Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Degree?

The student undertakes independent and sustained research on a particular topic conducted under academic supervision.  The program may contain up to 30% coursework.  Research is available through a Masters by Research or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program.  Students who undertake a masters by research will produce a 30,000 word thesis, and students who undertake a PhD will produce an 80,000 -100,000 word thesis.  Both are externally examined.

What is a Coursework Degree?

The student undertakes subjects towards the award.  In a twelve month Masters, a student will normally undertake eight subjects work 12.5 point each.  Subjects are taught by an academic, with assessments for each subject.  The eighteen month Masters consists of twelve months of coursework study followed by a substantial research project of at least six months duration.

What areas of research are studied in the Geomatics Department?

The following links will help you to find the different research areas studies in the Department.

• Major Research areas: 
  www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/research/areas.html
• Centres and Units: 
  www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/research/centres.html
• Academics, their research interests and how to contact them:
  www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/contact/staff.html

How do I find a Supervisor?

You are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the Academic staff whose area of research you are interested in to see if they are able to supervise your proposed topic before you formally apply.  Sometimes co-supervision between Departments is possible. 

How do I apply?

• Application forms and procedures for International students can be found here: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/apply/international/pg_apply.html
• PhD application forms for Australian and Permanent Residents are here: www.gradstudies.unimelb.edu.au/prospectivepg/application/phdapplication/
• Coursework application forms for Australian and Permanent Residents are here:   www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/courses/pgrad/apply.html#as

What Scholarships are available?

A range of scholarships are available to Postgraduate students. 

• University of Melbourne Scholarships:
  www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/index.html
• Co-operative Research Centre – Spatial Information Scholarships:
  spatialinfocrc.org/pages/news.aspx?NewsArticleID=202&Display=1
• Academic members of the Department may also have scholarships available that are associated with a particular research grant.  You should ask your potential supervisor whether they have any financial support for your research.

What resources can I expect as a Postgraduate student?

For detailed information please consult the Department's Postgraduate A-Z Guide:
www.geom.unimelb.edu.au/postgrad/atoz.html

Coursework students

Coursework students will have access to the following resources in the Department:

• 24 hour access to the Coursework student's computer area. 
• Keys and swipe card to the building and Department
• Use of own locker
• Free tea, coffee and use of the kitchen and its facilities (ie microwave, toaster)
• 500 free photocopies per semester
• Access to software that the Department has licenses for

Research students

• Keys and swipe card to the building and Department for 24 hour access
• Full time students will receive their own desk and the best  computer the Department has available. 
• Access to software that the Department has licenses for
• Free tea, coffee and use of the kitchen and its facilities (ie microwave, toaster)
• 500 free photocopies per semester
• Financial Assistance up to $1,000 to attend a conference (terms and conditions apply)

Information about arriving in Melbourne, getting to know Melbourne and living in Melbourne?

• www.services.unimelb.edu.au/housing/