Your research topic: the key to keeping motivated

In this post, Dr Sandy Astill (as of April 2017!) shares her shock at the self-directed nature of PhD study , the critical importance of being interested in your research topic, and some tips about the value of being stubborn, brave and bold - describing how she emailed all her favorite high-profile academic authors and received wonderful encouragement.   The decision…

Procrastination, Perfection and a Plan..

This post is from Judith Newton, who has had an extensive career in emergency services, working for almost seventeen years in the areas of policy, community education and research for the former Department of Community Safety and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. In 2013, she commenced her Master of Arts (Research) in Creative Industries to examine…

Sixteen hints on how to do a creative writing thesis…

This post is by Jen Anderson, who recently completed  her MFA (Research) at QUT, combining practice-led creative work  with traditional research. Jen is a Registered Nurse, but long before that, has been a writer and used writing as an outlet and salve.  The creative comprises stories from her days as a student nurse – interweaving both those of her…

Applying ‘critical thinking’ to your research – a tip-sheet

Today, I would like you to think critically (best defined as thinking on purpose) about your research - your method, your processes, your theoretical approach, your research questions, your results/outputs, communication strategies and the impact.  When we explain our research, we often talk about the 5 W's - Who, Where, When, Why, What (and How). Thinking through these questions, in the…

Registrations open for Qualitative Research Master Classes with Professor Kathy Charmaz

  Dear Researcher, QUT Creative Industries are pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the Qualitative Research Master Classes with Professor Kathy Charmaz. Payment can be made via credit card. Workshops will be held at QUT Gardens Point commencing at 9.30 for a 10am start with lunch provided.  All details will be provided in…

Surviving ‘Confirmation of Candidature’ – with kids

This post is by Tricia King, who successfully articulated from a Masters to a PhD at QUT in February 2017.  Mine is a tale of what not to do. Or what to do. I'm not absolutely sure to be honest, there's a healthy smattering of both. So you decide. So it's seven weeks prior to…

#whatsocialmedia?

Thanks to the internet and social media (blogs, facebook, twitter etc),  it is easier than ever to explore and engage in conversations about your specific research topic. Sometimes, however, you can get a little lost in all this noise and wonder: what should I prioritize in following? Today’s post identifies the top five blogs I think…

Imposter syndrome.

This blog post is written by Stephanie Bonson, a postgraduate career counsellor at QUT, with a Masters in Organisational Psychology. In 2017, she started her PhD in Creative Industries researching creative career success and identity, and has been involved in the creative arts (whether advising, researching, or creating) for about 20 years now.  Imposter syndrome. During my…

SAVE THE DATE: Qualitative Research Master Classes with Professor Kathy Charmaz ­- September 2017 @ QUT Brisbane

Wonderful news and opportunity for all qualitative researchers! Creative Industries, in conjunction with QUT Business School, is delighted to announce that we will be hosting two master classes on grounded theory and writing qualitative research facilitated by the internationally renowned expert Professor Kathy Charmaz.  Both workshops will be held on QUT campus in Brisbane - information, flyers…

Make time for ‘self-care’: 30 suggestions to reduce thesis stress this month

Are you feeling tired, a little low, stressed, overwhelmed or just slightly 'over it all'?  If so, give yourself permission to take a little break from your thesis and do something positive and fun.. you will be happier AND more productive, guaranteed!  Successfully completing a research degree is a marathon, not a sprint - as much…