Dr Catherine Manathunga is Associate Professor in the School of Education Policy and Implementation at the Victoria University, Wellington. Her research interests include postgraduate supervision, interdisciplinary research education, the history of teaching and learning in universities, and the professional development of supervisors and researchers.
Catherine is an historian and draws together expertise in historical, sociological and cultural studies research to bring an innovative, interdisciplinary perspective to higher education research, particularly focusing on doctoral education and the history of university teaching and learning. She currently researches in the following areas:
She currently supervises RHD students in the areas of effective teaching and learning in higher education, supporting international students' learning, evaluating effective teaching and learning and in development aid policy.
Journal Article: Making sense of quality teaching and learning in higher education in Ethiopia: Unfolding existing realities for future promises
Tadesse, Tefera, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2018). Making sense of quality teaching and learning in higher education in Ethiopia: Unfolding existing realities for future promises. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 15 (1) 4, 1-22.
Journal Article: The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context
Tadesse, Tefera, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2017). The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context. Higher Education Research and Development, 37 (1), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2017.1342605
Book Chapter: Enhancing the Australian doctoral experience: locating culture and identity at the centre
Bunda, Tracey, Qi, Jing, Manathunga, Catherine and Singh, Michael J. (2017). Enhancing the Australian doctoral experience: locating culture and identity at the centre. Student Culture and Identity in Higher Education. (pp. 143-159) edited by Ambreen Shahriar and Ghazal Kazim Syed. Hershey, PA United States: IGI Global. doi: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2551-6.ch009
TKNe: a transnational knowledge network in education that facilitates internationalisation
(2010–2011) ALTC Priority Projects
Research and innovation leaders for industry
(2007–2010) ARC Linkage Projects
(2007–2008) Carrick Competitive Grants
(2018) Doctor Philosophy
Improving Quality in Higher Education through Cooperative Learning Pedagogies: An Ethiopian Example
(2014) Doctor Philosophy
(2009) Master Philosophy
Doctorate in Research (PhD) School of Political Science & International Studies/TEDI
The good governance agenda: a case of policy paradox in development?
Ms Lorinne du Toit
Doctorate by Research (PhD) in School of Vet. Science/TEDI
Development of Non-Cognitive Attributes in Veterinary Science Graduates as an Indicator of Professional Success
Mrs Patricia Clarke
Doctorate by Research (PhD) in School of Pharmacy/TEDI
Factors affecting the academic performance of international students in Pharmacy programs in Australia and the UK
Ms Jacqueline Bond
Making a place: an oral history of academic development in Australia
Alison Lee, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Peter Kandlbinder eds. (2008). Making a place: an oral history of academic development in Australia. 1 ed. Milperra, NSW: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Incorporated.
A class of its own: the History of Queensland University of Technology.
Kyle, N., Manathunga, C. and Scott, J. (1999). A class of its own: the History of Queensland University of Technology.. Alexandria, NSW: Hale & Iremonger.
Enhancing the Australian doctoral experience: locating culture and identity at the centre
Bunda, Tracey, Qi, Jing, Manathunga, Catherine and Singh, Michael J. (2017). Enhancing the Australian doctoral experience: locating culture and identity at the centre. Student Culture and Identity in Higher Education. (pp. 143-159) edited by Ambreen Shahriar and Ghazal Kazim Syed. Hershey, PA United States: IGI Global. doi: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2551-6.ch009
Critical transcultural exchanges: educational development for supervisors
Manathunga, Catherine (2010). Critical transcultural exchanges: educational development for supervisors. The Routledge doctoral supervisor's companion: supporting effective research in education and the social sciences. (pp. 76-87) edited by Pat Thomson and Melanie Walker. Abingdon, Oxon United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203851760
Going global in online academic development programs.
Manathunga, C. and Donnelly, R. (2009). Going global in online academic development programs.. Applied eLearning and eTeaching in Higher Education. (pp. 84-107) edited by Donnelly, R. and McSweeney, F.. Dublin, Ireland: Idea Group Inc..
Postcolonial perspectives on interdisciplinary researcher identities
Manathunga, C. (2009). Postcolonial perspectives on interdisciplinary researcher identities. Academic research and researchers. (pp. 131-145) edited by Brew, A. and Lucas, L.. London, United Kingdom: Open University Press.
Tai Peseta and Manathunga, Catherine E. (2008). The anxiety of making academics over: resistance and responsibility in the academic development project. Knowledge as value: illumination through critical prisms. (pp. 79-94) edited by Ian Morley and Mira Crouch. Amsterdam, New York: Rodopi.
Intercultural postgraduate supervision: Ethnographic journeys of identitiy and power
Manathunga, Catherine (2007). Intercultural postgraduate supervision: Ethnographic journeys of identitiy and power. Learning and teaching across cultures in higher education. (pp. 93-113) edited by David Palfreyman and Dawn Lorraine McBride. New York: Palgrave. doi: 10.1057/9780230590427
Mobile phones and lectures don't mix.
Hinton, B. and Manathunga, C. (2001). Mobile phones and lectures don't mix.. Lecturing: case studies, experience and practice.. (pp. 37-43) edited by Edwards, Helen, Smith, Brenda and Webb, Graham. London: Kogan Page.
Women and citizenship in post-revolutionary states.
Manathunga, C. (1999). Women and citizenship in post-revolutionary states.. Citizenship, women and social justice: international historical perspectives.. (pp. 93-103) edited by Damousi, J. and Ellinghaus, K.. Melbourne: Australian Network for Research in Women's History & Department of History, University of Melbourne.
Tadesse, Tefera, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2018). Making sense of quality teaching and learning in higher education in Ethiopia: Unfolding existing realities for future promises. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 15 (1) 4, 1-22.
The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context
Tadesse, Tefera, Manathunga, Catherine E. and Gillies, Robyn M. (2017). The development and validation of the student engagement scale in an Ethiopian university context. Higher Education Research and Development, 37 (1), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2017.1342605
Manathunga, Catherine, Pitt, Rachael, Cox, Laura, Boreham, Paul, Mellick, George and Lant, Paul (2012). Evaluating industry-based doctoral research programs: Perspectives and outcomes of Australian Cooperative Research Centre graduates. Studies in Higher Education, 37 (7), 843-858. doi: 10.1080/03075079.2011.554607
Clarke, Patricia, Schull, Daniel, Coleman, Glen, Pitt, Rachael and Manathunga, Catherine (2012). Enhancing professional writing skills of veterinary technology students: linking assessment and clinical practice in a communications course. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 38 (3), 273-287. doi: 10.1080/02602938.2011.630975
From knowledge acquisition to knowledge production: Issues with Australian honours curricula
Manathunga, Catherine, Kiley, Margaret, Boud, David and Cantwell, Robert (2012). From knowledge acquisition to knowledge production: Issues with Australian honours curricula. Teaching in Higher Education, 17 (2), 139-151. doi: 10.1080/13562517.2011.590981
Honouring the incomparable: Honours in Australian universities
Kiley, Margaret, Boud, David, Manathunga, Catherine and Cantwell, Robert (2011). Honouring the incomparable: Honours in Australian universities. Higher Education, 62 (5), 619-633. doi: 10.1007/s10734-011-9409-z
Morris, Suzanne, Pitt, Rachael and Manathunga, Catherine (2011). Students' experiences of supervision in academic and industry settings: Results of an Australian study. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, iFirst Article (5), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/02602938.2011.557715
The field of educational development: Histories and critical questions
Manathunga, Catherine (2011). The field of educational development: Histories and critical questions. Studies in Continuing Education, 33 (3), 347-362. doi: 10.1080/0158037X.2011.613375
Shaping a culture: oral histories of academic development in Australian universities
Lee, Alison, Manathunga, Catherine and Kandlbinder, Peter (2010). Shaping a culture: oral histories of academic development in Australian universities. Higher Education Research & Development, 29 (3), 307-318. doi: 10.1080/07294360903252128
Supervisor development through creative approaches to writing
Manathunga, Catherine, Pesetab, Tai and McCormack, Coralie (2010). Supervisor development through creative approaches to writing. International Journal for Academic Development, 15 (1), 33-46. doi: 10.1080/13601440903529893
Supervision as a contested space: A response.
Manathunga, C. (2009). Supervision as a contested space: A response.. Teaching In Higher Education, 14 (3), 341-345. doi: 10.1080/13562510902990242
Research as an intercultural ‘contact zone’
Manathunga, Catherine (2009). Research as an intercultural ‘contact zone’. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 30 (2), 165-177. doi: 10.1080/01596300902809161
Why history? Why now? Multiple accounts of the emergence of academic development.
Grant, B., Lee, A., Clegg, S., Manathunga, C., Barrow, M., Kandlbinder, P., Brailsford, I., Gosling, D. and Hicks, M. (2009). Why history? Why now? Multiple accounts of the emergence of academic development.. International Journal for Academic Development, 14 (1), 83-86.
Graduate attribute development and employment outcomes: Tracking PhD graduates
Manathunga, Catherine, Pitt, Rachael and Critchley, Christa (2009). Graduate attribute development and employment outcomes: Tracking PhD graduates. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 34 (1), 91-103. doi: 10.1080/02602930801955945
'Unhomely' academic developer identities: More post-colonial explorations
Manathunga, Catherine (2007). 'Unhomely' academic developer identities: More post-colonial explorations. International Journal for Academic Development, 12 (1), 25-34. doi: 10.1080/13601440701217287
Challenging the dual assumption of the 'always/already' autonomous student and effective supervisor
Manathunga, Catherine and Goozee, Justine (2007). Challenging the dual assumption of the 'always/already' autonomous student and effective supervisor. Teaching In Higher Education, 12 (3), 309-322. doi: 10.1080/13562510701278658
Developing Professional researchers: Research students' graduate attributes
Catherine Manathunga, Paul Lant and George Mellick (2007). Developing Professional researchers: Research students' graduate attributes. Studies in continuing Education, 29 (1), 19-36. doi: 10.1080/01580370601146270
Supervision as mentoring: The role of power and boundary crossing
Manathunga, Catherine (2007). Supervision as mentoring: The role of power and boundary crossing. Studies in Continuing Education, 29 (2), 207-222. doi: 10.1080/01580370701424650
Manathunga, Catherine (2006). Doing educational development ambivalently: Applying post-colonial metaphors to educational development?. International Journal for Academic Development, 11 (1), 19-29. doi: 10.1080/13601440600578771
Imagining an interdisciplinary doctoral pedagogy
Manathunga, Catherine, Lant, Paul and Mellick, George (2006). Imagining an interdisciplinary doctoral pedagogy. Teaching In Higher Education, 11 (3), 365-379. doi: 10.1080/13562510600680954
How do we ensure good PhD student outcomes?
Manathunga, C. E. and Lant, P. A. (2006). How do we ensure good PhD student outcomes?. Education for Chemical Engineering, 1 (1), 72-81. doi: 10.1205/ece.05003
Manathunga, Catherine (2005). Early warning signs in postgraduate research education: a different approach to ensuring timely completions. Teaching in Higher Education, 10 (2), 219-233. doi: 10.1080/1356251042000337963
The challenging academic development (CAD) collective (research note)
Peseta, T., Hicks, M., Holmes, T., Manathunga, C., Sutherland, K. and Wilcox, S. (2005). The challenging academic development (CAD) collective (research note). International Journal for Academic Development, 10 (1), 59-61.
The development of research supervision: 'Turning the light on private space'
Manathunga, Catherine (2005). The development of research supervision: 'Turning the light on private space'. International Journal for Academic Development, 10 (1), 17-30. doi: 10.1080/13601440500099977
Manathunga, Catherine, Smith, Calvin and Bath, Debra (2004). Developing and evaluating authentic integration between research and coursework in professional doctorate programs. Teaching In Higher Education, 9 (2), 235-246. doi: 10.1080/1356251042000195321
Clutch-starting stalled research students
Ahern, K. J. and Manathunga, C. E. (2004). Clutch-starting stalled research students. Innovative Higher Education, 28 (4), 237-254. doi: 10.1023/b:ihie.0000018908.36113.a5
Going global with assessment: what to do when the dominant culture's literacy drives assessment
MacKinnon, Dolly and Manathunga, Catherine (2003). Going global with assessment: what to do when the dominant culture's literacy drives assessment. Higher Education Research & Development, 22 (2), 131-144. doi: 10.1080/07294360304110
Generic skill development for research higher degree students: an Australian example
Manathunga, Cahterine and Wissler, Rod (2003). Generic skill development for research higher degree students: an Australian example. International Journal of Instructional Media, 30 (3), 233-246.
Designing online learning modules: an Australian example in teacher education
Manathunga, Catherine (2002). Designing online learning modules: an Australian example in teacher education. International Journal of Instructional Media, 29 (2), 185-195.
Women and citizenship in post-revolutionary states
Manathunga, Catherine E. (2002). Women and citizenship in post-revolutionary states. Review Journal of Philosophy and Social Science, 27 (1 & 2), 97-127.
Scott, J., Manathunga, C. and Kyle, N. (2000). Technical bodies: towards a gendered history of technical education in Queensland, 1880s to Second World War.. History of Education Review, 29 (1), 1-15.
'A haphazard list of 'interesting' classes': Brisbane Technical College, 1880s-1909
Scott, Joanne, Manathunga, C. and Kyle, Noeline (1999). 'A haphazard list of 'interesting' classes': Brisbane Technical College, 1880s-1909. Journal of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, 17 (4), 145-154.
A crisis of expectations: UN peacekeeping in the 1990s
Manathunga, Catherine (1998). A crisis of expectations: UN peacekeeping in the 1990s. Australian Journal of Politics and History, 44 (1), 152-153. doi: 10.1111/1467-8497.00008
The evolution of Irish disarmament initiatives at the United Nations: 1957-61.
Manathunga, C. (1996). The evolution of Irish disarmament initiatives at the United Nations: 1957-61.. Irish Studies in International Affairs, 7, 97-113.
Manathunga, Catherine (1994). Seeking international order through middle power status in international organisations: Ireland at the UN: 1955-69. Proceedings of the University of Queensland History Research Group, 5, 33-48.
"What Brought you Here?" International Postgraduate Students' Perspectives
Choi, S., Nieminen, T.A. and Manathunga, C. (2008). "What Brought you Here?" International Postgraduate Students' Perspectives. 5th International Lifelong Learning Conference, Rydges Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, Qld, 16-19 June 2008. Yeppoon, Qld: Central Queensland University Press.
Postdoctoral and Early Career Research Work for Further Learning and Independence
Choi, S., Nieminen, T.A. and Manathunga, C. (2008). Postdoctoral and Early Career Research Work for Further Learning and Independence. 5th International Lifelong Learning Conference, Rydges Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, Qld, 16-19 June 2008. Yeppoon, Qld: Central Queensland University Press.
Authorship and research higher degree training: Empowering students
Morris, S. E., Beveridge, C. A. and Manathunga, C. (2007). Authorship and research higher degree training: Empowering students. Enhancing Higher Education, Theory and Scholarship. 30th HERDSA Annual Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 8-11 July 2007. Australia: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
Industry supervision: Research higher degree student's experiences and perspectives
Morris, S. E., Yeo, G., Frederiks, E. and Manathunga, C. (2007). Industry supervision: Research higher degree student's experiences and perspectives. Enhancing Higher Education, Theory and Scholarship. 30th HERDSA Annual Conference, Adelaide, 8-11 July 2007. Australia: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
The anxiety of making academics over: Resistance and responsibility in academic development
Catherine Manathunga and Tai Peseta (2007). The anxiety of making academics over: Resistance and responsibility in academic development. 1st Global Conference on the value of knowledge, Sydney, Australia, 12-14 February, 2007. Oxford, United Kingdom: Inter-Disciplinary Press.
Manathunga, Catherine and MacKinnon, Dolly (2003). 'Worldmarks': Web guidelines for socially and culturally responsive assessment in university classrooms. Learning Conference 2002: The Ninth International Literacy and Education Research Network Conference on Learning, Beijing, China, 16-20 July 2002. Altona, VIC, Australia: Common Ground.
Developing interdisciplinary research graduates: educational opportunities and dilemmas
Manathunga, C. E. (2003). Developing interdisciplinary research graduates: educational opportunities and dilemmas. Joint New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) & Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) International Conference, Auckland, New Zealand., Auckland, New Zealand, 29 November - 3 December, 2003. Auckland, New Zealand: AARE.
Manathunga, C. E. (2002). Detecting and Dealing with Early Warning Signs in Postgraduate Research Education: A work-in-progress. International Quality in Postgraduate Research Conference, 202, Adelaide, 18-19 April 2002. University of Canberra, ACT: The Centre for Enhancement of Learning, Univ. of Canberra.
Professional development: Future journeys in a changing educational landscape
O'Brien, M., Manathunga, C. E. and Hughes, C. P. (2002). Professional development: Future journeys in a changing educational landscape. International Conference for the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE), University of Queensland, Brisbane, 1-5 December, 2002.
Socially and culturally responsive assessment: Preparing students for the new economy
Manathunga, Catherine E. and MacKinnon, Dolly (2001). Socially and culturally responsive assessment: Preparing students for the new economy. Knowledge demands for the new economy., Parkroyal Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, 3-5 December 2001. Brisbane: Australian Academic Press.
Research higher degree (RHD) experiences and outcomes
Yeo, G., Frederiks, E., Parsons, A., Zajdlewicz, L., Morris, S., Manathunga, C. and Pitt, R. (2007). Research higher degree (RHD) experiences and outcomes. St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland Social Research Centre.
Australia's future research leaders: Are they coming from CRCs?
Manathunga, Catherine, Pitt, Rachael and Critchley, Christa (2005). Australia's future research leaders: Are they coming from CRCs?. St Lucia, Australia: University of Queensland.
Interdisciplinary research education and staff development: an interdisciplinary study.
Manathunga, C., Lant, P. and Mellick, G. (2003). Interdisciplinary research education and staff development: an interdisciplinary study.. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
TKNe: a transnational knowledge network in education that facilitates internationalisation
(2010–2011) ALTC Priority Projects
Research and innovation leaders for industry
(2007–2010) ARC Linkage Projects
(2007–2008) Carrick Competitive Grants
The role of honours in contemporary Australian higher education
(2007–2008) Carrick Discipline Studies
To develop a proprietary paper based research student virtual portfolio system into the RSVP system
(2006–2007) University of Sheffield
Australia's Future Research Leaders: Are they coming from CRCs?
(2005–2006) UQ FirstLink Scheme
Australia's Future Research Leaders: Are they coming from the CRCs?
(2005) Meat & Livestock Australia
Power and Desire in Team Postgraduate Advising Pedagogy: Diverse Disciplinary Perspectives
(2005) UQ Early Career Researcher
Postgraduate supervision as moral work
(2003) UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
Note for students: Dr Catherine Manathunga is not currently available to take on new students.
(2018) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Improving Quality in Higher Education through Cooperative Learning Pedagogies: An Ethiopian Example
(2014) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2009) Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor
The good governance agenda: a case of policy paradox in development?
(2012) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive
or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
Dr Catherine Manathunga is not
currently available to take on new students.
Doctorate in Research (PhD) School of Political Science & International Studies/TEDI
The good governance agenda: a case of policy paradox in development?
Ms Lorinne du Toit
Doctorate by Research (PhD) in School of Vet. Science/TEDI
Development of Non-Cognitive Attributes in Veterinary Science Graduates as an Indicator of Professional Success
Mrs Patricia Clarke
Doctorate by Research (PhD) in School of Pharmacy/TEDI
Factors affecting the academic performance of international students in Pharmacy programs in Australia and the UK
Ms Jacqueline Bond
Doctorate by Research (PhD) in School of Education/TEDI
Improving the quality of scholarship through deep approaches to learning: an African perspective
Mr Tefera Tadesse Jimma