1. General information
Overview
The University of Sydney is one of the foremost providers of quality postgraduate education in Australia. In 2008, over 15,000 students were enrolled in postgraduate courses at the University of Sydney.
The majority of postgraduate students are enrolled in master’s degrees by coursework. However, of considerable note, in 2008 there were more than 3700 students enrolled in the postgraduate research programs on offer at the University.
This University is committed to providing high quality education to all of its students. One part of that commitment involves providing postgraduate students with useful and relevant information in a form that is easily accessible to them. This handbook is an important part of this process.
Purpose of handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a convenient source of reference for research and coursework postgraduate students about the requirements for postgraduate degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates within the University. It does not attempt to be comprehensive in its coverage but rather, where appropriate, to provide direction to better sources of information.
At the end of this document there are copies of, and excerpts from, formal documents which you need to be familiar with, including the University’s Code of Practice for Coursework Teaching and Learning. Other useful sources of important information are listed below.
Please note that we have not provided an exhaustive list of the policies applying to students at the University. The full set of University policies is available at Policy Online: www.usyd.edu.au/policy.
Regulations
The University of Sydney is governed by a number of regulations. Some of the regulations that cover postgraduate study include:
- The University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended) which governs all coursework award courses in the University; and
- The University of Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Rule 2004 which governs the University’s Doctor of Philosophy degree (this rule should be read in conjunction with the Academic Board resolutions regarding the Doctor of Philosophy).
These rules, and others such as the University of Sydney (Amendment Act) Rule 1999 (as amended), provide the framework for all courses at the University. For information regarding specific courses (other than the Doctor of Philosophy), students should refer to the faculty and Senate resolutions for each course, which are published in the relevant faculty handbook.
The University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended) applies to all candidates for coursework degrees, diplomas and certificates who commence candidature after 1 January 2001.
Candidates who commenced candidature prior to this date may choose to proceed in accordance with the resolutions of the Senate in force at the time they enrolled, except that the faculty may determine specific conditions for any student who has re-enrolled in an award course after a period of suspension.
During 2009 faculties will continue revising Senate and faculty resolutions relating to their postgraduate courses pursuant to this Rule.
Other regulations made by the Senate and the Academic Board which govern all the degrees, diplomas and certificates within the University are published in the University’s Calendar 2009, available online at www.usyd.edu.au/calendar.
Faculty and college handbooks
There are often more detailed faculty resolutions for postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates. These are published in the relevant faculty or college handbooks.
Extracts relevant to the course you are undertaking will usually be provided with your offer of admission letter, or can be obtained from your faculty, college or board of studies office.
Reference is made in this handbook to the more general rather than the course-specific aspects of these regulations. The handbooks are available online at: www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA)
SUPRA is an independent representative association providing advice, advocacy and support services for the Sydney University postgraduate student community.
SUPRA offers a free, confidential, independent, and professional advocacy service, with four Student Advice and Advocacy Officers (SAAOs) employed by the Association to assist postgraduate students with academic, welfare, employment, housing, and personal issues.
SAAOs can provide support for academic appeals, Show Cause and academic exclusion matters, problems with research supervision, issues of tenancy and employment, assistance negotiating with Centrelink, and referrals to counselling or health services, and many other academic and personal issues.
We also have branch office of Redfern Legal Centre funded by SUPRA where subscribers can access legal advice, representation, and referral.
SUPRA also has a resource room available for postgraduate students with computers, internet access, free tea/coffee, daily newspapers, and subsidised printing, photocopying and faxing facilities. This is a great space to study, meet fellow students, or just relax.
SUPRA gives postgraduates a voice within the University and beyond. SUPRA representatives sit on University governance bodies such as the Graduate Studies Committee, Research and Research Training Committee and Academic Board.
SUPRA also has regular meetings with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff to raise matters of concern to postgraduate students. SUPRA uses these forums to monitor University policy and promote postgraduate interests in decision making.
SUPRA also provides a voice for postgraduates in education policy at a federal and state level. It makes submissions to government inquiries, regularly writes to the Education Minister and speaks to the media about education issues.
SUPRA also holds forums and campaigns around broader social, cultural and political issues. SUPRA believes that part of providing a voice for postgraduates includes facilitating student engagement with broader social issues, and representing students' interests in social justice.
SUPRA also has representative officers for Women, Queer, Indigenous and International students to help build a sense of community and work against barriers to education faced by socially disadvantaged groups. It also holds forums, discussion groups and an annual postgraduate conference to help build a sense of community across disciplines.
Due to the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism, SUPRA has restructured its relationship with postgraduate students. There are now three levels at which students can engage: Constituent, Subscriber or Supporter. SUPRA promotes the interests of all postgraduate students at the University of Sydney and as such all postgraduates are considered to be SUPRA constituents.
As a SUPRA constituent, a student can choose to become a SUPRA subscriber (a member of the Association). All subscriber information is stored in accordance with the Privacy Act. By becoming a SUPRA subscriber students will be able to access all of SUPRA's services and resources. Subscribing is free.
Subscribers can choose to become supporters by making a financial contribution of between $20 and $80. All services of SUPRA are free, but becoming a financial supporter is a great way to show your solidarity with other postgraduates.
SUPRA office
Raglan Street Building, G10
Darlington Campus
University of Sydney NSW 2006
(near the Services Building)
Phone: +61 2 9351 3715
Toll-free: 1800 249 950 (free call from outside the Sydney Metro area)
Fax: +61 2 9351 6400
Email:
Website: www.supra.usyd.edu.au
MyUni - the student portal
MyUni provides access to a number of applications, such as email, timetabling, library loans and WebCT. Online self administration functions and UniKey account management can be accessed from your MyUni workspace. MyUni offers a range of services, including:
- study tools and course information
- online learning environment
- student support service details, such as counselling, learning assistance, careers and accommodation
- campus information, directories and maps
- news and events
- pre-enrolment and enrolment variation
- updating your personal details
- timetabling (for some coursework units)
- exam seating and results (for some coursework units)
- ordering and purchasing course notes
- casual employment, and
- renewing library loans and paying fines.
MyUni (myuni.usyd.edu.au) is linked from the University's homepage (www.usyd.edu.au).
Updating your personal details
You can update your personal details via the MyUni website. It’s important that you ensure that your address details, in particular, are kept up to date. The University of Sydney communicates with students via either the recorded address or via the student email.
UniKey account
Your UniKey provides access to the range of online services provided by the University (see below). You will receive a UniKey login name and password when you enrol. UniKey is separate from any accounts provided by schools or departments.
The University provides you with an email account that is your official contact address.
Your address takes the form:
For example: wxyz2345@mail.usyd.edu.au
For access to your official University email account, please visit: www.mail.usyd.edu.au.
To forward your email to another account, read the instructions at: http://itassist.usyd.edu.au/student/account.
Remember to check your student email regularly, as the University will use this address to contact you.
Access to the university network
Dial-in and network access
For details of dial-in and access to the University network, go to: www.usyd.edu.au/ict/switch/internet/waystoconnect.shtml.
Wireless access
Wireless access points are located across the University’s main campus. See: www.usyd.edu.au/ict/switch/internet/wireless.shtml for a map of locations.
Access centres
Computer Access Centres are located on most campuses, providing PC access to the University network. For more information please see www.usyd.edu.au/ict/switch/labs. The main office for access labs is located in Fisher Library.
Glossary of frequently used terms
For a glossary of frequently used terms, see Appendix 8 of this handbook.
The complete University glossary can be found online at: www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/Glossary04.pdf.