Postgraduate Study - University Of Otago

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PostgraduateStudyDepartment ofSociology, Gender & Social WorkUniversity of Otago

Tena koutou katoa,Hello, and WelcomeOn behalf of the staff, I am delighted to welcome you to postgraduatework in the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work. As agraduate research student you will take on a new role in ourcommunity. In addition to the opportunities related to research youmay be involved in teaching and I hope you will forge new links withinthe disciplines of sociology, gender and social work and throughoutthe University. You will also find new challenges related to this rolethat will stimulate you to grow, to reflect, and to contribute to theknowledge base of our disciplines.In this handbook you will find valuable information about theDepartment’s programmes and facilities. It is designed as anintroduction, and does not include all the information you will needconcerning the Department and the University. You will also need toconsult websites, written material, and (occasionally) live humanbeings to meet your information needs.The research enterprise is diverse and complex, and ultimately youare the author – not only of your thesis or dissertation – but of yourresearch career. We take great pride in our graduate researchstudents, and I am certain that you will bring honour to ourdepartment and the university in all your professional dealings.Hugh Campbell (HOD)Department of Sociology, Gender and SocialWork

1. Embarking on aPostgraduate Career1.1 Who are postgraduate students?Postgraduate students are those who have already graduated from atertiary institution and who are studying for a higher degree. Thus,those studying for a Masters degree or for a PhD are postgraduatestudents.Applicants for postgraduate study should have demonstratedexpertise in their planned field of study, normally an Honours degreewith a research component (for Masters students), or a Mastersdegree (for PhD students).1.2 How do I inquire about postgraduate study?The department’s website http://www.otago.ac.nz/sgsw/ gives a stepby-step guide to the process of investigating postgraduate study. Youshould also consult the website of the university’s International Officeif this applies to your situation http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/index.html .You will need to submit: Application CV References Transcripts (unofficial are fine) Proposal Writing sampleThe proposal should be brief (1-3 pages) and does not need toinclude a detailed method section. It is expected that this initial draftwill be substantially revised through work with your supervisor.

1.3 Who oversees postgraduatestudies in Sociology, Genderand Social Work?Postgraduate research in this department is overseen by thePostgraduate Committee. Membership of the committee varies yearby year. For the duration of your time as a research student in thisdepartment your academic welfare and progress will be monitored bythe Postgraduate Committee, who will seek regular reports from yoursupervisor(s).You are welcome to contact the PostgraduateCoordinator or another member of the committee regarding anyconcerns or suggestions you may have about the postgraduateprogramme.Postgraduate Coordinator:Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott: bryndl.hohmann.marriott@otago.ac.nzMembers of the Postgraduate Committee:Annabel Cooper: annabel.cooper@otago.ac.nzAmanda Barusch: amanda.barusch@otago.ac.nzMelanie Beres: melanie.beres@otago.ac.nzRebecca Stringer: rebecca.stringer@otago.ac.nzPostgraduate Administrator:Jocelyn Diedrichs: jocelyn.diedrichs@otago.ac.nzApplications for postgraduate study are considered carefully, in orderto ensure that a student is embarking on a project of suitable scopeand depth, and that the project will further the student’s goals. Thestudent’s research interests, and theoretical and methodologicalapproaches, are also part of the Postgraduate Committee’sconsideration, as it is important to ensure that appropriate supervisionis available.

1.4 What sources of informationalready exist?There is already a great deal of information about graduate studiesavailable to you within the University. Sources include the following: The departmental webpage http://www.otago.ac.nz/sgsw/ The University of Otago Calendar Handbook for Masters’ Degrees and PhD Study (both available online with other useful information: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/ ) Notes on the Preparation of Theses Tuition Fees Booklet Departmental Research Information booklet MSW Course ProspectusIt is assumed that you have consulted these sources of informationand it is not our intention to replicate them in this handbook. Rather,we wish to inform you of the related departmental procedures that arenotcoveredintheuniversitydocuments or on the main webpage.

1.5 What do we expect from ourgraduate students?It is expected that, as a graduate research student, you will beprogressively able to do the following: undertakeoriginal,independentinterdisciplinary researchandcollaborative, effectively present research results in written and oral form to awider audience assemble, critically evaluate and analyse information from thefield, practice, library and other sources competently use electronic media to gather, distribute, processand analyse information think clearly and methodically in debate and decision making practise the highest ethical standards in professional activity appreciate and respect the beliefs, needs and aspirations ofpeople of different cultures, ethnicities, gender and ability confirm a sense of social responsibility Social Work graduate students are also expect to gain skills in: comprehending the nature and reflective character ofintervention in social systems demonstrating an understanding of the interrelationshipsbetween social issues and policies in the humanenvironment

1.6 What are the formalrequirements?You will find the regulations for degrees and diplomas on theUniversity website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/postgraduate/index.html/1.7 What are the time limits?As a full time PhD candidate you are expected to submit your thesiswithin three years of first registering for the degree. The minimumcompletion time is two and half years.As a full time MA or MSW student you are expected to submit yourthesis within one year of registering for the degree (if thesis only) orby the end of the second year of study if you are undertaking apapers thesis programme for full time students.Applications for extensions are considered on a case-by-case basisby the Postgraduate Committee, and the Division of Humanities (for aMasters), or the PhD Office.

1.8 What does it cost and whatsources of financial assistanceare available?Undertaking postgraduate study is not cheap but neither is it moreexpensive than full time undergraduate study. You will find details ofthe current fee structures on the university’s website. You will,however, incur some additional costs associated with your project orthesis, the scale of which will depend on the nature of researchundertaken. We wish to emphasise that the likely costs associatedwith research programmes are important considerations. You mustraise this in preliminary discussions with prospective supervisors andthe Postgraduate Committee.1.8.1 Student LoansMost of you will be well aware of the student loan scheme that iscurrently operating. If you need confirmation of the details, youshould consult the University’s link to http://www.studylink.govt.nz/1.8.2 Departmental AllowancesDepartments include in their annual budgets an amount to supportresearch students. This is to cover some of the routine costs (e.g.access to physical space, access to computers, access to internet,inter-loans and software), as opposed to specific needs of yourproject. The department will make an allowance for costs incurred byyou as a full time research student as follows: for a maximum of one year for Masters research, for one year of the PhDYou should discuss the question of research costs with yoursupervisor within one month of registering to do research. Yoursupervisor will then collate this information for the PostgraduateCommittee who will discuss your specific needs and allocate funds ifappropriate, to the extent that the department budget allows. If youare a part-time research student your case will normally bedetermined on a pro rate basis.

1.8.3 Scholarships/AwardsFor those of you embarking upon the thesis year of a Masters degree,or thinking of a PhD, and who achieve grades in the ‘A’ range at 400level, there are several scholarships that you should considerapplying for. For further details you should contact the UniversityScholarships Office (Research and International) located in theRegistry Building. http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/1.8.4 Support from outside agenciesThe research of the department’s postgraduate students is often ofinterest to social service and other agencies outside of the University(for example government departments and voluntary sectoragencies). For some of you, you may seek to establish anassociation with such agencies for the duration of your researchproject (even beyond) and they may offer financial and/or logisticalsupport. Such associations typically operate to the benefit of thegraduate student and the outside agency. Collaboration with externalagencies however, must be undertaken with great care. Withoutexception, you must first discuss any possible association with yoursupervisor(s), then application should be made to the PostgraduateCommittee for final departmental approval.There are two reasons why care is needed with associations withoutside agencies. Firstly, there is the issue of possible liability forincorrect advice or research results provided by an individualemployed by or associated with the university. Secondly, theexpectations which external agencies may have of research projectsto which they are contributing are often quire different from theacademic requirements of the research. It is the responsibility of yoursupervisor and the Postgraduate Committee to provide advice to yourwith the aim that, as a research student, you are not unduly tornbetween what can be conflicting objectives.

1.8.5 Tutoring and Research AssistanceGraduate students are sometimes employed by the department toundertake various tasks associated with the undergraduate teachingprogramme. These include small group tutoring, markingassignments, giving guest lectures, and providing administrative helpto lecturers. Qualities required for this work, in addition tocompetence in the subject matter, include the ability to relate andcommunicate well with undergraduate students.TutoringAs a tutor you will meet regularly with course co-ordinators from thetime that you are assigned to a programme, to discuss the teachingprogrammes involved. If you are tutoring you will usually be requiredto attend regular meetings, where approaches to tutoring and thecontent of tutorial sessions will be discussed.Tutoring can often play an important part in developing yourcommand of the discipline, and your own, as well as your students’skill, in verbal and written analysis and discussion. Successfulteaching or tutoring is a useful addition to your C.V. You should note,however, that teaching can be time consuming and energy sapping,so you should discuss the possible implications for your own study/research programme with your supervisor before deciding to take iton.Advertisements for tutors are placed at least two months before thestart of each semester. Specific enquiries can be directed to PamJemmett, Department Manager, 03 479 8447. Expressions of interestin tutoring positions should be made in writing to Pam Jemmett andshould include a letter covering your experience and which papersyou would prefer to tutor, and a current curriculum vitae.

Research AssistanceDepartment staff at times employ graduate students to assist in sometasks in their own research. This work can also provide valuableexperience, especially if you plan to continue in a research career.Research assistance can cover a wide range of support includingbibliographic and archival searches, interviewing, managingdatabases, data analysis, and drafting sections of research reports.

Getting to Know the Departmentand its Staff2.1 About the academic staffThe Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work was formed in2011, bringing together three disciplines of different types: atraditional social science discipline (Sociology), an interdisciplinaryfield (Gender Studies), and a professional discipline (Social Work).While each has distinct characteristics, there are many points ofcommon research interest across the three areas, and we expectresearch collaborations and postgraduate co-supervision to developbetween them. Individual staff profiles for academic staff can befound on the department’s website www.otago.ac.nz/sgsw.2.2 Introducing the general staffPam Jemmett, Department ManagerPam manages administration and cost centre finance.email: pam.jemmett@otago.ac.nzHelen O’Sullivan, Administrative AssistantHelen provides administrative support to the department and is thefirst point of call for students with general administrative enquiriesemail: helen.osullivan@otago.ac.nzJocelyn Diedrichs, Postgraduate AdministratorJocey supports the MSW programme and the Postgraduate researchstudents and staff.email: jocelyn.diedrichs@otago.ac.nz2.3 Web Sitehttp://www.otago.ac.nz/sgsw

3. The Postgraduate Communityin the Department3.1 Introduction: Who are our research students?Each year approximately 40 students are enrolled in postgraduatecourses in the department. Around 25 – 30 students are completingthesis, dissertations or PhDs.

3.2 Support for PostgraduatesThere will be times when you need to discuss your concerns orproblems with other people. Those concerns or problems might arisefrom your studies, or your other activities in the department; or theymight be caused by outside factors. Any of these may affect yourwork and your general well being as a student and there are anumber of channels of support available.Your research supervisor(s) is normally your first port of call, as it isimportant that he or she are aware of any concerns you may have. Ifthere is some reason why you would rather speak with someone else,you can approach the Postgraduate Co-ordinator, a member of thePostgraduate Committee, a senior member of your programme, or theHead of Department.3.2.2 Postgraduate CommitteeKey matters associated with research studies in the department areadministered by the Postgraduate Committee. The Committee isresponsible for ensuring that your application for admission isprocessed, that you have appropriate supervision, and that youprogress efficiently through your research. The Committee willaddress issues raised by the postgraduate community in general(conveyed via student representatives – see below) and individualproblems you may encounter which cannot be resolved by referenceto your supervisor or co-supervisor (discussed later in the Handbook).We stress that if problems arise they are better addressed as soon aspossible.3.2.3 Postgraduate student representativesThree individuals are nominated by postgraduate students at thebeginning of each year to represent the group’s interests. Theseindividuals represent, respectively, the programmes of sociology,gender studies, and social work. In addition to conveying matters ofgeneral concern/interest to the Postgraduate Committee, studentrepresentatives are invited to attend, and suggest agenda items, forregular staff meetings where they are encouraged to participate fully.

3.2.4 Research Paper on BlackboardAs a research student with the department you are already enrolled inthe Blackboard research paper. This is a unique Blackboard paper asit has a population of department researchers at various levels andpaces, dissertation, theses for MA, MSW, PhD, part-time, full time . . .This provides a chance for you as a researcher to be able to shapethe use of this paper, more than you have done before.You can: Start discussion forums for topics relating to your research Suggest links and web-sites relevant to you or other researchers’topics Post some of your work and receive input from other researchers3.2.5 e-mailThe university assigns computer usernames and email addresses toall enrolling students. Information about this is available in yourregistration documents.At the beginning of each year, providing you consent, studentrepresentatives draw up a list of postgraduate e-mail addresses andcirculate it. The list is also used to form ‘aliases’ so that messagescan be sent to the postgraduate group as a whole and to sub-groupssuch as MSW or MA students. For further information about aliasescontact Pam Jemmett. The e-mail addresses of staff at Otago arelisted on the Research Paper on Blackboard and on the departmentwebsite.3.2.6 Notice boardThere is a physical notice board specifically for postgraduate studentsin Leith Walk. Use this to display information and check on posting offellow students, staff, and for university notices and seminarinformation.

3.3 Postgraduate developmentWhile completion of a thesis is your main goal as a postgraduatestudent, there are other skills, practices, and relationships involved inacademic life that are important to appreciate and develop atpostgraduate level. The following section covers several aspects ofparticipation in a research community.3.3.1 Other studentsYour primary objective is to undertake and complete your research aswell and as efficiently as possible, but the life of a postgraduatestudent can be isolating. Other students can be some of your mostimportant sources of support in sustaining your work and the staminanecessary to complete an extended piece of research. They will beencountering the same challenges for the first time and dealing withthe same concerns as you are. Mutual support networks can assistyou during your postgraduate years and build the foundation forlonger-term career networks. You can use the online discussionboard to support communication with other students but theimportance of face-to-face engagement with others’ ideas andinterests is irreplaceable as a support to your own intellectualdevelopment and that true grit you will need to draw on.

3.3.2 Postgraduate development programmeThe department’s monthly postgraduate meetings generally alternatebetween seminars on areas related to professional development, andshort postgraduate presentations. Postgraduate students arerequired to attend these sessions. Student are also expected toattend departmental seminars (see 3.4.1), especially those in theirown programme area.The postgraduate development programme is designed to provideyou with expertise specific to research and writing, but also tocontribute to the development of the broader collegiality so critical toacademic and professional life. The programme will give you practicein delivering research presentations; but also, together with thedepartmental seminars, practice in critically responding to others’presentations, and opportunities to develop the wide-ranging curiositywhich is a distinguishing characteristic of a good researcher. Whetheryou are attending presentations by fellow postgraduates ordepartmental visitors from other institutions, these sessions will helpyou develop your expertise in the processes of exchange ofknowledge and critical debate. These capabilities will be an importantaspect of your life beyond the postgraduate degree, whether thattakes you to an academic or professional career.“Speed Da ng Master Class” with Erik Olsen Wright

3.4 Academic interest group3.4.1 The Research Seminar ProgrammeDepartmental seminar presentations are another formal means ofmonitoring your progress. During the course of your research you arerequired to present a seminar in your programme’s seminar series;and to give at least one presentation of some kind each year. This isa chance to share yo

1.3 Who oversees postgraduate studies in Sociology, Gender and Social Work? Postgraduate research in this department is overseen by the Postgraduate Committee. Membership of the committee varies year by year. For the duration of your time as a research student in this department your academic welfare and progress will be monitored by

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