Research and Business Services

Transcription

1 Research and Business Services Professional Development and Research Training Programme 2015/16 Research and Business Services Room 120, Mea House Tel: (0191)

2 Contents Introduction 3 Page Research Governance and Organisation Induction to Northumbria for Postgraduate Research Students 5 Annual Progression: Year 1 5 Annual Progression: Preparing for the Panel 5 Preparing for your viva: the end is in sight! 6 An Introduction to Research Management for PGRs 6 Writing Up and Submitting 7 Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities Research Philosophies and Paradigms 7 Using Nvivo 7 How to Write A Lot 8 Getting Published 8 Conference Bursary Scheme 8 Research Event Support Scheme 9 Faculty Training Programmes 9 Personal Effectiveness How to be an Effective Researcher 9 Reality Check: Maintaining Motivation throughout your Doctorate 9 Managing a Part Time Doctorate 10 Developing Research Resilience: Surviving Your Doctorate 10 Doctoral Dilemmas 11 Careers in Academia 11 Early Intervention: career planning for PGRs 11 CV, Applications and Interviews 12 Broadening your Horizons: careers outside of academia 12 Engagement, Influence and Impact To Tweet or not to Tweet : Social media for researchers 13 Making the Most out of Conferences 13 Pitch Perfect: Delivering Better Presentations 13 The Three Minute Thesis Competition 13 An Introduction to Research Posters 13 Developing and Running a Research Event or Conference 14 Online Training 14 Other Training and Support 15 2 P a g e

3 Welcome to Northumbria s PGR Professional Development and Research Training Programme for 2015/16. This programme has been designed specifically to meet the needs of Northumbria s PGR community. It provides a range of opportunities for PGRs throughout the duration of their research degree to continue their personal and professional development. The programme offers PGRs the opportunity to: Enhance your individual personal and professional competencies Identify your personal training route Help you to a timely and successful completion and to thrive in a competitive job market Enhance your time and experience at Northumbria University It can be useful to think of skills development at the University as being divided into two distinct areas, discipline specific and transferable (sometimes called generic ) research skills. Discipline specific training is normally delivered at Faculty/ Departmental level, whilst Research and Business Services focus on transferable skills which are relevant to PGRs in all Faculties. In reality you will find that many sessions will overlap between the two areas. Research and Business Services concentrates on delivering transferable skills sessions focusing on the personal and professional development of researchers and the processes and procedures that are involved in completing a research degree. Faculties and academic departments focus on delivering discipline specific training and providing a rich academic environment for PGRs. You will develop your own training programme through a combination of these and any external opportunities. There is no set training programme for any PGR. It is your responsibility to access courses and other opportunities as they arise and in fitting with the stage of your research degree. Some training courses are designed to meet different needs at different times of your research degree. You should make sure that your chosen course is correct for your stage and you should not try to complete big chunks of training at the same time. Assessing your Skills Before booking onto any training courses you will need to evaluate your training needs with your Principal Supervisor. This should be at least an annual process and will be formally reviewed as part of your annual progression. Your development as a researcher does not come from attending all of the training in this booklet. You will develop through discussions with your peers and attendance at research seminars and conferences. By participating in the wider research culture of Northumbria and taking advantage of the networks that exist within your discipline you will be able to exploit more opportunities and develop your career as a researcher. 3 P a g e

4 Selecting Skills Training To book your place on any of the sessions visit the online booking system: If you are no longer able to attend a session remember to cancel your booking via the online booking system. You must cancel at least 48 hours ahead of the scheduled programme. If you fail to attend an will be sent to your supervisor notifying them of your absence. If you fail to attend more than three training sessions any further bookings you have made will be cancelled. You will also forfeit the opportunity to apply for a Research and Business Services conference bursary which is normally offered on a competitive basis. Communications You must check your University account regularly we recommend at least once a week as the programme is subject to change and additions throughout the year. You can also access up to date information via the researcher development Twitter Etiquette The PGR development programme is delivered by a mixture of internal staff and external providers. Many staff volunteer their time to ensure a rigorous support system is in place for research students. As such please ensure that you show them courtesy by being prompt, arriving at least five minutes before the start of the programme. In 2015/16 Research and Business Services will prohibit the award of conference bursaries to students who repeatedly fail to attend Researcher Development Training they have booked onto. Students who book onto but fail to attend 3 training sessions will have their applications rejected. 4 P a g e

5 Research Governance and Organisation Induction to Northumbria for Postgraduate Research Students Course Content: A half day workshop for new research students to provide them with the foundation for a successful start to their research degree. This course aims to demystify the research degree process and provides new students with an opportunity to find out more about the structure and criteria for research degrees and an opportunity to discuss your concerns. This course is compulsory. An understanding of the research process at Northumbria Gained an understanding of the requirements of a research degree Considered the supervisor relationship Dates: 22 October November February May 2016 Times: Annual Progression: Preparing for year one submission Online training Module Course Content: Each year students undergo annual progression to monitor students progress. For both full time and part time students year one AP consists of a report that is submitted for review. This session covers what is required and how students can use the report to review their progress and plan for year two. Explored what is required to complete annual progression Have planned their next year and reviewed their achievements in year one. Understood the requirements for a research degree at Northumbria. Annual Progression: Preparing for the Panel Course Content: Each year students undergo annual progression to monitor students progress. For full time students their second year AP consists of a panel and report submission. This session covers what is required and how students can use the Panel as preparation for their viva. This course is compulsory all second year students should attend. Explored what is required to complete annual progression Have planned their final year before their Viva voce Understood the requirements for a research degree at Northumbria. Dates: 15 October January March June 2016 Times: P a g e

6 Preparing for your Viva: The end is in sight! Course Content: Don t know your word count limit? Unsure what a viva involves and who will be there? This half day workshop will provide practical advice and information about university procedures around the viva and submitting your thesis. You will have the opportunity to hear from both recent graduates and experienced examiners on what their viva experiences have been like. It will demystify the process for you so that you feel confident entering the exam room. This course is compulsory. Students in their final year should attend. An understanding of the University procedures involved in submitting their thesis and arranging their viva. An understanding of what to expect from the viva and how to prepare for it. Dates: 8 October January July 2016 Times: An Introduction to Research Management for PGRs Course Content: This session will introduce students to concepts that will allow them to effectively apply project management through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities. The session will also cover the life-cycle of the research process from the initial idea for a research problem through to completion and the viva. Explored how a project management approach can be effective in helping them take charge of their doctorate Identified areas of risk in doctoral projects Develop a project plan for their doctorate and use University milestones to measure progress Dates: 19 November February May 2016 Times: Writing Up and Submitting Course Content: This session looks at the process of writing up your thesis and includes tasks to improve your writing practice. It will also look at the process of submitting your thesis for examination. This session will use Prof Vernon Trafford s approach to thesis writing and will look at ways you can develop your analytical arguments. Explored the process of nomination of examiners Knowledge of the thesis/ portfolio submission process Audited their thesis Had an opportunity to ask questions on the submission process 6 P a g e

7 Dates: 17 November February May 2016 Times: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities Research Philosophies and Paradigms Course Content: These sessions will present the philosophy of research, including alternative epistemological positions to provide researchers with a context for theory construction. The workshop will allow attendees to develop a critical understanding of the disciplines and methods upon which they will be drawing including the validity and scope of knowledge and appropriate alternative approaches to research. Discussed the nature of knowledge and originality Considered different philosophical paradigms appropriate to their research Discussed with other research students the nature of research and the epistemologies that underpin it Dates: 4 December March 2016 Times: Using Nvivo Course Content: This session will explore how researchers can use Nvivo as a tool for managing qualitative data. Gained an understanding of how to use Nvivo Will have imported data into an Nvivo programme Dates: To be confirmed following confirmation of timetable availability of NVivo labs How to Write a Lot Course Content: This session will look at strategies for developing time to write and how to develop chunks of writing into chapters. This will be a hands on session where students are expected to practice their writing skills and develop a writing timetable. Developed their own writing timetable Explored the barriers to writing Developed a writing framework for their thesis 7 P a g e

8 Dates: 20 October January June 2016 Times: Getting Published Course Content: Writing and getting published are staple activities in academic life. The phrase publish or perish has become well known. The aim is to help you get you work published and to do so as successfully as possible. We will focus on journal articles and here from experience academic writers and journal editors who can support you in developing a publication plan. A critical understanding of where and how to publish their work. Developed a publication plan and considered which Journals to publish in Understood what processes are involved in getting published? Who does what, when? Dates: 9 December April 2016 Times: Conference Bursary scheme The bursary award is up to 250 per applicant per 12 month cycle (1 August to 31 July). Bursaries are awarded on a competitive basis. They are not an entitlement and cannot be made retrospectively. Bursaries are available to postgraduate research students (i.e. those registered for an MPhil, PhD or Professional Doctorate) to attend conferences. This is supported by a central fund administered by Research and Business Services. The normal requirement for the bursary is that the successful applicant will contribute to the conference (e.g. by presenting a paper or poster) and feedback knowledge and experience gained from the conference to their supervision team and research group. The aim of this scheme is to support the development of PGRs personal and professional skills as well as their research skills. Attendance and presentation at a conference or symposium allows students to engage with several areas of the Researcher Development Framework (A1, A3, B1, B3, C3, C2, and D2). To access the scheme please visit: Research Event Support Scheme This scheme awards up to 300 per application per 12 month cycle (1 August to 31 July of each academic year). 8 P a g e

9 Bursaries are available to a team of postgraduate research students (i.e. those registered for an MPhil, PhD or Professional Doctorate) to fund the organisation and delivery of a peer led conference, symposium or event within their discipline. This is supported by a central fund administered by Research and Business Services. The normal requirement for a successful application is that applications will include one external speaker, be aimed at postgraduate research students and will take place on Campus. Knowledge and experience gained from the event will be fed back to department and research group as appropriate. The aim of this scheme is to support both the development of PGRs personal and professional skills as well as contribute to their research. The organisation of a conference, symposium or other research focused event allows students to engage with several areas of the Researcher Development Framework (A1, B1, B3, C3, C2, D2 and D1). The form of the activity proposed is entirely at the discretion of the applicant. To access the scheme please visit: Faculty and Departmental Training Programmes Academic Faculties and Departments deliver a number of training programmes and seminar series that are open to and aimed at PGRs. This is an essential component of any students training programme and develops your methodological understanding and ensure you feel part of the research culture of your Department. To find out more information on these programmes you should speak to your Principal Supervisor. Personal Effectiveness How to be an Effective Researcher Course Content: A one-day workshop for postgraduate researchers in the first year of their doctorate drawing on the experience of their first few months. The course approaches the PhD as a project and engages with students to address issues of planning, time and resource management, problem solving and creativity. The supervisor and student relationship is also tackled, focusing on assertiveness and communication skills. This is a workshop focused training session and is only suitable for those who enjoy this kind of experiential learning. It is highly recommended that students in their first year attend this programme. Dates: 24 February May 2016 Times: Reality Check: Maintaining Motivation throughout your Doctorate Course Content: Postgraduate researchers are often told that a doctorate is a marathon and not a sprint. However the reality of juggling commitments and staying on target can be daunting. This 9 P a g e

10 session looks at different coping mechanisms, where to find support and how to keep on track with your doctorate. It will offer opportunities for discussion on how to sustain enthusiasm throughout your doctorate. Aims and Objectives Identified commitments and priorities Set goals and review milestones Discussed the reality of doing a doctorate Considered other avenues of university support Dates: 15 December June 2015 Times: Developing Researcher Resilience: Getting the best out of your doctorate Course Content: This new, innovative workshop will look at the following aspects of successfully completing a doctorate. This day long interactive workshop will focus on how you can manage the competing demands of your doctorate including, supervisory relationships; university processes; career aspirations and your wellbeing. The programme is aimed at students in year two. Explored how to best support your relationship, get through doctoral processes, and tackle the thesis Reviewed the spaces created by the doctorate and the possibilities to develop academic entrepreneurship Recognised the stresses and strains of completing a doctorate and developed strategies to manage your doctoral journey. Dates: 10 November 2015 Times: Managing a Part Time Doctorate Course Content: This interactive half- day programme offers part-time researchers the opportunity to take the time and space to share and discuss with peers and academics from outside their supervisory arrangements, what research is and how its quality is assessed. You will also get some succinct training in a range of key areas for part-time researchers. Skills session topics include: academic writing styles accessing information getting the best from a part-time supervisor making progress: avoiding defeatism and self-sabotage planning to manage your time structuring your thesis Dates: 17 December June 2016 Times: P a g e

11 Doctoral Dilemmas Doctoral Dilemmas aims to explore the issues often not covered informal training or supervision. Questions panels will cover consist of issues such as how do you get started? How do you keep going? How do I know when I have done enough? How do I prepare for the viva? The format is an invited student panel discussing doctoral problems with the audience followed by networking opportunities Dates, times and theme: Getting Started: Because you don t know what you don t know 1 December 2015, Managing the Supervisory Relationship 18 January 2016, Putting Your Doctorate in Room March 2016, Exploring the International Student Experience 16 May 2016, Finishing up and Moving on 12 July 2015, Careers in Academia Course Content: This half day workshop will offer PGRs an insight into academic careers covering post doc awards, lecturing and research posts. The course will enable PGRs to meet with current academics and researchers from a range of disciplines to hear about their experiences. An understanding of what life is like as an early career researcher Explored how to market themselves in academia Completed a practical exercises in networking and CV reviewing Dates: 7 December May 2016 Times: Early Intervention: career planning for PGRs Course Content: This innovative workshop is for first year students to enable them to begin to plan their career expectations and goals from the beginning of their doctorate. The workshop will cover the current HE landscape and different job opportunities as well as looking at how students can use their doctoral study to generate the skills and profiles required for their future career. 11 P a g e

12 An understanding of what HE sector and doctoral career expectations Explored how to use the RDF to plan their transferable skills Completed practical exercises to explore different career options Dates: 24 November March 2016 Times: CVs, Applications and Interviews Course Content: This session, led by the Careers Service, will look at how you can perfect your CV and applications and improve your interview technique. Explored how to market themselves Completed a practical exercises to develop your CV Dates: 21 January April 2016 Times: Broadening Your Horizons: careers outside of academia Course Content: This workshop will look at careers outside of academia and explore how you can develop your transferable skills to market yourself outside of academia. Developed skills to search for jobs outside of academia Considered their transferable skills developed through the doctorate Explored how to market themselves outside of academia Dates: 3 December May 2016 Times: Engagement, Influence and Impact To Tweet or not to Tweet : Social media for researchers Course Content: An innovative session which will examine how researchers can best make use of new technologies to support and publicise your research. 12 P a g e

13 Considered whether new technologies could improve their research practice Discussed using a range of new technologies and how they can be used to enhance research. Dates: 29 October March 2016 Times: Networking and Making the Most out of Conferences Course Content: This original programme prepares PGRs for their first conference experience. The session seeks to develop your networking, presentation and communication skills. This session will get you ready for those academic conferences that are vital for your CV. Explored the benefits of attending an academic conference Developed a conference strategy Developed their networking and communicating skills Dates: 6 October January June 2016 Times: Pitch Perfect: Delivering Better Presentations Course Content: Delivering presentations, whether at seminars, conferences or through teaching is part of academic life. This session will introduce student to basic techniques to deliver engaging presentations. It will look at voice techniques and how to hone your personal style as well as the content of presentations. Explored what makes a good presentation Considered their personal presentation style Planned their next presentation Dates: 13 November March July 2016 Times: The Three Minute Thesis Competition Three Minute Thesis (3MT ) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland which challenges research higher degree students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. In 2015/6 Research and Business Services will be running a competition for final year students to enter. Dates: 26 January 2016 Times: Developing and Running a Research Event or Conference Online training Module Course Content: This programme seeks to support PGRs who wish to run a research event of their own. Be it a conference, symposium or seminar, this session will help you navigate how to 13 P a g e

14 run an event from start to finish. It will explore avenues for funding as well as hearing from researchers who have organised their own events. Aims and Objectives Knowledge of support available at Northumbria for running a conference Will have developed an idea for an event of their own Explored funding opportunities for PGR events An Introduction to Research Posters Online training Module Course Content: Learn more about the layout and design of winning posters and how to create one of your own using design specific tools. Students should bring along a copy of a poster they have produced with them. Learnt how to effectively design a poster Explored how to best use a poster at a conference Online Training During the first semester of 2015/16 all training will be moving to an online format so that students can access these anywhere at any time and across a number of platforms. These modules will be available via the elp site Graduate School Community. A number of PGR RDT programmes are now online modules only To access the online training you will need to join the Graduate School Community elp organisation AS006BC using the password GSCREG. You can navigate to the online training via the menu on the left hand of the organisation. 14 P a g e

15 Other Support and Training University Library Research Support Team The University Library provides a very extensive range of services to support all researchers. New research students will be able to access many of these services 24/7, including the provision and application of research resource discovery tools, research skills development support, citation and bibliographic control software, plus the Ask4Help enquiry service. All Researchers have access to Research Support Librarians who are available to provide subject specific support and arrange appropriate development and training opportunities within each Faculty. Northumbria Students Union NSU is here to have a positive impact on all students but we know that all students are different; you come from different cultures, countries and backgrounds but the one thing you do all have in common is studying at Northumbria. It s important that your voice is heard amongst the crowd which is why we support student representatives to Speak Up on the issues that matter to you. Each department has a PGR Representative who sits on Faculty and University wide committees. To find out more about representation in your department please visit: Student Support and Wellbeing Student Support and Wellbeing encompasses specialist teams which offer free, impartial and confidential advice on the following: Disability and dyslexia support Counselling and mental health support Financial support Welfare and health support International student support Change of circumstances * Chaplaincy and faith advice For more information please visit Stunt Support web pages: 15 P a g e

16 Careers Service The Careers Zone is on the ground floor of the University Library on the City Campus to the left of the Ask4Help desk as you walk in. If you need any support accessing the services available, just Ask4Help. We re here for you whatever stage you re at with your study or career plans. We want you to achieve your ambitions and will support your journey, helping you plan a route towards your goals. Get 1-1 support Visit the Careers Drop-in each weekday 10.00am pm in the Careers Zone. Find job opportunities Get your graduate job search off the ground with access to hundreds of opportunities. Get ahead with tools for success Enjoy exclusive access to employer videos, practice psychometric tests and discover other useful materials. Go to the elearning Portal and click the careers tab on the top menu. Meet employers on campus Introduce yourself to potential employers at events on campus throughout the year. Go to careers events below to see our full programme P a g e