Researcher Development Hub
Why do I need to do this?
Training in research skills is a key element in the development of all postgraduate research students.
It is widely recognised that future employers, in a wide range of sectors, expect staff to possess a range of generic and transferable skills.
To develop these skills, work with your supervisor(s) to identify training and skill building courses for you to participate in as part of your personal development.
*** As of 1st September 2023, credits are no longer required***
Keep a note of any activities you do until further instruction. An email has been sent to all students informing of the change.
The Graduate School is committed to providing high quality training to help you develop as a researcher. It aims to provide training in specific research techniques as part of your own project, and skills to enhance your personal and professional development.
In addition to this the Graduate School and Researcher Development teams provide and support training in a wide range of transferable skills to improve your employability.
It is recommended that PGR students take part in the equivalent of 10 days of transferable skills training each year.
This does not mean that you have to undertake 10 days’ worth of formal courses!
A wide range of activities can count towards this with examples listed in the Research Training Handbook. Discuss with your supervisor which RDF skills domain these fit into.
Your choices should be well thought out and appropriate for your skills and training needs, career goals and future prospects.
Researcher Development Framework (RDF)
Your Research Training Programme is based on the requirements set out in the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) Councils’ Joint Skills Statement for the development of researchers’ skills and attributes.
It sets out the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of effective and highly skilled researchers as they progress through their career.
It is structured into four domains, which encompass:
- what researchers need to know to do research
- how to be effective in their approach
- when working with others
- and in contributing to the wider environment.
Within each of the domains are three sub-domains and associated descriptors, which describe different aspects of being a researcher.
| (A)Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities | (B)Personal Effectiveness | (C)Research Governance and Organisation | (D)Engagement, Influence and Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Knowledge base 2.Cognitive abilities 3.Creativity | 1.Personal qualities 2.Self-management 3.Professional and career development | 1.Professional conduct 2.Research management 3.Finance, funding and resources | 1.Working with others 2.Communication and dissemination 3.Engagement and impact |
See Appendix 1, page 45 of the Research Training Handbook, for a fuller description of the RDF domains.
Mandatory courses
- Induction in October or January
- Equality & Diversity Training for Postgraduate Students
- Research Integrity
- Research Data Management
- Radiation Protection - only for research students working with radiation sources
- Field Work Safety - only for research students undertaking fieldwork
- Introduction to Writing Your Thesis - final year students only
- Research Training Handbook- final year students only
Request a HEAR Transcript
- Transcripts are available from Student Services
Graduate Teaching Assistant Training
The training course to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant is run by the Academic and Digital Development team.
Where to find courses & resources
- MVLS Courses - PGR Course A-Z
- Researcher development courses
- IT Services
- University Library
- Training for tutors and demonstrators
- Register as a demonstrator
- VITAE
- Research Integrity Training
- MVLS Courses - Research Training Handbook
- Researcher Development Log
- Training Needs Assessment Form
- English for Academic Study