Graduate Virtual Common Room
Thesis & Honours Dissertation Resources

The resources for graduate thesis and honours dissertation students are being developed and will be added as they are completed. We are compiling this information from a number of sources so much of it is currently available in alternative formats. Our intention is not to replicate what already exists, but to provide information designed to complement University publications and as such what you find here may be more general to studying within the School of Psychology. If you have any questions relating to any of the following topics, for which you cannot find an answer here, please raise this with your supervisor.

Getting Started - what you need to know
Research Readiness
Supervision
Thesis Topics
Graduate and Postgraduate Resources
Ethics Approval
Graduate Student Resources
Scholarships

You are encouraged review the wealth of online information provided by the Post Graduate Office. This can be accessed at:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/postgrad/

A new Theses webpage, prepared by the Library and the Postgraduate Studies Office, has replaced the Library's old pdf guide Writing and submitting a thesis at the University of Waikato.
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/library/study/guides/theses.shtml.

The Higher Degrees handbook is also available through the Post Graduate Office and can be accessed online at:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/files/pdf/postgraduate/higherdegreeshandbook.pdf

If you are considering the pursuit of a higher degree you are encouraged to read the Higher Degrees handbook in preparation.

The Post Graduate Office also publishes a Guide to Undertaking a PhD. Contact the office if you would like a copy of this.

Getting Started - what you need to know

Psychology Forms and Guides. Forms and guides relevant to postgraduate enrolment and study may be found on the School of Psychology website at the following address:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/

All students must ensure they complete the appropriate enrolment forms (all on the above site) including:

Directed Study Enrolment Form
PGDip(Psych) and PGCert(Psych) Enrolment Form
PGDipPsych(Clin) application pack
BSocSc-BSc-BA Honours Application and Approval Form
Masters Enrolment and Supervisors Form (Students completing 1 year MAppPsy must complete)
MAppPsy Application Form Year 1
MAppPsy Application Form Year 2 (Students continuing to year 2 of MAppPsy must complete)

Individuals wishing to enrol in either the Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees through the School of Psychology must first be approved by the School, through its Graduate Studies Committee and Chair of School, who may consult with the School. Approved applications are then forwarded to the University's Higher Degrees Committee. Enrolment applications must demonstrate that the applicant meets the following criteria:

1. A Bachelor with Honours (4 year)*, or *preferably) a Masters degree: (a) including a major in psychology (or alternatively, sufficient course work relevant to the research topic), and (b) having achieved at least 2nd-class, first division honours (University of Waikato = 67.5%). * Applicants without a Masters degree must have an A- average across their 500-level Psychology papers, and must provide evidence of having completed a major research project (equivalent to at least a one-paper fifth-year directed research project) in which (a) they were the sole researcher, (b) data were collected and analyzed and (c) a grade of at least an A- was awarded for the research project. Attach a copy of the relevant research report/s.

2. A minimum of two academic supervisors, of which the primary supervisor must: (a) be a member of the School of Psychology, (b) hold a doctorate degree, and be on the University's Registry of Approved Supervisors, and (c) have competence in the area of the research. 3. Satisfactory arrangements for supervision If you will not be completing your research in the Waikato area, please explain the supervisory arrangements that you and your supervisor have agreed to (e.g., frequency of meetings on campus, e-mail contact).

All students should familiarise themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Guide for Masters Psychology Students which supplements the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Guide. Links to both guides can be found under Guides at:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/

Or download the PDF version of the School of Psychology guide from here:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/std-thesis-guide.pdf

Hard copy versions are also available from the Psychology office. (Note: This is currently being updated)

An orientation checklist is available for PhD students. To access this click on the following:
PhD Student Orientation Check List (30kb)

APA 6th Edition
During 2009, the American Psychological Association published the 6th edition of the APA Manual. Some of you may have attended a workshop about the changes. This year library staff will provide guides and tutorials for the new 6th edition only.  The Library will keep the 5th edition manual for those currently completing their masters and/or PhD theses.

 The Library has two guides to APA 6th edition:

1. A one page quick guide which is given out in some library tutorials and is available from the carousel near the Information Desk on Level 2 of the Library.
2. A longer, online version, which includes more explanation and more examples. This is available via the Library website at the link below.
   http://www.waikato.ac.nz/library/learning/g_apaguide.shtml

Research Readiness

PhD or MPhil? The School of Psychology endeavours to provide specific resources for doctoral students, including desk space and after hours building access, computing resources including printing and internet access, and photocopying, to support them in their studies/research efforts. Applications for such resources should be made on an annual basis on the PhD and MPhil Resource Form available at:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/

Supervision

In accordance with CUAP and NZQA requirements, Honours degrees in Psychology, BSocSc(Hons) BSc(Hons), and BA(Hons) are research‐oriented degrees. Psychology Honours students meet the research requirement by including a 30 pt Dissertation in their Honours programme of study. Further information, and a list of potential supervisors with their research interests, is provided in the following document:
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/BSocSc-BSc-BA-Honours-Application-and-Approval-Form.pdf

Change of Supervisor Form: If you are contemplating for any reason changing your thesis or dissertation supervisor you must complete the change of supervisor form which can be found under:
 http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/

Thesis Topics

Many academic staff members list their specific areas of research interest on their staff profile (see http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/staff.shtml). If you are an honours student see also the document for Honours Dissertations under Supervision above for potential research areas.

Graduate and Postgraduate Resources

Writing proposals and writing literature reviews resources are available here.

Ethics Approval

All research conducted at the University of Waikato, involving humans or animals, is subject to ethics approval. Applications for ethics approval are generally considered by the School of Psychology Ethics Committee following submission on the approved forms by the principal researcher. Ethics application forms are available at http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/subjects/psychology/forms/ under the heading “Research Forms”.

If you’re not already familiar with these sites and you’re considering collaborating with outside organizations then you might want to take some time to look over them.

The New Zealand Psychological Society (code of ethics)
http://www.psychology.org.nz/Code_of_Ethics

New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committees (which also includes definitions of the types of research that are covered).
http://www.ethicscommittees.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/ethics-home?Open&m_id=1

Northern Y (for health research conducted entirely within the District Health Board regions: Northland, Waitemata, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti)
http://www.ethicscommittees.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/ethics-about-northern-y?Open&m_id=2.2a

Multi-region Ethics Committee (for health research that spans multiple regions)
http://www.ethicscommittees.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/ethics-about-multi?Open&m_id=2.1

Health Research Ethics Council (important to refer to if you’re applying for HRC funding and/or conducting health related research)
http://www.hrc.govt.nz/ethics-and-regulatory

The National Ethics Advisory committee (not a group most of us would worry about, but does have something interesting things on its site)
http://www.neac.health.govt.nz/

Graduate Student Resources

As a graduate student, there are various things we can provide to support your study and research. This can vary a little from year to year as budgets dictate. Below is the list for 2011. This will be updated for 2012 as soon as possible. Remember: this is a list of what is available from the School. You should also check what is available from the Faculty and the University. Some of this information is also included under General Information. Click on that link on the left to review.

Computer access: the computer lab in J1.12 is available at all times. K1.07 is available when it is not being used for classes. In both cases, you will need a key, which you can get from the office. There is no charge, unless you lose it; a replacement will cost you $10. Access to computer software, including Endnote (bibliographic package), PASW (the more recent version of SPSS – Statistical Software), and Amos (generally required for confirmatory factor analysis), is generally available in the Graduate Computer Lab. If you have a specific requirement, including off-campus access to software on your own computer, see the School of Psychology technology manager Mr Allan Eaddy in room J1.16, or extension 8391. 

Technical and other support: if you are planning a study involving specialist equipment or the development of custom-made software, the School may be able to provide support to help you. It is crucial that you discuss this with your supervisor before you complete your enrolment. Our ability to provide such support will depend on the nature of your project and the demands on our resources.

Test library: a wide range of psychological tests are available for loan. Check the library hours on the door of K1:05 or email telb@waikato.ac.nz

Te Kohikohinga Māori: You’ll find this collection of journals and books relating to Māori, biculturalism and indigenous psychology in front of the office. You may borrow items by asking the office staff.

Psychology thesis collection: similarly, you may borrow any of approximately 600 theses which have been completed in the School since its inception. Ask at the office.

Graduate mail box: you’ll find this in the foyer. This can be a useful way of getting mail and other documents to graduate students. If you are expecting something, check the slot which matches the initial letter of your surname.

Financial Support (subject to annual review):
To all students enrolled in research papers for postgraduate, Honours, Masters, or doctoral qualifications, 

Did you know that you may be able to claim some or all of costs incurred in carrying out your research or in presenting your work at a conference?  The maximum amounts range from a modest $100 for students enrolled in a 591 or 590 paper through to $3000 for a doctoral degree over the total duration of the enrolment.  Details are available from your programme administrator, graduate advisor, the FASS Graduate Handbook, or online at http://www.waikato.ac.nz/wfass/student/graduate/funding.shtml. 

Please note that it is very important to speak to your programme administrator before making any arrangements for travel and/or accommodation related to research or conference attendance to ensure that University procedures are followed. Otherwise it may not be possible to reimburse you.

	PGDip / Honours Students: Thesis / dissertation reimbursement related expenses
	PSYC588/589	directed study	$  50.00
	PSYC590	directed study	$100.00
	PSYC591	honours dissertation	$100.00
	Masters Students: Thesis/dissertation reimbursement related expenses
	PSYC592	dissertation 60 point	$250.00
	PSYC593	thesis 90 point	$375.00
	PSYC594	thesis 120 point	$500.00
	plus binding and copying of 1 copy of thesis for any Masters student.
	Post-graduate student conference attendance
	North Island	$100.00 max
	South Island	$250.00 max
	MPhil & PhD Students:
	Printing	$50.00	p/year for up to 4yrs - half for part time
	Internet	$30.00	p/year for up to 4yrs - half for part time
	Photocopying	$50.00	p/year for up to 4yrs - half for part time
	Conference attendance - local or overseas
	MPhil	$   500.00	One conference
	PhD	$1,500.00	Two conferences max (total not to exceed $1500)

The NZ Psychological Society – Waikato Branch.  Annual Conference Grants
Each year the Waikato Branch of NZPsS offers two grants of $250 to psychology students who present at the Annual Conference. If you are intending to present at the Annual Conference you are encouraged to apply.  Application forms can be obtained directly from diannefarrell@xtra.co.nz

Scholarships

General information about scholarships administered by the University of Waikato can be found at…
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/research/scholarships/scholarships_and_prizes.shtml

Other sites that contain information on scholarships include:
University of Waikato Scholarships
NZ’s International Aid & Development Awards
BreakOut National Scholarships Database
New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Scholarships website
Education New Zealand Scholarships website 

You may also subscribe to the University of Waikato Scholarships Update e-newsletter. Subscribe by sending an email to scholarships@waikato.ac.nz with ‘subscribe’ in the subject line. An e-newsletter will then be sent to your e-mail address every month.