2025
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG VISUALISE YOUR THESIS (VYT) COMPETITION
The VYT is a competition format developed by The University of Melbourne. The competition challenges graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to present their projects in a 60- second, eye-catching, video. Using a pre- supplied template, you are tasked with developing a striking video presentation that succinctly describes your research, and its potential benefits, to a non-specialist audience.
VYT provides you with an opportunity to build and apply your information and digital literacy skills. By creating a “visual elevator pitch” you will develop crucial employability skills including effective communication, information and digital literacy, and visual storytelling. You will also build your awareness of open access to information and copyright.
Eligibility
Visualise Your Thesis is open to currently-enrolled graduate researchers (i.e. students enrolled in M.Phil., Masters by Research, Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their candidature who are active and attending of registered VYT 2023 institutions.
Not eligible to enter VYT are;
- Honours students
- Masters by coursework students (even if their program has a research/thesis component)
- Graduate researchers on a leave of absence (= inactive and not attending)
- Lapsed candidates
- Graduate researchers who are employed by their university who may have, or may be perceived to have, influence over the outcome, research funding or related resourcing, or an otherwise unfair advantage over the other entrants from their university.
Competition Entry Process
Round 1: Entry closing – Submission of registration form, abstract, PowerPoint presentation, Video, Script, Terms & Conditions agreement and Submission Checklist (Templates provided)- 21 May 2025
Round 2: Panel feedback to successful entrants and request for corrections- 25 May2025
Round 3: Final submission of corrected abstract – 06 June 2025
Competitor Guidelines, FAQ and other resources available at https://sites.research.unimelb.edu.au/visualise-your-thesis#resources
DATE OF THE COMPETITON: 13 June 2025
Audience Slots Now Open!
Support UJ’s brilliant Master’s and Doctoral candidates as they showcase their research in just 60 seconds.
Register as an Audience Member: 2025 Institutional VYT Competition – UJ: Online Audience registration
Slots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis!
For more information, please send an email to rcdenquiries@uj.ac.za
2024 Institutional VYT Competition
The 2024 Institutional Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) competition concluded on 24th of May 2024, hosted by the Research Capacity Development Unit, Postgraduate School. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the innovative presentations of students from UJ. We extend our deepest gratitude to the judges, keynote speaker, audience members, and the dedicated operational and technical teams for their invaluable contributions. Congratulations to the 2024 local VYT winners!
To view our event booklet and photo gallery within, please click here.
Please click on winners names below to view their video submissions.
2024 National VYT Competition
The Research Capacity Development (RCD) Unit at the Postgraduate School, University of Johannesburg (UJ), recently hosted the exciting 2024 National Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) competition on the 18th of October, where postgraduate students from across South Africa brought their research to life through dynamic visual presentations. This year’s competition, co-funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training’s University Capacity Development Programme (DHET UCDP) and UJ’s Strategic Initiatives & Administration Division, saw fierce competition. We express our sincere gratitude to the participants for their insightful presentations, and extend our appreciation to the judges, keynote speaker, audience members, and the university teams for their invaluable contributions.
To view our event booklet and photo gallery within, please click here.
Please click on winners names below to view their video submissions.
First Place
Gugulethu Ndlovu (NWU)
