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Westmead Applied Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship

A postgraduate research scholarship
Supporting master's by research and PhD students to conduct research in the Westmead Applied Research Centre.

Highlights

Value Eligibility Open date Close date
$28,000 (up to 3 years)
  • Hold an honours or a master's degree
  • High academic achiever
TBC TBC

How to apply

Apply here.

Benefits

The scholarship will provide an annual stipend allowance of $28,000 per annum (indexed on 1 January each year) for up to two years for a master's by research, or three years for a PhD, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

A successful PhD recipient may apply for an extension of up to six months.

Note: Academic course fees and the Student Services Amenities fee are not provided for a successful international applicant.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have an unconditional offer of admission or be enrolled in full-time studies in a master's by research or PhD
  • undertake research at the Westmead Applied Research Centre in an area(s) approved by Academic Director, Westmead Applied Research Centre 
  • hold an honours degree or a master's degree in health and/or social sciences, or a medical specialist qualification.

Note: Applicants who are studying full-time and have completed more than three years of their candidature are not eligible to apply.

Background

A unique opportunity is available for three outstanding master's by research or PhD scholars to conduct research at the Westmead Applied Research Centre in a variety of research areas, including but not limited to:

  • improving first responder cardiopulmonary resuscitation and addressing the problem of how to improve outcomes for patients that suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
  • improving data-driven quality in primary care and improve effectiveness and efficiency of care for people living with heart disease and/or other chronic health conditions
  • exploring the issues and identifying solutions on the impact of domestic violence on physical health in Western Sydney
  • use of text messaging in chronic disease prevention and management around the world: global commonalities and local adaptations
  • integrating digital solutions into health services
  • implementing quality improvement programs to reduce hospital admissions for chronic health conditions
  • examining the interactions of socioeconomic disadvantage, geography and gender in prevention and management of chronic disease. 

This scholarship is funded by the Westmead Applied Research Centre.

1. Background

a. A unique opportunity is available for an outstanding Masters by Research or PhD scholar to conduct research at the Westmead Applied Research Centre in a variety of research areas, including but not limited to:

I. improving first responder cardiopulmonary resuscitation and addressing the problem of how to improve outcomes for patients that suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest,

II. improving data-driven quality in primary care and improve effectiveness and efficiency of care for people living with heart disease and/or other chronic health conditions,

III. exploring the issues and identifying solutions on the impact of domestic violence on physical health in Western Sydney,

IV. use of text messaging in chronic disease prevention and management around the world: global commonalities and local adaptations,

V. integrating digital solutions into health services,

VI. implementing quality improvement programs to reduce hospital admissions for chronic health conditions,

VII. examining the interactions of socioeconomic disadvantage, geography, and gender in prevention and management of chronic disease.

b. This Scholarship is funded by the Westmead Applied Research Centre, University of Sydney.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in full-time studies in a Masters by Research or PhD at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must undertake research at the Westmead Applied Research Centre in an area(s) approved by Academic Director, Westmead Applied Research Centre.

c. Applicants must also hold an Honours degree or a Master's degree in Health and/or Social Sciences, or a medical specialist qualification.

d. Applicants who are full-time and have completed more than three years of their candidature are not eligible to apply.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,

II. curriculum vitae, and

III. feedback from two academic referees.

b. Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

c. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the relevant research supervisor.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide an annual stipend allowance of $28,000 per annum (indexed on 1 January each year) for up to two years for a Masters by Research, or three years for a PhD, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. A successful PhD recipient may apply for an extension of up to 6 months.

c. Academic course fees and the Student Services Amenities fee are not provided for a successful international applicant.

d. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship, will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding the potential extension period.

e. The Scholarship is for commencement in relevant research period in which it is offered for and cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research.

f. No other amount is payable.

g. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC), and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

8. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of Scholarships for any reason during the tenure of their Scholarship. Periods of Scholarships suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. Unless terminated earlier under this paragraph, the Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their Masters by Research or PhD,

II. upon the student having completed 4 years equivalent full time study for a PhD, or 2 years equivalent full time study for a Masters by Research,

III. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

IV. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative scholarship where it is of higher value,

VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII. If the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,

II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or

III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. Stipend payments will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds paid to the student, the University may require the student to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the student in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.