Cultural Studies Masters research funding
Research funding guidelines for research higher degree students
Principles of funding scheme
School research funds are available to support the research of academic staff, Masters by research and PhD candidates, within the guidelines specified below. These funds may be used to match MATS, TRIPS, PORES and fieldwork funding.
Money allocated must be spent only on the project approved and, normally, in the year in which it was awarded.
Funding for PhD students
The total funding for which a full-time PhD student may apply will normally not exceed $500 per year, with a cap of $1500 over the candidature. PhD students are only eligible to apply for this funding after their candidature has been confirmed.
Funding for Masters by research students
Masters by research students are eligible to apply for a total of $750 in two annual installments of $500 and $250. Masters by research students are only eligible to apply for this funding after their first progress report has been assessed as 'satisfactory'.
Funding for part-time staff and students is calculated on a pro-rata basis. Collaborative projects involving two or more academic staff members or research higher degree students of the School will also be funded on a pro-rata basis.
In exceptional circumstances, research higher degree students may make a case for requesting two years' worth of allocations in a single application. Due to uncertain budget forecasts the School cannot commit to funding cumulative, candidature-long claims.
Funding requests not covered by these guidelines will be considered on their merits by the Head of School in consultation with the Chair of Research, provided they are in the spirit of the principles detailed below.
Please note the deadlines for application rounds (see below). Retrospective applications, supported by receipts, will be considered.
Research Higher Degree Students (Masters by research, PhD)
PhD students whose candidature has been confirmed and MA students whose first progress report has been approved may apply for School research funding within the following guidelines.
- Conferences
Conference attendance to present a paper either in Australia or overseas, with a ceiling of $500 (or $250 for a part-time student) per annum. Postgraduates are expected to seek refereed publication of papers delivered at conferences - Interstate and overseas travel for archival research
The School will normally only supply top-up funds for Arts Faculty and University travel grants, eg., TRIPS and MATS.
View further information on travel grants and candidature scholarships. - Thesis expenses
Postgraduates not currently supported by a funded scholarship are eligible to apply for a grant towards expenses incurred in the binding and printing of their theses. Scholarship holders should visit the Postgraduate Scholarships website to apply for a Thesis Allowance. - Photocopying
Each research higher degree student is entitled to an annual photocopying grant of $50 (or $25 for part-time students) in the form of credit for the Unicard system used in the Baillieu Library. This allocation is deducted from the student's total available funding for the year. Apply directly to the School's Research Students Administrator for this grant. - Memory sticks/thumb drives
Students who wish to purchase their own memory stick or thumb drive may seek reimbursement up to $50. Apply directly to the School's Research Students Administrator. The documentation will take at least one working day to produce.
Notes on research funding for students
- The total amount of research funds available to a full-time postgraduate student (including the grant for photocopying which is capped at $50) will normally not exceed $500 (or $250 for a part-time student) in any one calendar year. Money allocated must normally be spent in the year in which it was awarded.
- Each application should include a brief statement of aims, budget and scheduling.
- Note that you may request, through your supervisor, that the Library acquire books relevant to your research, independently of this research funding scheme.
How to apply
RHD student applications for school funds, tied to TRIPS, MATS or PORES are assessed in three rounds per year. Please submit the School Research Funding application together with TRIPS, MATS or PORES application to the School Research Administrator.
The deadlines are:
TRIPS due dates
- FRIDAY, 8 February 2008 - for TRIPS during March to May of the current year.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: FRIDAY, 1 February 2008 - FRIDAY, 2 May 2008 - for TRIPS during June to August of the current year.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: THURSDAY, 24 April 2008 - FRIDAY, 1 August 2008 - for TRIPS during September to November of the current year.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: FRIDAY, 25 July 2008 - FRIDAY, 7 November 2008 - for TRIPS during December of the current year through to February of the following year.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: FRIDAY, 31 October 2008
MATS and PORES due dates
- Round 1 5.15 pm, 31 March.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: MONDAY, 24 March 2008 - Round 2 5.15 pm, 31 August.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: MONDAY, 25 August 2008
Fieldwork due dates
- 3 March for travel between April and September.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: MONDAY, 18 February 2008 - 1 September for travel between October and March.
School of Culture and Communication research funding: MONDAY, 18 August 2008
If your funding request is NOT tied to another funding scheme, you may apply at anytime on the Research Funding application form.
- Download the School of Culture and Communication Research Funding application form.
- Complete the form; attach the required supporting documentation; ask your supervisor to endorse and sign the application; and submit it to the School Research Students Administrator.
(Please include a quote and/or receipts for the amount requested, as soon as possible. We will transfer funds prior to receiving a receipt, but you are requested to forward a receipt as soon as you are able.) - Student receives emailed response from School research office.
- If this is your first research funding payment, complete an 'Application for student supplier' form, available from the School Research Office.
- Your bank account should be credited within two weeks for the approved amount.