Record numbers of postgraduates

University of Canterbury welcomes record numbers of postgraduates

The University of Canterbury has welcomed more than 1000 full-time equivalent students in masters’ programmes and record numbers of doctoral students in 2017, with over 700, with more expected to enrol before the end of the year.

The University of Canterbury (UC) offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications through world-class resources and exciting, hands-on research opportunities, according to Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr who welcomed news of the record numbers of postgraduate students.

“It’s a dynamic environment in which to advance yourself learn alongside academics and students from more than 100 nations, join a vibrant students’ association, and get involved in any of 140 clubs.”

Events are held throughout the year to encourage collaboration and networking between the postgraduate and UC staff community, including:

University of Canterbury Postgraduate Information Evening

Wednesday 20 September, 5pm – 7.30pm, University of Canterbury Engineering Core, 69 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch.

Thinking of returning to study? Want a change of career or need to upskill to get ahead? Come to the UC Postgraduate Information Evening on Wednesday 20 September, and learn about UC’s flexible postgraduate study options at the expo and information sessions. You can get an overview of flexible study options and how to finance, structure and plan your postgraduate study. Chat with people from different departments and support services about your specific study options and how to balance study with your lifestyle and other commitments.

GradFest

GradFest is an annual, week-long event of lectures and workshops forpostgraduate thesis writers. At GradFest, held from 30 October to 3 November this year, students can learn about the latest research trends, develop new skills to enhance their study, and have the opportunity to network with other postgraduate students.

GradFest brings together different departments at UC such as the Postgraduate Office, Academic Skills Office, Library, E-Learning, Careers and Academic Services Group to share their expertise with postgraduate students on subjects such as Understanding the thesis journey, Applying for ethical approval, Smart tools and technologies for research, The publication process, Thesis structure and planning, and Writing a coherent thesis. (Due to its popularity GradFest was also held in May this year.)

UC PGSA – Just Write workshop

In early September, the UC PGSA (Postgraduate Students’ Association) hosted the Just Write workshop; a chance for postgraduate students to get together and ‘just write’. The free annual event focuses on removing the barriers that prevent students from writing and provides inspiration to help polish chapters and papers for submission. It’s a great opportunity to network with other postgraduate students, collaborate and try out new ideas. The event also includes seminars throughout the day to help students produce quality research outputs.

Thesis-in-three competition

The Thesis-in-three competition challenges postgraduate students to explain their research in three minutes, accompanied by one slide. The competition aims to teach effective communication techniques between academics and those outside their field of study. It also promotes collaboration and increases funding and employment opportunities. Sponsored by the Dean of Postgraduate Research each year, Thesis-in-three students first compete in College competitions, vying for a place in the UC-wide final. The UC final is held in August and competitors get the opportunity to compete at the international Three Minute Thesis (3MT) event in September.

The winners of 2017’s Thesis in Three UC final are:

• 1st: Philipp Sueltrop from UC Engineering ($5000 prize)

• 2nd: Jacq Jones from UC Arts ($2000 prize)

• 3rd: Jess McHale from UC Science ($1000 prize)

Philipp, who is from Germany and studying for his PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, will represent UC at the 2017 Asia-Pacific 3MT Finals, held at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, on Friday 29 September 2017. He will compete against representatives from 55 universities across New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia.

Find more about postgraduate options on UC’s website: www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgraduate/

ENDS

© Scoop Media