In late November, we hosted the annual MGA Thesis Bootcamp, a free, four-day intensive writing workshop for PhD and Masters by Research students who wanted to take their thesis to a whole new level.
Published Date 8/12/2025
The students who were selected for the program came prepared with a piece of work and a clear set of writing goals they wanted to achieve. Some joined via Zoom, while others chose to take part in person at our Clayton and Caulfield campuses.
Participants wrote in two-hour blocks twice a day, with plenty of re-energising breaks for yoga, mindfulness, opportunities to connect, one-on-one sessions with Student Academic Skills (SAS) advisors and, of course, free food!
Between writing sessions, the wonderful SAS staff explored useful techniques and strategies for thesis writing, such as SMART goals and progress tracking, dealing with writer’s block, reflective re-drafting and tips on editing a thesis.
Add these ingredients together, and four days later, many thousand words were written!
Here’s what some of our attendees had to say about their experience:
"The bootcamp was overall a great experience. I really appreciated the clear structure, the chance to share tips, tricks, and experiences with the group, and the option for hybrid participation. The number of pomodoros felt just right, and I especially valued the flexibility where the facilitator adapted the writing block lengths for some sessions based on the group’s suggestions. The facilitators themselves were lovely and supportive, and the mix of accountability writing with a group plus the fun trivia sessions made the days both productive and enjoyable. Thanks MGA! ❤️"
"This was an opportunity I wish all HDR candidates had! It is uplifting, informed & facilitated by the brilliant MGA staff, includes ingredients that are varied and inclusive no matter what stage or state you are in, and a wholly uplifting and effective experience. It tested my stamina at times in a great way, and revealed to me that I am capable of achieving my goals."
"I very much liked having the structure and the facilitation by knowledgeable other to guide progress (or otherwise!). Additionally, beginning each session with mindful movement and breathing was enormously positive."
"Ultimately, the Thesis Bootcamp taught me how to respond to understandings within my own work, and creating goals beyond the 4 days in a meaningful and constructive way."
The MGA would like to thank the team from the Student Academic Success for their one-on-one consultations with participants. Students were able to get advice about their writing, ask how to overcome writer’s block and other vital questions.
We also appreciate the work of our wonderful yoga instructor Yohana!
Overall, we were so pleased to provide these students with the opportunity to advance their writing in a short amount of time. And even if the thesis bootcamp only comes once a year, we would like to remind you that the MGA runs lots of different programs for HDRs throughout the year! More on that below.
Opportunities for HDR students
- Shut Up And Write! Are you on a roll? Stay motivated and keep your word count on track at our virtual Shut Up and Write session every Tuesday. Last session will be 16 December, but more to come in the new year!
- HDR Writing Rooms! If you need a dedicated space to write this summer, why not apply for a HDR Writing Room on Caulfield Campus? Find out more and apply here.
- Keep an eye on our what's on page for more HDR-related events in 2026.