MGA Virtual Thesis Bootcamp | 28 - 31 October
Booking required, HDR postgraduate, Research Postgraduate, Via Zoom
"Drop and write a thousand words... and repeat!"
The MGA Virtual Thesis Bootcamp is a free, four-day intensive writing workshop for HDR candidates (PhD and Masters by Research) who want to take their thesis to a whole new level.
We will provide a supportive environment and guidance for participants to maintain the focus required for getting a huge amount of writing done in a short amount of time.
When is it happening?
Date: Monday, 28 October - Thursday, 31 October
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
What to expect
The MGA Virtual Thesis Bootcamp for 2024 will run virtually from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily. Students can request a space on Clayton or Caulfield campus for the duration of the program in their application. The MGA will endeavour to accommodate your request and you will be notified of the outcome upon your confirmation to be part of this program.
During the bootcamp, student can expect to write for 3.5 to 4 hours each day. This excludes breaks, activities and consultations.
A maximum of 40 students will be selected for this year's thesis bootcamp. Participants are required to meet the eligibility criteria and commit to attending all four days. Please note that we prioritise applications from first-time participants and late-stage or writing-up stage candidates.
What does the program include?
- Regular stretching, yoga and mindfulness sessions to keep you focused and motivated.
- 1:1 consults with a Student Academic Success advisor to help you work through any writing challenges.
- Daily prizes for those who write the most words at the end of each day.
- Dedicated time for you to get to know the other participants.
- An opportunity to hear from former PhD students who will provide you with some tips on what to do after the bootcamp and how to make a plan for thesis submission.
- A $40 Uber or Coles food voucher to buy snacks or lunch to keep you going throughout the program.
Example schedule for each day of the thesis bootcamp:
9:05m - Morning yoga, gentle stretching and mindfulness
9.20am - Welcome, introductions & strategies on how to make the most of your day
9:45am - Writing session 1 (2 hours of writing)
11:45am - Lunch and ice breaker
12:30pm - Writing session 2 (2 hours of writing) / 1:1 session with a Student Academic Success advisor
2:30pm - Feedback and set goals for the next day
3:00pm - Session ends
To prepare, participants should:
- Come prepared with a writing plan and materials (articles, notes, charts) so you are able to concerntrate on your writing without any interruptions.
- Set your own target of how much writing you want to achieve during this bootcamp, with 10,000 - 12,000 words being a suggested goal.
- Focus on drafting new material for the thesis as opposed to editing, revising, or re-hashing existing content.
We want you to hit the ground running (writing!) right from the start.
Eligibility:
Applications are open to all Monash University HDR candidates who:
- have successfully completed one or more of their candidature milestones (at least Confirmation of Candidature);
- can identify clear goals for your participation in the Thesis Bootcamp (i.e., identifying the particular chapter(s) of your thesis that you will work on as part of your goal);
- are able to clearly identify how you would benefit from an intensive week of writing a particular section of your thesis;
- are able to commit and fully participate in the bootcamp for all four days.
Timeline:
Applications will close on: Friday, 11 October 2024 5:00pm AEST
Participants will be notified of a decision by: Friday, 18 October 2024
Ready to join our Virtual Thesis Bootcamp 2024?
Apply Now
The opportunity to take part in the MGA Virtual Thesis Bootcamp is greatly valued by participants. If you are confirmed for the workshop and need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may offer your place to another graduate student. Additionally, we cannot guarantee participation in the workshop for all eligible participants.
Please take note, all data collected will be used solely for the purpose of this program and in accordance of the MGA Privacy Policy.
Questions? Please send an email to mga-events@monash.edu