Why enter the UC Visualise Your Thesis competition?

• Chance to develop your digital communication skills
• Opportunity to gain a better understanding of the appropriate use of media in your thesis.
• Chance to be creative
• Opportunity to share your research with an international audience

 

Prizes

1^st prize               $1000.00 (and entry into the international Visualise Your Thesis competition)

2^nd prize              $500.00

3^rd prize               $250.00          

People's Choice: $250.00

 

Who can enter?

• Postgraduate students (Master's, PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their research-based degree who are currently enrolled (i.e. have not suspended their enrolment)

 

Please note: students enrolled in Honours programmes or Masters by coursework are unfortunately not eligible

 

What is the 2025 timeline? 

Monday 5 May	Entries open
Wednesday 7 May	Launch event - lunch and information session - Register here
Friday 13 June	Deadline for submission of entries
Monday 16- Sunday 29 June	Revision period: Entries are checked for copyright and technical compliance, feedback is provided to participants, and videos can be changed and resubmitted
Sunday 29 June	Final date for submission with corrections
tbc July  (2-week period)	People's Choice Award voting
Wednesday 6 August	Winners announced at the Research Student Showcase
September - October	International competition (final dates TBA)

 

Who’s judging the UC competition?

Erin Harrington

Jalal Mohammed

Blair Johnstone

 

Register your interest and get the competition pack

Click this link to register your interest: https://canterbury.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9SCkviUsa6Ph2u 
You'll receive an enrolment key for the VYT Ako | Learn course. From Monday 28th April the competition pack with all the details will be available on Ako | Learn.

 

Drop-in Sessions

All drop-in sessions will be located in the Te Rua Makerspace, level 2 Central Library. You do not need to register for these sessions, just pop in between the specified times.

Dates and times will be available here when finalised.

 

Submit your competition entry

You can submit your entry here: https://learn.canterbury.ac.nz/course/view.php?id=19316&section=3 (Please note, you will need to have registered using the registration link above to gain access to the enrolment key for the Ako | Learn course)

A few technicalities could disqualify your entry so make sure to read the entrant pack carefully!

Key technicalities:

1. Your presentation must be no longer than 60 seconds, with 5 seconds each for the first and last slides containing your details. Don’t forget that each slide transition adds a second or two to your presentation!
2. You have to provide complete references for all materials you use, such as images, audio, software and video. 
3. It's necessary to secure permission for copyrighted items, and include this information in your references. Assume everything you find online is copyrighted, unless the item has a licence that explicitly states you can use it. Otherwise, you will probably need to seek permission.
4. You must choose a Creative Commons licence for your presentation.
5. An ORCID number is necessary to participate.
6. You must use the template provided with the applicant pack.
7. Your final work must be compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint 365 for Windows, or an .MP4 file no longer than 70 seconds.
8. You must be a current UC student engaging in postgraduate research to enter. If you are employed by the university, for example as a lecturer, please check whether you are eligible to participate. Contact Rachel Doherty at rachel.doherty@canterbury.ac.nz if you are in doubt. 
9. Talk to your supervisor before submitting, in case there are issues related to, for example, grants or intellectual property around your work. If your research involves a group, consult them before you submit an entry. 
10. Any entry received after 5pm on 13 June 2025 will not be considered. 

What is Visualise Your Thesis?

Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) challenges graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to present their projects in a 60-second, eye catching, audio-visual digital display. Using a pre-supplied template, you are tasked with developing a striking e-poster presentation that succinctly describes your research, and its potential benefits, to a non-specialist audience.

The competition provides you with an opportunity to build and apply your digital literacy skills. By creating a “visual elevator pitch” you will develop crucial employability skills including effective communication, digital literacy, and visual storytelling. You will also build your awareness of open access to information and copyright.

Curious to see how others have responded to this challenge? Have a look at the Visualise Your Thesis figshare site, which features winning entries from local competitions held at Australian and international universities.