The following modules have been created to help you navigate your HPE PhD journey—from the pre-application process, through to completion and beyond. The modules consist of curated open access resources that have been collated from various sources. For those interested in a HPE PhD, Module 1 provides relevant information and resources to get you started. For those commencing or who have already started a PhD we have designed the modules to step you through the phases of research, and to help you think about your supervision relationships, feedback, and your career post PhD. Acknowledging that HPE PhDs are usually quite different from other PhDs in the health disciplines, these modules are specific to HPE research. They are intended to supplement the generic University information for graduate researchers. Should you wish to provide feedback or have questions about the Training Hub, please email HPE-research@unimelb.edu.au.
Module 1 - Preparation and Orientation
This module is designed to help you through the pre-application and formal application process, as well as orienting you to the field of HPE research, and to the University.
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University Requirements and Resources
Before you follow the pre-application process outlined in the 'Pre-application Process and Resources' section of this module, it is important you familiarise yourself with the entry requirements for a PhD.
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Pre-Application Process and Resources
In addition to the formal application process, we have developed a HPE PhD pre-application process to facilitate a timely and coordinated response.
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Orientation
People come to HPE research from a range of backgrounds. Regardless it is important to orient yourself to the department and to the field of HPE research. The below resources provide a starting point to help you do this.
Module 2 - Research Paradigms and Research Design
This module explores the philosophical underpinnings and design strategies crucial for conducting meaningful research in health professions education. It introduces various research paradigms, effective research question formulation, and comprehensive design approaches to ensure robust and impactful research outcomes.
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Research Paradigms
Introduce the foundational philosophies and worldviews that underpin research methodology in HPE.
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Research Questions
Guidance on formulating strong, researchable questions that drive impactful studies.
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Research Approach and Design
Detailed insights into selecting and defending your methodological choices for robust research designs.
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Theory
Discuss the role of theories, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks in structuring and informing HPE research.
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Congruence/Alignment
Understand the importance of aligning your research questions, methods, and theoretical frameworks to enhance research efficacy.
Module 3 - Searching and Using the Literature
We search and use the literature for multiple reasons in HPE research. Two of the main reasons are to conduct a formal literature review (e.g., systematic review or scoping review), and to frame or situate our research (framing literature review), for example in the introduction of a thesis, proposal or manuscript. This module offers tools and strategies for both conducting a formal literature review, and a framing literature review. It includes information about the different types of formal literature reviews, how to conduct them, and utilise software tools to organise and cite research effectively, empowering you to craft informed and coherent literature reviews.
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Types of Formal Literature Review
An overview of different literature review types, along with methodologies tailored to each type, distinguishing between standalone reviews and integrative reviews within empirical studies.
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Database Searching
Techniques and resources for conducting effective searches in academic databases, helping you to find relevant and credible sources.
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Writing up a Literature Review
Explore how to craft a compelling framing literature review, and reporting guidelines for different types of formal literature reviews.
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Useful Software
Explore essential software tools that streamline both the formal and framing literature review processes and support every stage of research and writing. From managing citations and organising sources to synthesising findings and structuring arguments, these tools are invaluable across the entire research process.
Module 4 - Data Collection and Analysis
This module delves into the methodologies of data collection and analysis within HPE research. It covers a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, data management best practices, and diverse analytical approaches to process and interpret data effectively.
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Data Collection
An overview of different data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups, and observational studies.
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Data Management
Learn the best practices and tools available for managing your research data effectively.
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Data Analysis
Introduction to various analytical techniques, from thematic and content analysis to more structured methods like framework analysis.
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Ethical Considerations
A range of resources to help contemplate the ethical considerations of your HPE research.
Module 5 - Synthesising, Writing Up and Disseminating
This module focuses on the critical phases of synthesising research findings, writing up your thesis, and effectively disseminating your research. It provides resources and guidelines on how to discuss findings, address feedback, and enhance the visibility and impact of your research.
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Writing Up
Guidance on starting and effectively structuring your thesis or dissertation.
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Synthesising and Discussion
How to synthesise research findings and craft compelling discussion sections in your write-up.
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Disseminating
Strategies and venues for sharing your research findings with the broader academic community and the public.
Module 6 - Navigating the PhD and Cohort Experience
This module navigates the personal and collective aspects of PhD life, from managing procrastination to fostering a supportive cohort experience. It provides information to help candidates gain insights into overcoming common challenges, such as the impostor phenomenon, and learn strategies for personal and academic growth during your PhD journey.
Module 7 - Supervision and Feedback
This module offers resources to help you to optimise your interaction with PhD supervisors and improve your receptivity to feedback. It shares practical advice on developing a productive supervisory relationship, understanding the dynamics of feedback, and strategies for using feedback to refine your academic writing and research.
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Supervision
Effective practices for fostering a positive and productive relationship with your PhD supervisor.
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Feedback in General
Learn how to receive and utilise feedback constructively to enhance your research and writing.
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Feedback on Writing
Specific strategies for soliciting, managing, and applying feedback on academic writing.
Module 8 - Life and Career Post PhD
This module contains information to help prepare for life after your PhD with strategies to transition smoothly from doctoral research to career pathways. This module addresses the challenges of post-PhD life, offering guidance on career planning, job searching, and maintaining momentum in your professional journey.
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Planning My Future (UniMelb)
A range of UniMelb resources and supporting information to help you plan your career.
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Careering Through the PhD
This Thesis Whisperer blog post offers practical advice on aligning PhD research and skills with career development, helping students balance academic goals with future career direction.
These modules were created with the support of an MDHS Graduate Researcher Development Grant