When I started my Doctor of Education at CQU in February 2023, I’ll be honest… the compulsory coursework units felt like a speed bump. I had a topic. I had a dog. I had a burning desire to get stuck into reading-to-dog programs. Why did I need to do assignments again?
For those who don’t know, many Australian universities often includes coursework in the first year before you move fully into research. Mine included one unit which had two assignments focusing on methodology and a literature review – essential to the confirmation of candidature process. Very different to the “go away and read everything” vibe people expect from a Higher Degree by Research.
Here’s what I didn’t expect: it turned out to be one of the most useful parts of my whole candidature.
The biggest win was feedback. Early on in a research degree, you’re mostly getting feedback from your supervisors, and they’re busy humans. Coursework meant I had markers reading my work closely, against criteria, on a schedule. It forced me to write before I felt “ready” (which, let’s face it, would have been never).
It also gave me structure as an external student. Studying from WA, I didn’t have a campus corridor to wander down or a cohort to grab coffee with. Deadlines gave my week a shape, and the discussion boards and online sessions gave me a few familiar names to connect with.
And the sneaky bonus? Every assessment became a building block. My literature review assignment became the skeleton of chapter two. My methodology task made me defend my choices before anyone on a panel asked me to and also helped me understand the ‘ologies which were a new thing for me.
My tip if you’re in coursework right now: don’t treat the assignments as hoops. Write them as drafts of your thesis. Future you will be so grateful.
