Wales DTP Theory School

A group of Greek philosophers

The ESRC Wales DTP Theory School is an annual training event for postgraduate students from Wales, the UK and the world.

The purpose of the event is to train postgraduates in the practice of exploratory academic discussion and debate. Each year the Theory School chooses a theme and the committee develops a series of seminars organised around key readings on the topic. We also have a keynote address by a leading thinker in that field. During the two-day residential event, students discuss the readings with staff and students in a collaborative and supportive setting.

The aims of the Theory School are:

  • To teach the value of engaging difficult texts collaboratively to better understand their meaning, purpose and ambition.
  • To practice the art of reading ‘with’ (as opposed to ‘against’) an author in order to understand their key ideas.
  • To introduce postgraduates to networks of students and staff with similar research interests.
  • To create a fun, collaborative and supportive setting where students and staff can learn from each other in a collegial manner.

Sample handbooks from previous Theory Schools are available below:

Gregynog Theory School Handbook 2019

Gregynog Theory School Handbook 2020

Gregynog Theory School Handbook 2022