Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart, Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are seen as essential for Australia's future, both for everyday skills and for advances in the world of work. However, there has been a sustained trend of declining performance and engagement in these areas, notably in mathematics but also in the other disciplines. For example, Australian students' performance has fallen according to both domestic mathematics assessments (NAPLAN) and some international mathematics and science ones (e.g., PISA). Declining performance and engagement have further contributed to teacher shortages, with fewer students studying STEM subjects at university, and then choosing to train as STEM teachers. This decline is contributing to a gap between "the knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers and individuals" (Australian Government Department of Education).
Research is needed to determine how best to improve students' attitudes and understanding of the importance of STEM and to realise the potential of STEM careers. More broadly, there are also questions to be answered about effective learning and teaching in STEM disciplines, including a consideration of teaching approaches, teacher knowledge for teaching STEM, areas of student difficulty and strategies for addressing these, and curriculum development.
We are looking to recruit HDR applicants with interests across a range of methodologies and themes, focusing on individual STEM disciplines or across the field. Possible projects include, but are not limited to, increasing our understanding of student performance; student attitudes and beliefs; effective teaching approaches; teacher recruitment, development, and retention; student career aspirations; and problem solving. These might be investigated across any sectors and age ranges, from early years to primary and secondary schooling, and into tertiary education.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applications are open to domestic students only
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in one or more disciplines in STEM education
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- WWVP card or the eligibility for one
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Helen Chick to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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