Research writing

Guidance for researchers and PhD candidates on how to develop their research writing skills.

Research writing encompasses many forms of writing, for many audiences. While there are disciplinary differences, writing to disseminate research and make an impact follows many well-established conventions and practices. We work with researchers and PhD candidates to develop their research writing skills. We can work with you on:

Planning your writing project:
- Managing your research
- Developing research questions
- Outlining your thesis structure
Writing for different audiences:
- Using an academic writing style
- Writing for a wider audience
- Writing in different disciplines
Writing for different stages of the research cycle:
- Research proposals and Confirmation of Candidature documents
- Thesis sections and chapters (abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion)
- Publications (journal articles, review papers, systematic reviews)
- Research statements for Non-Traditional Research Outputs (NTROs) as part of ERA reporting.

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Research and Writing Skills for Academic and Graduate Researchers modules

These modules are for academic and higher degree researchers who want to develop and extend the skills required in the contemporary research environment.

Becoming a research writer

This online module looks at ways research writers use premises and claims to build arguments. Also covered is the significance of thesis statements and how to position your own work by identifying gaps in the field.

Developing an effective research proposal

This online module provides key information, strategies, and resources for developing an effective research proposal.

Writing your literature review

This module describes a literature review, and outlines the steps in writing, structuring and styling the review. It also covers the techniques for note-taking and writing an annotated bibliography.

Managing yourself and your research

The module provides strategies and resources to develop fundamental skills in time management, goal setting, research planning, cultivating supervisory relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Research writing at the Library Media Hub

Webinars and short videos covering planning, structuring, and tailoring writing for different audiences and stages of the research cycle, from proposals and theses to publications and non-traditional outputs.

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Research writing for HDR research methods courses

Academic Skills Advisors offer workshops for Research Methods courses on the following topics:

Writing different text types (research proposals, confirmation of candidature, thesis, journal articles)
Writing different thesis sections and chapters (abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion)
Thesis writing and academic writing style (structuring your ideas, writing with authority, developing voice)
Preparing for academic publication (including writing journal articles and strategic publishing).

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Help and related information

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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