
Postgraduate researcher workshops
The Researcher Development Programme offers workshops to help you develop transferable and employability skills that will be invaluable for your doctoral research and broader professional development.
You will need to register your place on a workshop through Surrey Self-Service, under the tab 'Researcher Development Details.' You can find out more in our how to book a workshop guide (PDF).
Workshop registration
What's on offer
We update our core schedule in January and July; if you cannot see a particular workshop on our schedules below, please be assured that all of our workshops run regularly throughout the year, and further sessions will be scheduled in due course.
If you are particularly interested in a specific workshop but have been unable identify a convenient session, we would encourage you to let us know by emailing rdp@surrey.ac.uk. We always endeavour to be responsive to demand, and we may be able to let you know when the next session will be scheduled, provide you with slides and supporting materials, or offer you a one-to-one discussion of the workshop content.
- Compulsory workshops
- Optional skills development and workshops
- One-to-one coaching
- 23 Things: Digital Tools for your Professional and Personal Development
Workshop delivery
The RDE team offer workshops both in person and as virtual events via Zoom.
In-person workshops:
In-person workshops take place in the Researcher Development Training Room on the fifth floor of the library (09LB05). N.b. There is no option to participate in an in-person workshop via Zoom or Teams (i.e. in a hybrid format), so if you cannot attend an in-person workshop in person then please cancel your booking.
Online workshops:
If you are booked to attend an online workshop, then a Zoom link will be emailed to you on the morning of the workshop, once we know the definite attendee list. You do not need to download Zoom for this to work, just follow the link in the email. If you are new to using Zoom, TEL have provided a ‘Zoom student guide’ on SurreyLearn.
Virtual support
We have produced a booklet summarising virtual key support and resources available to postgraduate researchers, which you can view on SurreyLearn.
Throughout this time, we would like to reassure you that the Researcher Development team is here to support you. We monitor the RDP inbox throughout normal working hours and the team is available to have one-to-ones by phone or Zoom for those wanting bespoke skill development/planning, academic writing and careers coaching support, or even if you just need to talk something through with someone.
We will also be looking at new and innovative ways to extend and enhance this virtual support. If you have any suggestions or ideas of how we can better support our researchers virtually, send the team an email: rdp@surrey.ac.uk.
Virtual researcher café
Our virtual researcher café takes place over Zoom, and operates on a drop-in basis – no need to book a place. Every Friday between 11am and midday, members of the Researcher Development Programme team will be available to chat with whoever wants to join in.
Online training modules
Race equality
The University runs an Introduction to Race Equality training module, which is available not only to staff and ECRs, but also PGR students. Visit SurreyLearn to find out more and complete the module.
Open research
Whether you are new to Open Research or already engage with open practices, this module encourages you to turn knowledge to practice and to share your own knowledge and experience with the researcher community. Find out more on SurreyLearn.
Compulsory workshops
There are three compulsory workshops all postgraduate researchers (PGRs) attend during their doctorate. These typically run at least every six weeks throughout the calendar year.
For full workshop details and to register please log into Surrey Self-Service. You can find out about how to book workshops using this guide (pdf).
When to book onto the compulsory workshops:
Every doctorate is different and when you book onto each of the compulsory modules will vary for each individual student, but the following is a rough guide:
We recommend you attend the 'Welcome to your Doctorate' workshop within the first 3 months of beginning your doctorate.
We recommend you attend the 'Confirmation Process' workshop between 2-3 months before your Confirmation. This is usually 9-10 months into a doctorate for most full-time researchers or 21-22 months for part-time researchers.
We recommend you attend the 'Viva Examination' workshop in the final year of your doctoral study, but ideally no earlier than 6 months before your viva, in order for you to gain maximum benefit from the workshop.
Date | Time | Title | |
---|---|---|---|
January | |||
17-01-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual | |
19-01-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - In person | |
25-01-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
February | |||
09-02-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - In person | |
09-02-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - In person | |
14-02-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
28-02-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
March | |||
14-03-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
14-03-23 | 13.00 - 15.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
15-03-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual | |
23-03-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
April | |||
03-04-23 | 14.00 -16.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
25-04-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
27-04-23 | 09.00 - 11.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
27-04-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - In Person | |
May | |||
02-05-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
11-05-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - In Person | |
15-05-23 | 14.00 -16.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual | |
16-05-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
23-05-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
30-05-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
June | |||
07-06-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - In Person | |
20-06-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - Virtual | |
22-06-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - In person | |
28-06-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual | |
July | |||
12-07-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Welcome to your Doctorate - In Person | |
12-07-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
19-07-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual | |
31-07-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
August | |||
September | |||
5-09-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Confirmation Process - Virtual | |
12-09-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Viva Examination - Virtual |
Optional skills development and workshops
View the schedule below of upcoming RDP events and training. Use the subsequent menus to learn more about the training on offer for PGRs.
For full workshop details and to register please log into Surrey Self-Service. You can find out about how to book workshops using this guide.
Date | Time | Title |
---|---|---|
January | ||
11-Jan-23 | 13.00 - 14.00 | Bright Club Training: Presentation Skills Plus - Virtual |
12-Jan-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 1 of 2 Virtual |
12-Jan-23 | 10.00 - 12.30 | Writing Café (in person) - 09LB05 |
13-Jan-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 2 of 2 Virtual |
23-Jan-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
23-Jan-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Demonstrating in Laboratories - Virtual |
23-Jan-23 | 16.00 - 17.30 | Open Research for PGRs and ECRs - Virtual |
24-Jan-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Driving your Doctorate - Virtual |
24-Jan-23 | 13.00 - 15.00 | Mentorship Training - Virtual |
30-Jan-23 | 14.00 - 15.30 | Copyright and licensing for research and teaching. Link - Eventbrite |
31-Jan-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Managing your Supervisory Relationship - Virtual |
31-Jan-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Time & Project Management for PGRs - Virtual |
February | ||
01-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Thesis Writing: Literature Review - Virtual |
06-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
06-Feb-23 | 14.00 -15.00 | Open Access to your thesis: why and how - Virtual |
07-Feb-23 | 10.00 -12.00 | Research Funding: The Basics - Virtual |
07-Feb-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing Critically (In person) |
08-Feb-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Getting Started with Thesis Writing - Virtual |
08-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | New to Research? How the Library can help - Virtual |
09-Feb-23 | 09.00 - 11.00 | Presentation Skills Essentials - Virtual |
10-Feb-22 | 09.00 - 11.00 | *Demonstrating in Laboratories - Virtual |
13-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
15-Feb-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Poster Presentations - Virtual |
17-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Introduction to Web of Science - Virtual |
20-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 15.30 | Open Research: as open as possible, as closed as necessary. Eventbrite |
20-Feb-23 | 15.00 - 16.00 | Finding work in the UK for International Postgraduate Researchers - Virtual |
21-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Managing your Supervisory Relationship - Virtual |
21-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 14.00 | Using Microsoft Word to Create a Template for Your Thesis - Virtual |
21-Feb-23 | 10.30 - 12.30 | Writing a Confirmation Report - In person |
21-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Ethics and Governance Reviews for Your Research - In Person |
22-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | *Demonstrating in Laboratories - Virtual |
22-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Introduction to EndNote - Virtual |
23-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Writing Coherently (In person) |
24-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12:30 | Writing café - In person |
27-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
27-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 15.00 | Open Access at Surrey: OA publishing, repository, and your funders. Link - Eventbrite |
27-Feb-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Editing - Virtual |
28-Feb-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Introduction to Scopus - Virtual |
28-Feb-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing Concisely (In person) |
March | ||
01-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing for Broader Audiences - Virtual |
06-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
06-Mar-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Open Research module: live session - Virtual |
07-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Thesis Writing: Literature Review - Virtual |
08-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Getting the most out of your progress reviews - Virtual |
08-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing Critically - Virtual |
09-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 12.30 | Writing café - In person |
10-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 11.00 | Introduction to Reference Management Software: What are your choices? - Virtual |
13-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Getting Started with Thesis Writing - In person |
13-Mar-23 | 14.00 -16.00 | Open Research module: live session. Link - Eventbrite |
14-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Editing Virtual |
14-Mar-23 | 13.00 - 15.00 | Writing Coherently - Virtual |
20-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
22-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing Concisely - Virtual |
23-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Driving your Doctorate - Virtual |
23-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Writing a Confirmation Report - Virtual |
27-Mar-23 | 14.00 - 15.00 | Open Access at Surrey: OA publishing, repository, and your funders. Link - Eventbrite |
28-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Poster Presentation - Virtual |
28-Mar-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
28-Mar-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing a Conference Abstract - Virtual |
28-Mar-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 1 of 2 Virtual |
29-Mar-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 2 of 2 Virtual |
April | ||
13-April-23 | 10:30 - 12:30 | Writing a Conference Abstract - Virtual |
14-Apr-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | 3MT Training - Virtual |
17-Apr-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
18-Apr-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | 3MT Training - Virtual |
24-April-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Time and Project Management for PGRs - Virtual |
26-Apr-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Presentation Skills Essentials - Virtual |
26-Apr-23 | 10.00 - 13.00 | MINI Writing Retreat - Virtual |
May | ||
02-May-23 | 10.00 - 14.00 | Using Microsoft Word to Create a Template for Your Thesis - Virtual |
03-May-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Growing and Maintaining your Supervisory Relationship - Virtual |
03-May-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Mentorship Training - Virtual |
16-May-23 | 14.00 - 15.30 | Ethics & Governance Reviews for your Research - Virtual |
17-May-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Poster Presentation - In person |
17-May-23 | 11.00 - 12.00 | Researcher Cafe - In Person |
18-May-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 1 of 2 Virtual |
19-May-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 2 of 2 Virtual |
22-May-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Driving your Doctorate - Virtual |
23-May-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Presentation Skills Essentials - virtual |
23-May-23 | 13.00 - 14.00 | Bright Club Training: Presentation Skills Plus - In Person |
24-May-23 | 11.00 - 13.00 | Writing with Impact for Broader Audiences - Virtual |
31-May-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Building Your Professional Network - In Person |
June | ||
06-June-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Poster Presentation - Virtual |
06-June-23 | 13.00 - 15.00 | Presentation Skills in Practice In Person |
12-June-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Growing and Maintaining your Supervisory Relationships In Person |
20-June-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 1 of 2 In Person |
21-June-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 2 of 2 In Person |
21-June-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Time and Project Management for PGRs - Virtual |
July | ||
17-July-23 | 14.00 - 16.00 | Presentation Skills Essentials - virtual |
18-July-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 1 of 2 Virtual |
19-July-23 | 9:45 - 16:00 | NVivo Two Day Course - Day 2 of 2 Virtual |
19-July-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Mentorship Training - Virtual |
26-July-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Time and Project Management for PGRs - Virtual |
August | ||
1-Aug-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Driving your Doctorate - Virtual |
2-Aug-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Growing and Maintaining your Supervisory Relationships Virtual |
September | ||
11-Sep-23 | 10.00 - 12.00 | Mentorship Training - In Person |
13-Sep-23 | 13.00 - 15.00 | Growing and Maintaining your Supervisory Relationships Virtual |
*Demonstration workshops are compulsory for PGRs who will be demonstrating.
23 Things: Digital tools for your professional and personal development
23 Things international is a unique annual collaboration between universities around the world, offering participants fantastic opportunities to build their network, develop skills with research tools, and establish their professional profile. The Universities of Cambridge, Otago and Florida, Auckland University of Technology, and Avondale University College invite you to explore some amazing connections. The course is also open to members of Techne and SeNSS institutions, and the Africa Research Excellence Fund.
Our aim is for this course to suit researchers at different stages of their careers, including doctoral researchers, early career researchers and supervising academics. Whether you’re looking for project management tools, careers coaching, or a refresher in new apps and websites, there will be something for you. With the right support and community discussion, this should be valuable for everyone from beginner to expert.
The course consists of 23 ‘Things’, each of which is a useful tool or technique that you may not have encountered before, or may want to develop further. We release a blog post each week with two new Things (plus a couple of break weeks), so you can work through them to a simple regular timetable, or at your own pace. Most of the Things invite you to complete a short task to trial or reflect on the tools.
We also put you into 'pods' with researchers from other institutions who work in a related field - instant global network! By the end of the course we hope you will have your own professional academic website and profile, as well as hands-on experience with the tools discussed.
Learn more on the 23 Things website.