Introductory Academic Program

Incoming international students undertake a preparatory program of 5-6 weeks prior to the commencement of formal coursework. This program is offered twice a year, in January and June. Preparatory programs were introduced in recognition of the fact that many new students

• have not studied in an Australian university before
• have been away from formal studies for a significant period of time
• may take time to adjust to the academic culture and expectations of postgraduate study
• may not have English as a first language

A stable learning environment is established as quickly as possible. The aim of the orientation week is to ensure that the students' immediate social and cultural needs are met and that they begin to establish personal and academic networks. The orientation week therefore includes administrative, accommodation, health and welfare sessions, as well as introductions to staff, the campus and facilities.

Orientation week is followed by preparation for coursework. The preparatory program is designed to introduce new students to the academic terminology, issues, skills, expectations and culture they will encounter during their graduate coursework. Students can develop or refresh skills required of them in statistics, economics and computing/word processing (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Endnote Plus).

The academic and research skills component comprises cultural issues relating to living and learning in Australia, the language of discourse in different disciplines, critical analysis, logic and argument, research and referencing skills, academic writing, study skills and oral presentation skills.

It is expected that by the end of the preparatory program students will be familiar with formal coursework expectations and with teaching styles and resources. It is also expected that they will have confidence in their ability to achieve postgraduate academic success in their studies.

Preparatory programs not only enable us to inform students about the academic environment they will encounter, but also enable us to identify problems or issues they have and to monitor their transition in the adjustment period prior to the commencement of formal coursework. The preparatory programs have been significant in ensuring that students adjust to postgraduate studies with greater ease and confidence.

Ongoing Academic Support

The Crawford School of Economics and Government has a strong tradition of integrated academic skills delivery. Many of our students are mid-career so may not have studied formally for some time, and bring many skills and experiences with them. Graduate study requires particularly skills of critical analysis, using sources and extended writing, and the academic skills program develops these in conjunction with the coursework units. In our experience this enables students to do better sooner, and to make a successful transition to the demands of academic study as smoothly as possible. Students also return to the workplace with enhanced professional skills.

Students bring to the programs at The Crawford School of Economics and Government a range of educational, linguistic, cultural and professional backgrounds, both international and Australian. Academic and Research Skills builds on this experience and diversity. The Crawford School of Economics and Government recognises the need to provide discipline-specific Academic and Research Skills in order to meet the various academic and research skills needs of students, build an understanding of the University context, expectations and environment, and enhance postgraduate student learning.

The primary purpose of discipline-specific Academic and Research Skills in the form of courses, workshops and individual consultations is to develop the skills and confidence of all students; to articulate the academic objectives of coursework; and to articulate the expectations of the postgraduate teaching and supervision.

There are, therefore, weekly sessions throughout the Graduate Diploma year which cover such issues as

• logic and argument in academic writing
• critical analysis
• research resources
• evaluation and use of sources
• effective reading
• seminar presentation and technique
• group work

The program is planned in conjunction with coursework expectations.

Academic and Research Skills teaching continues through the Master year and students have access to individual consultations with teh Academic and Research Skills lecturer about their academic work. These teaching sessions and individual consultations continue to develop the skill of the Diploma year, with the addition of proposal and research writing as necessary.

Doctoral students may consult with respect to developing research proposals, thesis writing, field reports and seminar presentations, as well as general academic progress issues.