Writing of a higher degree research thesis : perspectives of a student, supervisor and thesis editor

Academic writing skills are essential for higher degree research (HDR) students. At the beginning of the candidature, a HDR student is required to write a literature review critically analysing the state-of-the art knowledge on the given research topic, identifying limitations of the current knowledge and areas of further research. The literature review culminates with the HDR student clearly defining their topic. They are then required to prepare a research proposal written in a professional manner and presented to a confirmation panel who must be able to understand and appreciate the research area and innovation of the proposal. In the second year of candidature, a HDR student is often expected to write a refereed conference paper and sometimes a refereed journal article. In the final year, a thesis needs to be written that should reflect a mature understanding and significant innovation and contribution to knowledge. All this requires a high level of literacy both in analysing others research and in publishing their own. This paper presents the experience of a thesis editor, a HDR student and an award winning HDR supervisor on the aspects of writing issues. It has been found that a student with good writing skills publishes more papers than a student with poor writing skills. This also presents a strategy for how a HDR student can enhance his/her writing skills to complete his/her HDR degree successfully