Training Provision 

We want you to complete your degree in the strongest possible position to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. A research degree is often about establishing your intellectual independence and reputation, and our goal is always to help you to do that, Here you will find information on the different kinds of training we offer (both in terms of format and location) as well as instructions on how to register for and/or participate in various training events.  

 

Core training provision 

UKRI provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and general skills that they consider to be indicative of a well-trained professional researcher. These guidelines provide a ‘Gold Standard’ level of provision that we aim to achieve. This provision will address skills development that is pertinent to all research students, and which fulfils legal, ethical and moral obligations. 

 

For further information, please visit the webpages of the Research Council closest to your study subject e.g. BBSRC, NERC, ESRC, AHRC etc. As an example, you can read the Economic and Social Research Council PGR training guidelines 

 

The delivery of core provision will take shape through annual Training Schools: multi-day intensive events which focus on core skills and baseline interdisciplinary training. Students are expected to attend a School each year of their PhD and will receive around 20-30 hours of seminar-based training per School.  

 

Sit-ins 

Sit-ins are an easy, informal way for PGR students to gain skills. In this scenario, PGR students ‘sit in’ on an undergraduate or postgraduate taught module and participate in the learning process but do not complete the module assessment. PGR students are not technically registered for the modules and have no obligations beyond participating in the learning.  

 

There are a multitude of skills that can be picked up through sit ins, including: GIS, Remote Sensing, coding, R, Python, writing skills, NVivo, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, etc. These are skills that are regularly taught within departments and do not require pre-requisites as they are often introductory. 

 

Even though ‘sit-ins’ are not registered on your student record, students must still register with the module convenor to attend – not least to ensure there’s enough space in the teaching room for a PGR to join the group.  When you register you will have access to Blackboard resources and staff will be alerted to your participation. Sit-ins are always at the discretion of the module convenor and should be discussed with the supervisory team. 

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

CPD sessions are bespoke, targeted training sessions the Doctoral Academy provides to students throughout the year. Usually, they focus on specific methodological techniques or professional development skills (poster presentations, writing scientific abstracts, organising a conference, etc.). CPDs will be commissioned from experts in the respective skills being offered.  

 

External Training 

The breadth and diversity of research projects means that not all PGR training needs can be met by in-house AU provision. In these instances, we encourage you to explore a range of high-quality external providers. The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) - soon to be replaced by the Research Capability Hub (RCH) – is one such source.  

 

Some training may have costs associated, and these should always be discussed with a supervisor before signing up, not least because equivalent training may be available locally. Students should also explore professional societies and membership bodies who also provide research and professional development training for students in their field.   

 

1-2-1s:  

PGR students may also record in their Individual Training Plan any training which will take place on a 1-2-1 basis, with someone who is a recognised expert in the skill/technique they are seeking to develop (including external collaborators). These would be agreed by the supervisory team (and may often be delivered by them too). We hope that keeping a record of these sessions will help to provide recognition for the training that is currently happening in this manner, within teams and departments.  

 

Directory of Expertise 

TBD