Researcher development programme

Explore the wide range of skills courses we provide for research students and staff at the University
Postgraduate Society
At the Doctoral College we run a Researcher Development Programme which offers a wide range of courses and sessions to help you develop and broaden your research and transferable skills, whether you're a postgraduate research student or member of staff.If you've got questions or want to book a session, please contact us at researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk.
If you're a research student or research staff member at the University, the sessions we offer are free of charge. We encourage you to take these opportunities to develop and refine your skills, as well as connect with colleagues. Our programme is designed to support your research and your career choices.
The programme is supported by UK Research and Innovation, Vitae and employers of researchers. We recommend you attend up to 10 days of development activities during each academic year. These activities can be from our Researcher Development Programme, subject-specific training, external training, workshops and conferences. Our programme also includes brand new and revised sessions and repeats of our most popular development sessions, such as the thesis writing retreats.
Visit the Vitae website for excellent development resources for research students, supervisors and research staff.

Researcher Development online resources

We have a wide range of training and development resources, recorded webinars and support for research students and staff available on Moodle (UoP log-in required).

The Researcher Development Programme session descriptions are available by selecting the domain A, B, C or D below

3.The library is located in the centre of campus and is open 24/7. There’s seating right outside, where you can get some sun between study sessions.
Domain A – Knowledge and intellectual abilities
Campus in spring
Domain B – Personal effectiveness
University campus square
Domain C – Research governance and organisation
Students' Union Sunny day on campus outside the Students' Union
Domain D – Engagement, influence and impact
Drakes Reservoir - Nancy Astor Building looks out on to the restored reservoir
 

Researcher Development Programme: suggested sessions

We encourage you to actively take part in our research development programme sessions either in-person or online. Postgraduate Research Students (PGRs) and Staff can book onto any of our sessions at any stage.
If you would prefer a more structured approach to planning your development and training, please refer to the below suggested activities.
Years 1-2
  • Which statistical software to use?
  • Understanding and working with quantitative data
  • Introduction to Python
  • LaTeX
  • Project Approval Process (RDC.1)
  • Confirmation of Route (RDC.2)
  • Career planning for PGRs
  • Careers: strengths and skills in professional development
  • Introduction to creating and developing you career management portfolio
  • Researcher Toolkit sessions
  • An introduction to research integrity
  • Intellectual Property for researchers
  • Keeping Laboratory Records
  • Introduction to applying for research ethical approval
  • Human Tissue in Research
  • Introduction to data management planning
  • Introduction to IRAS: electronic ethics submission to the HRA
  • Online profiles and tools for authors
  • Preparing PhD students for teaching
Years 2-3
  • NVivo
  • Introduction to R
  • MatLab
  • Making progress in your research degree
  • Careers: the UK labour market for international students
  • How to transition out of academia well
  • Third party copyright for PhD’s
  • How to use the media to publicise your research
  • Identifying where to publish
  • Academic writing surgeries
  • An introduction to research impact
  • Designing an effective research poster
  • Presenting at conferences
  • Presenting to an audience
Years 3-4
  • Preparing for the Viva
  • Introduction to responsible metrics
  • Careers: application forms and writing tailored CV’s
  • Careers: introduction to interviews and assessment centres
  • Careers: Interview Workshop
  • Introduction to research funding for potential researchers (post-PhD)
  • Postgraduate Research Showcases
  • Thesis Writing Retreats
PhD-researcher, Laurien

Three Minute Thesis competition

Three Minute Thesis competition is open to postgraduate research students currently enrolled on MPhil, PhD, professional doctorate and research masters programmes.
Three minute thesis competition

Images of Research Exhibition

An exhibition of images that capture the true essence of research by our postgraduate research students and research staff.
2019 winner 'Best photographic image: Research Staff' – Professor Rupert Jones

Other internal training providers and contacts for researchers

External training providers and contacts for researchers