Online postgraduate research skills training and support
A range of online training opportunities from Organisational Development is available to support your personal, professional and educational development as researchers.
Many of the sessions below are well-established, face-to-face sessions that have been adapted for delivery as webinars or meetings, while others have been specifically developed to provide support during the current period of social distancing and self-isolation. All seek to create an interactive, engaging and supportive environment that builds a sense of community.
How to book
Scheduled and planned sessions are summarised below with links to further information and booking details where currently available. Please return to this page regularly as we will be updating the information on a regular basis.
Training courses
Doctoral thesis writing
Time to Write
Time to Write has been developed in collaboration with Library Services to provide a virtual writing retreat to help you get writing.
Thesis Writing Part 1
Thesis Writing Part 1 focuses on planning and developing a research topic. It is particularly relevant for those in their first or second year of study.
Thesis Writing Part 2
Thesis Writing Part 2 focuses on developing the skills and strategies needed to produce a good quality thesis text.
Communication skills
Three Minute Thesis Competition Training
The 3MT competition happens annually and we provide initial training in how to explain your research in an engaging way in 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience.
Presentation Skills
Presentation Skills explores how to share your research with others at conferences as well as considering how to present your ideas and expertise in any presentations you give during and after your PhD studies.
Preparing for the Viva
Preparing for the Viva provides a platform to ask questions and to explore techniques and strategies to best present and defend your doctoral thesis
Making the Most of your Supervisor
Making the Most of your Supervisor explores ways in which to build an effective working relationship and to understand the expectations and requirements of the respective roles during the PhD journey.
Other support and opportunities
PhD 1:1 Coaching Pre- and Post-Viva
PhD 1:1 Coaching Pre- and Post-Viva is for those less than six months away from their submission, or those who have just had their viva.
PhD 1:1 Coaching
PhD 1:1 Coaching is also available at any point in the PhD journey with an opportunity to have some confidential space and time to reflect on and develop an understanding of specific needs, work through ideas and find ways of supporting yourself in this challenging phase of your study.
Newcomers Presents…
The ‘Newcomers Presents…’ initiative is an opportunity for Masters Students, PhD Students or Early Career Researchers to present their current research by webinar.
Additional planned courses
- People Management Programme
- Chrysalis: a personal and professional development programme
- Improving your assertiveness
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Understanding your DISC profile
