Postgraduate Facilities - Arts Research Centres
The Postgraduate Arts Research Centres provide physical resources and a stimulating research environment for research students in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Sydney.
PGARCs - Fisher and Woolley
Any student enrolled in a postgraduate research degree in the Faculty of Arts is eligible to apply for access to PGARCs Fisher and Woolley.
The PGARC facility in Woolley is located on Level 4 of the Woolley Building. It provides 55 non-dedicated work stations, 120 dedicated secure lockers, and access to a photocopier and printer. There are also 6 dedicated desks in this space for completing students.
Each of the desks is fitted with access points to the University computing network, including email and internet. You may wish to bring your laptop computer if you have one.
There is a small kitchen in PGARC Woolley (with fridge, microwave, coffee and tea making facilities), and a small area outside the secure entrance where students can talk and socialise in a casual setting.
PGARC Fisher is located on level 2 of the Fisher Library Stack. Access is gained via the door on the outside of the Fisher stack (behind the coffee cart). The Centre has 71 non-dedicated desks, a kitchen and lounge space and access to printers and photocopiers. Each desk has a desktop computer than can run as either a Mac or PC.
Entry to PGARC Fisher and Woolley is gained via your student swipe card once you have applied for and been granted access to the Centres. The card allows entry 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To apply for access to PGARC Fisher or Woolley please download and complete the relevant application form.
PGARC Quad - The Completion Space
Postgraduate research students in the final stages of writing their thesis are eligible to apply for a place in PGARC Quad or the 6 dedicated desks in PGARC Woolley. PGARC Quad is located in the western wing of the Main Quadrangle near the entrance to the Western Tower stairs. PGARC Quad provides 28 dedicated work-stations each with a shelf and a lockable file drawer.
Desks are allocated to completing students by the PGARC Director once they have submitted their application form. There is sometimes a short waiting list for desks in PGARC Quad and the dedicated desks in PGARC Woolley.
There are also kitchen and toilet facilities, a telephone and a quiet sitting area.
Access is by security swipe-card, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To apply for a dedicated desk please download and complete the relevant application form.
PGARC Management
The Director of PG ARC is Dr Nicola Parsons
PG ARC has a Student committee that consists of elected representatives from each of the PGARCs. The function of the committee is to facilitate the smooth running of the space by helping to manage social and administrative issues. Committee members, in collaboration with students who use the facility, do a number of things including:
- organise social and scholarly events
- welcome new students
- give orientation tours of the PGARC facilities
- act as a conduit for other students to the PGARC Director if required
- identify issues with students or use of the facility to the PGARC Director
- identify administration or infrastructure issues to the Faculty Secretariat
- organise periodic cleanups in conjunction with the PGARC Director
- meet together at least a couple of times per semester
To get in touch with the Committee email
It is strongly recommended that you join the PGARC Mailing list once you become a member of PGARC. To join the Mailing List please email
For all administrative queries about paper supplies, stationery, lockers etc please contact Ghada Daher in the Faculty Office at
If you do not yet have an Arts Computer Account, you can find more information at this page: http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/artsdigital/ad_web_info_systems
Other useful contacts:
- 24 hour Security: +612 9351 3847
- Emergencies: +612 9351 3333 (24 hours)
Occupational Health and Safety
It is important that you are aware of Occupational Health and Safety issues relating to your place in the PGARC facilities. Please consult the University’s Risk Management Office for comprehensive OH&S guidelines.