UQ equal first nationally in PhD graduations

UQ equal first nationally in PhD graduations

Data released this week by some of Australia's postgraduate deans confirm that The University of Queensland is one of two universities leading the nation in PhD completions.

The information shows that UQ and the University of Sydney are equal top nationally in the number of PhDs who graduated last year.

Deputy Director of UQ's Graduate School and Dean of Postgraduate Students Associate Professor Alan Lawson said UQ and the University of Sydney both awarded 340 PhDs in 1999, ahead of the University of Melbourne with 330 PhDs. Monash University awarded 278 PhDs, the University of New South Wales, 263 PhDs and Australian National University, 219, in the same period.

'UQ, Sydney and Melbourne each account for about 10 percent of the national number of PhDs awarded in Australia last year,' Dr Lawson said.

'UQ provides a supportive environment for its 6300 postgraduate students at all levels from graduate certificate through to PhD and we're in the process of streamlining our research masters and PhD programs even further. The University envisages that 25 percent of all UQ students will be studying for a postgraduate qualification within the next few years.'

Dr Lawson said UQ offered substantial financial support for research postgraduate students.

'Australian students undertaking research masters or PhDs at UQ don't pay for their studies and the University has significantly increased the number and types of scholarships and other financial support that is available to research higher degree students,' he said.

'UQ also provides financial support to many postgraduate students by employing them where possible, in tutoring and research positions, putting their knowledge to use while giving them career-enhancing experience.'

Dr Lawson said financial support included UQ Postgraduate Research Scholarships, Australian Postgraduate Awards and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships. About 500 students also received some form of scholarship assistance or top-up from University departments. Graduate School Research Travel Awards were made available to about 75 students each year speeding up progress towards their thesis submission.

'UQ is also very supportive to long-time candidates, or those at risk, such as students with personal or financial problems, or maybe just writer's block. We've tried to be more targeted in our monitoring of students' progress so we can identify and address problems in a more responsive way,' he said.

'The University has also significantly increased the quality and quantity of office space provided to students. In addition to office and lab space within departments, graduate students now have access to over 300 office spaces in the Graduate School precincts.

'For coursework graduates, UQ also offers merit-based equity places to students from groups that are under-represented at postgraduate level and may be unable to meet fee requirements. This allows students such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and students from rural and isolated areas to undertake fee-based courses on a HECS basis. Students with disabilities are also able to access these places. There are also a number of scholarships, grants and research awards available.'

For further information about coursework masters, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates, contact the relevant Faculty office at UQ - Arts 07 3365 1333; Biological and Chemical Sciences 07 3365 1888; Business, Economics and Law 07 3365 7111; Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture 07 3365 4777; Health Sciences, 3365 5342; Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science 07 3365 7916; Social and Behavioural Sciences 07 3365 7487.

For information about PhDs, research masters and scholarships, contact the Graduate School, telephone 07 3365 3477 or attend UQ's Postgraduate Evenings at Mayne Hall St Lucia on August 7 from 3-5pm or at Brisbane Customs House on October 16.

Media: Further information, Dr Alan Lawson, 07 3365 3477.