Social Research Preparatory Program (Non award)

Students enrolling in the Master of Social Research and the Graduate Certificate in Social Research normally commence with the Preparatory Program. The Program is designed to give students a general orientation to the university community and to sharpen academic, computing and statistical skills in preparation for graduate study.

Mathematics for Social Scientists and Computing for Social Scientists run for 6 weeks (3 hours per week each) in January/February before first semester. Academic Skills for Social Scientists runs for 6 weeks (approximately 20 hours per week) in January/February before first semester and June/July before second semester.

This Program is compulsory for international students. Mathematics for Social Scientists and Computing for Social Scientists are recommended for Australian students needing to learn or refresh maths and computing skills.

The usual minimum entrance requirement is an undergraduate pass degree of an acceptable standard and, for international students, a satisfactory English proficiency score. Pre-course English training can be undertaken via ANU College, if required.

Students are also encouraged to participate in other induction and orientation programs offered by Student and Academic Services, the Postgraduate and Research Students' Association (PARSA) or the Research Schools.

Program structure

The Program consists of 3 courses.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply please contact the Administrator (Students) or the Masters Coordinator.

Details of Program courses

DEMO6925 Academic Skills for Social Scientists

3 units
Semester X1
Approximately 20 contact hours per week

This course is designed for international students and comprises a general introduction to academic and research skills at the postgraduate level. It is coordinated by the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre. Topics covered include academic expectations and culture at the ANU, time management, referencing, reading strategically and taking notes, critical reading, writing structure and style, exam preparation techniques, plagiarism and academic honesty. The course also includes information on living in Canberra.

DEMO6926 Mathematics for Social Scientists

3 units
Semester X1
3 contact hours per week

This course covers basic mathematics including introduction to algebra; solving equations for unknown variables; interpolation and extrapolation; rates, ratios and proportions; coordinate geometry; mathematical notation; and introduction to calculus.

Proposed assessment: two open-book examinations.

DEMO6927 Computing for Social Scientists

3 units
Semester X1
3 contact hours per week

This course sharpens the computing skills of students. Emphasis is placed on standard package programs, such as MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Skills are built up through regular practice. By the end of the course students should feel confident in the use of computers in recording and analysing data, searching for information on the World Wide Web and through library catalogues, and preparing research reports in the correct format.

Proposed assessment: practical work.