Every two years, AUT surveys graduate research students in order to better understand their experiences. The Graduate Research School has recently launched the 2020 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey. By now, you should have received an email containing a link to the survey. It is run through the HEA (Higher Education Academy), an independent non-profit organisation based in the UK. If you are an enrolled AUT graduate research student, undertaking a thesis or exegesis, and you haven’t received the email, please contact grs@aut.ac.nz.
We are aware that this is very challenging time for our research students, their whanau and wider support networks. This makes your experiences as a graduate research student more important than ever. So please take the time to give us your feedback. We genuinely do read your comments and use your input to make positive changes in the way we work. If you have any thoughts on the graduate research experience at AUT, now is the time to share them.
There has been a significant adaption and shift in how the University operates under COVID-19 lockdown. Because of it we would like to ask you to focus your responses in the survey on how the University operated prior to this. However, we have added an open question to let us know how you feel the University has responded to COVID-19 in the survey.
You will also be in a draw to win $500 cash prize.
It is a privilege to write a few words regarding my experience of post-grad study and research at AUT. I returned to tertiary study after a number of years in July 2009, aged 65 years. My faculty was located in WA tower block, and my area of study was Conflict Resolution focusing on conflict within nation states. My time at AUT was one that stands out as a highlight of my adult life and experience. University was very different from my earlier years, 1979-1983, at the University of Sydney, (Australian College of Theology). The dedication of my lecturers, and their passion for their specialist areas of scholarship was great, and I acknowledge them for making my time such an incredible journey. Sadly ill-health prevented me from completing my MA Thesis, hence my graduation in December 2013 with a Post-Grad Diploma. I recommend the AUT experience to anyone who wants to experience a supportive and challenging learning environment.
Wow John, thank you! Dedicated lecturers make all the difference, don’t they? We’re thrilled that you had such a great experience at AUT.