You can use these resources to manage your mindset, set healthy boundaries, and balance your time. You'll also find a range of online resource guides to support you on different topics.
UTS offers bulk-billed health and counselling services for all students, as well as cost-subsidised Chinese medicine and psychology clinics that are open to the public. Multi-faith chaplaincy services are available if you’re in need of somewhere to worship or access spiritual support.
Read more about student support services at UTS.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
The Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education provides additional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including support with the application process. Once you start at UTS, Jumbunna will become an important resource for academic, social, emotional and cultural connection throughout your degree.
Read more about the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education.
Students with accessibility requirements
If you have a disability, medical or mental health condition, you will receive strong support through the UTS Accessibility Service team.
Find out about our accessibility program, or contact a UTS Accessibility Services Officer for more information.
HELPS HDR support
Higher Education Language and Presentation Support (HELPS) provides non-credited English language and academic literacy support to UTS undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students. Having a one-to-one consultation is an opportunity for an in-depth discussion in relation to your specific needs on an assessment.
