Postgraduate Resources
Staff/student research seminar
On most Fridays during term, in the Room 311, level 3, History building, there will be research seminars given by senior students, staff, or visitors to the programme. These are open to all students to attend and will be advertised. All postgraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend. PhD students are expected to present a seminar to the Programme once a year during their studies.
History thesis writers' group
This group is an informal forum for MA and doctoral students to discuss their research and theoretical issues with their peers. Thesis writing can be a very isolating experience and this group also functions as a social contact point where students can share common problems. It also elects a representative who attends School of History meetings and can bring concerns to the attention of staff. The group has met about every three weeks. All thesis writers will be invited to attend.
Canterbury Historical Association
This association is based in the History Programme and holds its monthly meetings in Room 311, level 3, History building. Its members include staff, students, and graduates of the History Programme, together with teachers and members of the general public interested in History. The year's programme and meetings are widely advertised. The association also administers the JM Sherrard Award, which is a biennial prize for outstanding published work in New Zealand regional history.
There is a special student subscription rate. The secretary is Dr Chris Jones, Room Hist314.
Programme Offices
All offices are on the third level of the History building.
Room 318 on the third level is the office of the Programme Administrator (Mrs Judy Robertson) and is the main staff-contact office, where staff collect their mail. Messages for staff should be left here.
Postgraduate study space
There is study space available on the second level of the History building. Those thesis writers who are also tutors (see below), and possibly some other PhD students, may have shared offices in the Programme.
Postgraduate student cards provide access to the building after hours and at weekends and keys are provided for the study rooms.
Microform readers
The Programme has one machine, similar to those in the Library, available on level two.
Oral history audio equipment
The Programme has tape-recorders with microphones suitable for conducting interviews. With the support of your lecturer or supervisor, loan of further equipment can be arranged through the Audio-Visual Centre.
Tutorial work in the Programme
A limited amount of tutoring work is available, for which thesis writers may apply to the Programme Co-ordinator. The work available each year cannot be decided before the end of enrolling week in late February, because only then are firm enrolment figures available. Some earlier indication of likely needs may be given by the Programme Co-ordinator or co-ordinators of particular courses.
MA thesis writers are generally not encouraged to seek tutorial work because it may interrupt their work too much. The Programme recognizes that some teaching experience of this kind is valuable for PhD candidates.
Staff-student liaison
The History Programme invites two representatives of the postgraduate students to its monthly Programme meetings (one Honours student and one thesis writer), to present the student viewpoint during policy discussions. The Research Committee also includes a representative of the postgraduate students.