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Researcher Training: Overview

The range and scope of the researcher training programmes for PGR students and research assistants / fellows (RAFs) is informed by national sector developments, specifically the Vitae Researcher Development Framework and the accompanying Researcher Development Statement. 

 

The Researcher Development Framework / Statement

The Framework was published in September 2010 by Vitae, the national sector body for researcher development. It identifies four principal developmental domains for researchers, each of which is sub-divided into three sub-domains. The full Framework provides an additional level of granularity which we do not consider here. The Framework's scope spans the full range of researchers including PGR students and research assistants / fellows. As shown below, the Framework is used for mapping of the existing researcher training portfolio and is also used to inform new developments. Framework domains obviously overlap to some extent, and most training elements cover multiple Framework domains in practice. 

Organisation, Design and Delivery of Training

For the most part, the PGR and RAF programmes are distinct. Most of the PGR elements constitute "generic skills" specifically housed in the context of undertaking a research degree - with the aim to equip doctoral candidates with skills they can develop and deploy in their immediate study context. Elements of the RAF programme relate more generally to a professional working environment within higher education; both programmes also have future career development as a prominent feature. Certain training elements are designed for both audiences (or a mixed audience) and these are offered to both groups. In some cases, training elements may be promoted to one particular group at a given time and, depending on demand, "back-filled" with delegates from the other group. 

The PGR programme is mostly organised and delivered by the Researcher Development Team within Library and Learning Support. Other stakeholders (notably Languages and Translation Studies, Careers and RES) offer PGR training elements under the Researcher Development team umbrella. Most of the current RAF programme elements are organised and delivered via the Staff Development team, although Researcher Development - in consultation with the Faculties and in conjunction with partner groups -  continue to expand the portfolio of training elements aimed solely (or mostly) at research assistants / fellows. 

 

 

Domain

 

PGR Programme Elements

(NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, training elements are organised by the Researcher Development Team)

 

RAF Programme Elements

(NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, training elements are organised by Staff Development)

  
 

A. Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities

 A1. Knowledge Base 
  • Faculty or discipline-specific research skills (Faculties)
  • Information Skills with EndNote
  • Day Courses in Social Research (Sociology)
  • Getting Published
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • Analysing Data Using Excel
  • Completing Your Thesis
  • The Viva Examination
  • Find It! Managing Your Literature Search
 
  • Faculty or discipline-specific research skills (Faculties)
  • Day Courses in Social Research (Sociology)
  • Information skills programme (Library)
  • IT Services – online and instructor-led training
 A2. Cognitive Abilities 
  • Getting Published
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • PhD Project Management
  • Analysing Data Using Excel
  • Completing Your Thesis
  • The Viva Examination
  • Managing Your Supervisor
 
  • Information skills programme (Library)
  • IT Services – online and instructor-led training
  • Problem Solving Techniques for Decision Making
  • Chairing Meetings
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Science and Engineering
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Social Sciences and Humanities 
 A3. Creativity 
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • Completing Your Thesis
  • The Viva Examination
  • Taking Your Research to the Public
  • Academic Writing: Introductions and Conclusions
  • Academic Writing: Overcoming Writer's Block
  • Academic Writing: Reporting on Your Progress
  • Tell The World About Your Research
 
  • Assertiveness Skills
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Personal Effectiveness and Organisational Skills
  • Problem Solving Techniques for Decision Making

 

      
 

B. Personal Effectiveness

    
 B1. Personal Qualities 
  • PhD Project Management
  • The Viva Examination
  • Managing Your Supervisor
  • Saying "No" Positively
  • Stress Busting for Busy Students
  • Time Management for Research Students
 
  • Assertiveness Skills
  • How to Benefit from Appraisal: Appraisee / Appraiser
  • Influencing and Persuasion Skills
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Managing Your Career Using the Competency Framework
  • Mentoring Skills: Mentors / Mentees
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Personal Effectiveness and Organisational Skills
  • Problem Solving Techniques for Decision Making
  • Professional Customer Service Management
  • Career Development for Research Staff (Careers)
  • Preparing to Teach (CEAD)
 B2. Self-Management 
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • PhD Project Management
  • Managing Your Supervisor
  • Saying "No" Positively
  • Stress Busting for Busy Students
  • Time Management for Research Students
  • Postgraduate Skills for the World of Work
 
  • Chairing Meetings
  • How to Benefit from Appraisal: Appraisee / Appraiser
  • Managing Your Career Using the Competency Framework
  • Mentoring Skills: Mentors / Mentees
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Personal Effectiveness and Organisational Skills
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Science and Engineering
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Career Development for Research Staff (Careers)
 B3. Professional and Career Development 
  • PhD Project Management
  • Poster Presentations
  • The Viva Examination
  • Saying "No" Positively
  • Time Management for Research Students
  • Understanding the Potential of your Research
  • Building Your Reputation as a Researcher
  • Career Choice and Getting-On with Colleagues
  • Careers Inside and Outside Academia
  • Creative Networking for Job Hunting
  • Career Management Skills Day
  • Successful Interview Skills - Get That Job!
  • Postgraduate Skills for the World of Work
  • Maximising the Visibility of your Research: Pathways to Open-Access
 
  • Being Successful at Competency Interviews
  • How to Benefit from Appraisal: Appraisee / Appraiser
  • Managing Your Career Using the Competency Framework
  • Mentoring Skills: Mentors / Mentees
  • Career Development for Research Staff (Careers)



      
 

C. Research Organisation and Governance

 C1. Professional Conduct 
  • IP Quest: Bringing Intellectual Property to Life
  • Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Turning Your Research into Commercial Gain
  • Maximising the Visibility of Your Research: Pathways to Open Access
  • Faculty / Departmental / University Health and Safety Training
 
  • IP Quest: Bringing Intellectual Property to Life (Researcher Development)
  • Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Turning Your Research into Commercial Gain (Researcher Development)
  • Assertiveness Skills
  • Diversity in the Workplace - new starters
  • Embracing Cultural Diversity
  • Equality and Diversity: The Diversity Challenge
  • Induction
  • Professional Customer Service Management
  • Winning Industrial Research and Commercialising Research Results

 

 C2. Research Management 
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • PhD Project Management
  • Managing Your Supervisor
  • Saying "No" Positively
  • Postgraduate Skills for the World of Work
 
  • Induction
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Science and Engineering
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Applying for Research Funding: EU Framework
 C3. Finance, Funding and Resources 
  • Building Your Reputation as a Researcher
  • Understanding the Potential of Your Research
  • IP Quest: Bringing Intellectual Property to Life
  • Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Turning Your Research into Commercial Gain
 
  • Induction
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Science and Engineering
  • Project Management for Research Staff - Social Sciences and Humanities
  • IP Quest: Bringing Intellectual Property to Life (Researcher Development)
  • Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Turning Your Research into Commercial Gain (Researcher Development)
  • Winning Industrial Research and Commercialising Research Results
  • Applying for Research Funding: EU Framework
      
 

D. Communication, Influence and Impact

 D1. Working with Others 
  • Managing Your Supervisor
  • Presenting to a Diverse Audience
  • Saying "No" Positively
  • Time Management for Research Students
  • Understanding the Potential of Your Research
  • Building Your Reputation as a Researcher
  • Career Choice and Getting-on With Colleagues
  • Career Management Skills Day
  • Successful Interview Skills - Get That Job!
 
  • Assertiveness Skills
  • Chairing Meetings
  • Diversity in the Workplace: new starters
  • Embracing Cultural Diversity
  • Equality and Diversity: The Diversity Challenge
  • How to Benefit from Appraisal: Appraisee / Appraiser
  • Influencing and Persuasion Skills
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Mentoring: Mentors / Mentees
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Personal Effectiveness and Organisational Skills
  • Presentation Skills
  • Professional Customer Service Management
  • Presenting Research at Conferences
  • Preparing To Teach (CEAD)
 D2. Communication and Dissemination 
  • Getting Published
  • The PhD Confirmation Process
  • Poster Presentations
  • Basic Presentation Skills
  • Presenting Research at Conferences
  • Completing Your Thesis
  • The Viva Examination
  • Taking Your Research to the Public
  • Presenting to a Diverse Audience
  • Academic Writing: Adapting Texts for Presentations
  • Academic Writing: Introductions and Conclusions
  • Academic Writing: Overcoming Writer's Block
  • Academic Writing: Proof-Reading Skills
  • Academic Writing: Writing a Conference Paper
  • Understanding the Potential of Your Research
  • Building Your Reputation as a Researcher
  • Developing Your Personal Marketing Plan
  • Tell The World About Your Research
  • Demonstration in Laboratories and Tutorials
 
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Presentation Skills
  • Presenting Research at Conferences
  • Writing for Publication - Science and Engineering
  • Writing Research Papers - Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Preparing to Teach (CEAD)
  • Tell The World About Your Research (Researcher Development)
  • Taking Your Research To The Public (Researcher Development)

 

 D3. Engagement and Impact 
  • Getting Published
  • Basic Presentation Skills
  • Completing Your Thesis
  • The Viva Examination
  • Taking Your Research to the Public
  • Presenting to a Diverse Audience
  • Academic Writing: Adapting Texts for Presentations
  • Understanding the Potential of Your Research
  • Building Your Reputation as a Researcher
  • Developing Your Personal Marketing Plan
  • Successful Interview Skills - Get That Job!
  • IP Quest: Bringing Intellectual Property to Life
  • Tell The World About Your Research
  • Maximising the Visibility of Your Research: Pathways to Open Access
  • Demonstration in Laboratories and Tutorials
 
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Negotiation Skills: Win/Win
  • Personal Effectiveness and Organisational Skills
  • Presentation Skills
  • Professional Customer Service Management
  • Presenting Research at Conferences
  • Writing for Publication - Science and Engineering
  • Writing Research Papers - Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Preparing to Teach (CEAD)
  • Tell The World About Your Research (Researcher Development)
  • Taking Your Research To The Public (Researcher Development)