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Research at EMPA
Why do Postgraduate Research with us?
The School of English, Media and Performing Arts has a vibrant and collegial research environment both within the individual discipline areas and across the wider school. We have very high completion rates and a proven record of excellence in research supervision. Our supervisors are experts in their fields of academic specialisation with strong publication track record. We also offer a range of resources to help students develop their research skills, complete their theses, and establish academic and social networks. For a list of research and supervision interests of the staff of the School, please look at our staff research profiles.
Degrees offered
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy (in Practice-Based Research)
Master of Arts by Research
Discipline areas
English
Creative Writing
Media
Music and Music Education
Theatre and Performance Studies
Film Studies
Dance
Thesis Writing Workshop
The School provides a year-long thesis workshop for students in the first year of their candidature, which serves as an induction to the degree. This is a practical, discipline based workshop which focusses on two aspects of research training: academic research and writing skills; and professional development. The workshops cover crucial topics such as methodology, literature reviews and thesis structure, and are based on students’ own research projects, which means they get regular feedback on their thesis beyond that offered by their supervisors. The workshops are also designed to help students develop skills in areas such as writing conference abstracts and delivering conference papers, publishing journal articles, teaching preparation, and applying for academic positions.
Scholarships
The School has an excellent record of securing scholarships for its students. Postgraduate research students can apply for a range of scholarships including Australian Postgraduate Awards, University Postgraduate Awards, Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships and University International Postgraduate Awards. For further information visit the Scholarships page.
Funding for research and conference travel
After the first year of candidature students can apply to the Faculty of Arts and to the Graduate Research School for travel grants either to conduct research or to deliver papers at conferences. This travel can be national or international. More information can be found on the Scholarships page.
Annual Postgraduate Symposium
Each year the School hosts a two-day academic conference organised by postgraduate students. This conference attracts papers from research students within Sydney and across Australia, and in the past has led to publication of conference papers.
Staff/Student Seminar Series
Each semester the School runs a seminar series which includes papers from academics within the School, and occasionally from visiting scholars. Postgraduates are encouraged to attend these seminars and offer papers themselves.
Regular social events
The School is committed to fostering a collegial atmosphere amongst postgraduate students and between students and staff. At the start of each year we hold a Postgraduate Student Welcome where all new students have the chance to meet staff and continuing students. Throughout the academic year we host a fortnightly afternoon tea where students can interact in an informal environment with each other and with the postgraduate coordinator and other members of staff.
Application Procedures
Potential applicants are advised to make first contact with the relevant postgraduate coordinator to discuss the nature of their project, the availability of supervision and the appropriateness of their qualifications.
Formal applications for candidature and scholarships should be made through the University’s Graduate Research School. Further information on admissions can be found here.
