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2019 Postgraduate Prizes and Awards

For high performing postgraduate students, prizes and awards are offered each year. Check your faculty entry below to see what is available.

Faculty prizes and awards

These are prizes and awards offered by Faculties and industry related sponsors to students who have excelled in their course or unit. Different criteria apply to each prize or award so check the information below for your faculty.

Faculty of Arts and Education

Faculty wide prizes and awards

Philip Brown Award

This prize is named in memory of Dr Philip Brown, an eminent historian whose work is characterised by meticulous research and the extensive use of primary sources.

The prize is awarded annually to an enrolled higher degree by research student within the Faculty of Arts and Education, for research into Australia, Australian History or other relevant areas of study in which aspects of Australian History are present.

Roslyn Lawry Award

This award commemorates a young Museum Studies graduate, Ros Lawry, who died in tragic circumstances. Her parents, Jim and Fay Lawry, established an endowment for an annual prize.  The Roslyn Lawry Award is awarded annually to a student enrolled in the Master of Cultural Heritage who has achieved standards of excellence in his or her academic record and demonstrated a personal commitment to heritage/museum training. The recipient receives a generous amount of prize money to fund further professional development and a framed certificate.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Lynne Alice Prize

The prize of $500 is awarded annually by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences to a student enrolled in the Master of Arts (International Relations) course who has achieved standards of excellence in his or her academic record in the Human Rights and International Law specialisation.

Hans Löfgren Prize

Associate Professor Hans Löfgren was an integral member of Deakin University’s Politics and Policy group between 2001 and 2014, and an associate editor of the Australian Journal of Political Science. The prize of $400 is jointly funded by the School and the Journal. The prize is awarded annually to the best research dissertation produced by students enrolled in Honours (Politics and Policy Studies) or the Master of Politics and Policy.

School of Education

Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL)

Awarded annually to a student enrolled in an Education postgraduate course who has illustrated excellence in educational leadership. The prize includes:

  • A professional, framed ACEL Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Educational Leadership
  • A membership subscription for one year to the value of $175
  • A book voucher valued at $100, redeemable from the ACEL Bookshop
Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) Award

Each year an ASME prize of a Certificate and a Full Membership for one year to ASME Victoria is awarded to an outstanding teacher education student who received the highest mark across the 4 music secondary units in their course.

Drama Victoria Award for Pre-Service Teacher Excellence

This award is presented to pre-service teachers who have shown excellence in curriculum planning and drama teaching during their placements and studies at Deakin University.

The Modern Language Teachers' Association of Victoria Inc. (MLTAV) Master of Teaching Student Award

The prize of a year’s membership to MLTAV is awarded to a Victorian based Master of Teaching student with Languages as one of their curriculum methods, or enrolled in the Languages pathway.

Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) Award for Excellence

The award recognises both the importance of literacy studies and the career and personal benefits of belonging to a professional association. The award consists of 12 months membership of the association to a graduating Master of Teaching (Primary)  education student who has excelled in literacy and English language studies during the year.

Teach For Australia and Deakin University Award

This is awarded to a graduating Associate from Cohort 2017 with the highest results for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) TFA. The prize consists of $250 and a certificate.

The Reverend Dr Norman Curry Student Prize for Outstanding Teaching Practice

This prize has been established to recognise Reverend Dr Norman Curry OAM who was a well-known and highly regarded educationalist who made a significant contribution to education in Australia.

One prize of $2000 will be awarded annually to a graduate of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or the Master of Teaching (Primary) who has demonstrated excellence in teaching practice.

The Victoria College Foundation

This fund was initially set up to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Victoria College, just before it merged with Deakin University. The prize is to be awarded to a PhD student who just missed out on a scholarship. The aim of the Victoria College prize is to support a postgraduate student to study towards a Masters or Doctoral degree. The amount to be awarded is $500.

Bank First Award

Prizes to the value of $300 each, awarded to the highest achieving postgraduate students who have achieved a combination of both high academic results together with outstanding results in teaching practice. This is based on their results for the duration of their undergraduate course:

  • Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
  • Master of Teaching (Primary)
  • Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary)
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary)
  • Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary)
  • Master of Applied Learning and Teaching
  • Master of Education (Special Educational Needs)

Faculty of Business and Law

Deakin Business School

Dean's Merit List

Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement of the top 3% of graduates of graduates from Deakin Business School Masters by Coursework programs.

Brookes Scholar Award

Awarded to the top two most outstanding students in the MBA graduating class.

Deakin Business School Postgraduate Courses

A range of prizes will be awarded in recognition of high performing students across the Masters by Coursework programs offered by the Deakin Business School.

Sport Management
  • Tennis Australia Prize for the Best graduate in Master of Business (Sport Management)
  • Cricket Australia Prize for the best case study in MMS712 Sport Marketing
  • Cricket Victoria Prize for the best case study in MMS736 Strategic Management
  • IMG Prize for the best paper in MMS716 Sport Organisation Theory

Deakin Law School

Dean's Merit List

Recognition of outstanding academic achievement of the top 3% of graduates of graduates from Deakin Law School Masters by Coursework programs.

Deakin Law School Postgraduate Courses

A range of prizes will be awarded in recognition of high performing students across the Masters by Coursework programs offered by the Deakin Law School.

Faculty of Health

School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Catapult Master of Applied Sport Science Student of the Year Award

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Master of Applied Sport Science.

Dietitians Association Australia Award - Most Outstanding Student Prize

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate from the Master of Dietetics in 2018.

Head of School Academic Achievement Award - Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Human Nutrition in 2018.

Head of School Academic Achievement Award - Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition in 2018. Master of Human Nutrition.

Head of School Academic Achievement Award - Master of Applied Sport Science

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Master of Applied Sport Science in 2018

Head of School Academic Achievement Award - Master of Nutrition and Population Health

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Master of Nutrition and Population Health in 2018

Nestle Health Science Nutrition Award in Clinical Dietetics

Awarded to the most outstanding student with the highest academic achievement in Clinical Dietetic Practice unit, enrolled in the Master of Dietetics in 2018.

Professor Selig Academic Achievement Award

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2018.

Professor's Academic Achievement Award in Dietetics

Awarded to the most outstanding graduate enrolled in the Master of Dietetics in 2018. The award recipient will be chosen based on a combination of high level academic achievement and professional practice in the applications of dietetics.

Robyn Walker Award for Entrepreneurship in Dietetic.

Awarded to the 2018 Master of Dietetics graduate who exhibits qualities of entrepreneurship and courage to break new ground.

School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Award for Best PhD Paper

Awarded annually to the best paper published by PhD candidate in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences in 2018.

School of Health and Social Development

Jan Moore Award for Excellence in Research - Major Project

A prize of $200 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best major project undertaken by a student enrolled in the Master of Health Promotion.

Jan Moore Award for Excellence in Research - Minor Project

A prize of $100 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best minor project undertaken by a student enrolled in the Master of Health Promotion.

Yungaburra Foundation Award

A prize of $500 is presented to an honours or postgraduate student whose research has made a positive impact in the disability field.

School of Health and Social Development Alumni Award

A prize consisting of attendance at a School of Health and Social Development masterclass or equivalent awarded to alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their communities, professions or given outstanding service to the University.

Susan Esdaile Prize

A prize of $500 awarded to the Master of Child Play Therapy student having completed the most outstanding thesis relevant to parenting and child play therapy

School of Medicine

Bob Judge Clinical Skills Prize

Awarded annually to the Doctor of Medicine (H911) student with the highest marks in the Year 2 OSCE, to honour the memory of the very first volunteer patient who worked tirelessly to build the volunteer patient program for the School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds Campus - one award of $500.

Coates Memorial Trust Award

This award was established by The Sir Albert Coates Memorial Trust, and funded by the Australian Legion of ex-Servicemen and Women, to assist a Year 3 Doctor of Medicine (H911) student with costs associated with Year 4 medical elective placements – one award of up to $2,500.

Coltman Equipment Award

Awarded to a commencing Commonwealth supported student who is enrolled in the Medical Degree who is able to demonstrate financial hardship, to assist with the purchase of equipment required for the study of medicine (including laptop computers) - one award of $1500.

Dr Gilbert M. Davis Award

Awarded to a commencing Commonwealth supported student who is enrolled in the Medical Degree, who is able to demonstrate financial hardship, to assist with their relocation or accommodation expenses - at least one award of $1000.

George Golding Memorial Trust Scholarship

Awarded in memory of Dr. George Golding, founder and CEO of the General Practitioner's Association of Geelong, in recognition of academic excellence, to assist a commencing Medical Degree student offset the cost of his/her medical education - one award up to $5000.

Williamson Family Award in Medicine

Awarded annually to a student who has successfully completed the first year of the Medical Degree and attained the highest aggregate mark - up to $1,250. Awarded annually to a student who has successfully completed the second year of the Medical Degree and attained the highest aggregate mark up to $1,500.

There are a number of additional prizes available at each Clinical School. Please contact the relevant Clinical School Director for more information.

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Colbrow Healthcare - Melbourne's first nursing agency - Award for academic excellence

Awarded to the highest performing student from the Return to Practice or Initial Registration of Overseas Nurses - Registered Nurse course ($500 and certificate).

Diabetes Victoria Award for Academic Excellence

Awarded for the best all-round academic performance by a student enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education ($300 and certificate).

Elsevier Australia

Awarded to the highest achieving student in the Master of Nursing Practice (book and certificate).

HESTA Award for Research Scholarship

Awarded to a domestic PhD candidate for outstanding research scholarship ($1000 and certificate).

JR Medical Books Prizes

Awarded for the best all-round academic and clinical performance by a student enrolled in the Graduate Certificate/Diploma of Nursing Practice (Critical Care Suite) ($150 book voucher and certificate).

Awarded for the best all-round academic and clinical performance by a student enrolled in the Graduate Certificate/Diploma of Nursing Practice (Perioperative) ($150 book voucher and certificate).

Awarded for the best all-round academic and clinical performance by a student enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery ($150 book voucher and certificate).

Matrix Surgical Award

Awarded to the highest achieving student from the Graduate Diploma of Nursing Practice (Perioperative) in the unit Advanced Concepts in Specialty Nursing Practice: HNN788 ($500 and certificate).

School of Psychology

The Australian Psychological Society Prize

A prize of one year's subscription to the APS, a certificate and an invitation to present a poster at the APS Annual Conference for the most outstanding fourth year student.

Barry Fallon Award

A prize of $500 and a Certificate to be awarded annually for the best thesis in the Master of Psychology (Organisational).

Head of School Awards

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best Thesis in the PhD course.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best Thesis in the Doctor of Psychology course.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best Thesis in the Master in Psychology (Clinical) course.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best student publication in a Fourth year in Psychology course.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best student publication in the PhD course.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best Three-Minute presentation.

A prize of $250 and a certificate to be awarded annually for the best Confirmation.

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

Faculty wide prizes and awards

Coltman Prize

Awarded to a higher degree by research (HDR) student undertaking research in the field of biomedical science. The Coltman Prize recognises outstanding ability and achievement. The prize is valued at $1500 and is awarded as a cash payment. To be eligible for the prize applicants must be enrolled in a higher degree by research program within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment.

School of Architecture and Built Environment

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Excellent Building Postgraduate Award

Awarded to an excellent postgraduate student enrolled in the Master of Construction Management for the best research dissertation completed by students during the course of their studies.

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Excellent Building Research Postgraduate Award

Awarded to an excellent postgraduate student enrolled in the Master of Construction Management by Research for the best ‘building’ research completed during the year.

GHD Woodhead Landscape Architecture Award

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who achieves the highest aggregate of marks in the unit SRD768 Landscape Design Masterclass offered within the degree of S703 Master of Landscape Architecture.

Graham Treloar Research Prize

Named in honour of Professor Graham Treloar a prize of $500 is awarded annually to the most outstanding HDR student publication in relation to embodied energy and sustainability.

K2 Planning Award for Urban Dynamics and Change

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who achieves the highest aggregate of marks in the unit SRP782 Urban Dynamics and Change offered within the degree of S764 Master of Planning (Professional).

The Spiire Urban & Landscape Planning Award

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who achieves the highest aggregate marks in the unit SRD760 Geo-Planning and Design.

The Warralily Urban Design Award

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who achieves the highest aggregate marks in the unit SRD764 Urban Design Studio.

Thomson Hay Landscape Architects Regional Landscape Award

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who achieves the highest aggregate of marks in the course S703 Master of Landscape Architecture in a calendar year for an assignment that demonstrates a solid comprehension of the landscape architecture discipline in regional contexts.

School of Engineering

Postgraduate Student Project Excellence

An award of $500 is made annually to the postgraduate student who has achieved outstanding academic achievement in SEN720 Project Implementation and Evaluation.

The School of Engineering Prize - Masters

An award of $500 is made annually to the student who has achieved the highest WAM (Weighted Average Mark) upon completion of S751 Masters of Engineering (Professional).

School of Information Technology

School of Information Technology Award – Postgraduate

An award of $500 presented to high performing students enrolled in a School of Information Technology Masters course in each of the following categories:

The recipients will have achieved a weighted average mark of 75 or greater:

  • Awarded to the student who has completed the Master of Information Technology or Master of Information Technology (Professional) and achieved the highest overall weighted average mark.
  • Awarded to the student who has completed the Master of Cyber Security or Master of Cyber Security (Professional) and achieved the highest overall weighted average mark.
  • Awarded to the student who has completed the Master of Data Analytics and achieved the highest overall weighted average mark.
School of Information Technology Award - Postgraduate Research

An award of $500 presented to the student enrolled in the School of Information Technology Higher Degree by Research course who has demonstrated the highest research and academic merit.

School of Information Technology Industry Project Award - Postgraduate

An award of $1000 presented to the project team enrolled in a School of Information Technology postgraduate course who has completed SIT782 Project Delivery.

The award nomination will be by recommendation from the Project Supervisor and the Project Client, in consultation with the Unit Chair, and is based on specific annual criteria to be determined by a nominated panel of academics and published via the IT Course Hub. The panel will nominate up to one winning team per academic year. The award of this prize will be determined by the Head of School, or nominee.

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Head of School HDR Award

A prize of $1000 is awarded annually to a postgraduate research student in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and research endeavour. The successful recipient must be currently enrolled and have completed between 12 and 24 months of their candidature on a full time equivalent basis. Recipients can receive the Head of School HDR Award only once in their candidature.

Rex Williamson Prize

A prize of $1,800 and a certificate is awarded to the highest achieving PhD student enrolled within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment or Institute of Frontier Materials whose research involves a significant component of chemistry.  The prize shall be awarded on the basis of demonstrated research potential and academic merit.  Applicants are expected to have completed an equivalent of two years full-time candidature and are to be currently enrolled in their third year of candidature. Recipients can only receive the Rex Williamson prize once.

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