‌The Doctoral College at the University provides a comprehensive Researcher Development Programme, as well as Vitae's, that supports research student development throughout the doctoral degree.

The key features of this programme are that it aligns with the recommendations of QAA and the Research Councils as well vitae's Research Development Framework.  It also encourages student ownership of the development process, with supervisor involvement as a key to success.  Transferable skills can also be evidenced through gaining open badges.

Our workshops are linked to the RDF descriptors as below, for more information visit our Vitae RDF webpage

The Programme

The Personal and professional development opportunities for research students are spread throughout the duration of the research degree and are grouped into 7 themed units.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit the course webpage by clicking on the course titles below and seeking booking instructions at the bottom of the page.

Unit 1: Finding your feet as a researcher

This unit aims to support postgraduate researchers in their transition into their research degrees and includes a University induction, sessions that help in research planning and management, personal and professional development planning, academic writing and doctoral research skills.

Unit 2: Starting your research

This unit focuses on providing the knowledge and skills that postgraduate researchers require when they start their research, and includes workshops on philosophical positioning, ethics and research integrity, literature and archival search skills, and referencing skills.

Unit 3: Foundations for Conducting Research

This unit provides theoretical and practical knowledge in the analysis of data.  Courses are provided in a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches, as well as how to use data analysis software.

Unit 4: Completing your doctorate in a timely fashion

This unit explores the barriers and facilitators to the successful completion of a research degree and provides workshops to support doctoral researchers through their progression reviews, in their thesis write and as they prepare for their Viva Voce.

Unit 5: Disseminating your research

This unit is designed to support researchers' growing understanding of the variety of different forms of dissemination.  It covers verbal, poster and electronic presentation skills and how to disseminate research to a variety of audiences.  This unit also provides workshops on networking skills, blogging and the use of social media in research dissemination. This unit additionally ensures that PGRS understand their intellectual property rights.

Unit 6: Focusing on your career

This unit directs PGRs' attention toward the future and their potential careers.  It includes workshops on identifying transferable skills, cv and cover letter writing and includes a careers drop-in.  It also supports PGRs in developing teaching skills, bid writing skills and entrepreneurial skills.  

Unit 7: Flexible Learning

TO REGISTER: Visit the course webpage and click on the 'book now' button next to your selected date. You will be taken to the workshop's eventbrite page where you can register for your free ticket.

MANAGING YOUR BOOKINGS: You should log into your personal Eventbrite account to manage your bookings. You will receive an automatic reminder email 48 hours in advance of your chosen workshops.

ATTENDING ON TIME: We expect that all research students will arrive on time for workshops and stay for the duration – latecomers are disruptive to the other participants. If you need to arrive a little late or leave a little early please contact the workshop facilitator to ask if this is acceptable.

FAILURE TO ATTEND: We know that things crop up last minute which mean you may not be able to attend a workshop. However it is your responsibility to cancel your booking via Eventbrite. Please note that failure to attend a workshop for which you have booked will result in a £20 fine to your Faculty.

HOW TO CANCEL YOUR TICKET: Just log in to Eventbrite, go to the My Tickets page, and locate your order. Select "Manage Order" to view your order details, and then select "Cancel Order". Eventbrite will send you and the Doctoral College an email confirming the cancelation.