The Special Research Topic 1 (SRT1) is an AQF Level 9 (MPhil) and AQF Level 10 (PhD) course reserved for Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates who are called to develop their research study theoretically and/or empirically as a way to systematically circumscribe extant knowledge and/or propose answers/solutions to a complex problem or social phenomenon related to, or within and/or adjacent, to their main research topic within any discipline offered by the Research School of Management. Enrolment into SRT1 can only be done after approval of the topic by the student’s principal supervisor and the RSM Deputy Director (HDR).
The typical outcome of the SRT1 is a manuscript of publishable quality with a length of 4,500-6,000 words per 6 units of study, that:
- is developed around the extant literature following review methods that may include: systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-ethnography, Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) or Systematic review of qualitative studies, Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA), etc.
- proposes a conceptual/theoretical framework or model based on number 1 above.
- also empirically addresses a clear problem within the business and management domains or a particular social phenomenon of interest to the student and that helps advance theoretical and/or empirical knowledge within the domain.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify an issue or problem or consequences of a social phenomenon within a domain or across domains within business and management studies worth an academic research
- Determine the relevant databases to systematically retrieve relevant and appropriate literature to address the research problem
- Critically review extant knowledge related to the topic of interest
- Formulate an appropriate research strategy in view of addressing the problem
- Devise an effective research design with a justification of the methodology(ies) appropriate for the topic of interest
- Determine the contributions and implications of the research for the advancement of theoretical knowledge and practice
- Propose future directions of research based on the review/conceptual/theoretical framework or the results and findings related to the research problem or question
- Develop a manuscript appropriate for the type of problem being researched using the appropriate academic language and following the structure of a targeted journal or publication outlet
Other Information
This is a special topics course for Research School of Management Higher Degree Research students. The nature of the topic and assessment required will be negotiated with the student's supervisor.
Indicative Assessment
- Typical assessment may include, but is not restricted to: written sections (Rationale to the research, Research problems and questions, Literature review, Research design, Methodology) within a manuscript (4,500-6,000 words per 6u of study). Further details will be made available via the Class Summary. (90) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
- Oral presentation and defence of sections during the course and/or the final the major written deliverable at the end of the course. Further details will be made available via the Class Summary. (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students taking this course are expected to commit 130 hours of total student learning time per 6 units of study, comprising of independent student research, consultations with an ANU supervisor, reading, writing and presentations.
Inherent Requirements
Agreement from a supervisor to supervise the research project.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Management to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Information about the prescribed textbook (if any) will be made available via the Class Summary and in discussion with an ANU supervisor.
Student will be expected to access through the library and online published research and information on the topic of interest including peer reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, industry reports, expert reports etc.
Preliminary Reading
Readings relevant to each student's research project topic will be determined in discussion with an ANU supervisor.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 to 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $880 per unit | Standard Rate |
| 2025 | $640 per unit |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1120 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3272 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8280 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |