Engineering - Student research journey

Sources of assistance

There are several sources of assistance to help you as you undertake your postgraduate research degree.

Student support funds

You may claim assistance towards expenses relating to consumables, services and travel that have been incurred directly and solely in the course of research, or in presenting research findings at a conference. For specific details, please read the Guidelines for Postgraduate funding allowances.

Supervisor

Your main source of assistance is your supervisor. If you have questions, problems or uncertainties about any aspect of your research, your supervisor can either help you or direct you to somebody who can.

Student Services Centre

The Student Services Centre will service issues related to admissions, scholarships and assessments. Enquiries related to these matters can be made as follows:

• general and assistance with enrolment/re-enrolment to the Student Contact Centre on (61 8) 6304 2000;
• admissions team on (61 8) 6304 3434;
• scholarships onto Clare Ashby on (61 8) 6304 8795 of the scholarships team; and
• assessments, thesis examination and graduation enquiries to Shelley Huts (61 8) 6304 8770 of the research assessments team.

Student Services Centre

Level 4, Building 31
Joondalup campus
270 Joondalup Drive
Joondalup WA6027
Email: hdr.enquiries@ecu.edu.au

Postgraduate Learning Advisor

Professional Doctorate candidates requiring learning advice can seek assistance from the Postgraduate Learning Advisor.

Research Consultant

The Research Consultant is available to discuss statistical requirements of your research, and assist with independent learning and direct you to training materials, web links, reading and other resources to support the development of your research skills.

Research Writing Consultant

Dr Greg Maguire is available to assist you on editing and writing advice, particularly for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. This includes writing your research proposal, writing the thesis, and general editing and academic writing skills.

Scholarships

Each year a number of scholarships are offered to full-time Masters by Research, PhD or Professional Doctorate candidates. Scholarships are offered on the basis of academic merit and research performance.

For more information, visit the ECU Scholarships web pages.

Postgraduate study suites

Postgraduate study suites are available for postgraduate research students. These suites include:

• study space;
• computers with internet and print facilities; and
• small common rooms (in some faculties).

The Postgraduate Coordinator within the school can help with access to these suites.

Library services

The library provides a wide range of services to facilitate postgraduate research. Research materials not held in the collection may be obtained through the library’s inter-library loan network covering major libraries in both Australia and overseas.

The library’s digital collection provides an extensive range of databases in all subject areas. Many of these can be accessed through the ECU library web pages.

Other library services that support postgraduate studies include:

• school/subject librarians can advise you on information sources in specific subject areas, to assist in locating materials, to conduct on-line searches and to assist in using the facilities;
• referral services to identify alternative information sources including other libraries, government departments, or relevant experts;
• Electronic Information Service training to help you to search facilities available on the internet international research network for scholars; and
• electronic request and document supply services.

Information Technology Services

• A range of information technology services are available when you activate your computing accounts, including student email;
• Student Information Management Online (SIMO); and
• library databases.

For more information, view the Information Technology Services web pages.

Student email

Many important University communications are delivered only to your ECU student email. All students must access student email via the Student Portal. 

Student Counselling Service

If you are facing difficulties you should discuss them with your supervisor or with members of the counselling service. Getting help early with a problem can help with it being resolved and preventing what could otherwise lead to serious issues with your research project. 

If you need assistance with any matters that could affect your academic program, contact a counsellor. All discussions with counsellors are treated in the strictest confidence.

For more information, visit the Student Counselling Services web pages via the Student Portal.