Researcher Development

Northumbria is committed to enabling students to develop their full potential, both in completing their research degree programme successfully, and in career planning for the future. Research training is therefore central to each individual student’s research programme.  

A key element of this training is the development of research skills and techniques relevant to the student’s programme, so that they can undertake the research effectively. In addition, students need skills in research management and a broader knowledge of the research environment in which they are working. Personal skills include:
• increased personal effectiveness
• communication skills
• networking
• and team working

Research training is managed, for individual research students, through the PGR Development Portfolio. Students also need to be looking beyond the immediate research, so that they are planning and managing their career development. This is supported by the PGR Development Portfolio, which allows the student to monitor and adjust their own academic and personal development, and so:
• generate reflection on learning
• record personal achievement
• record participation and “signing off” of Skills Training and supporting studies
• hold standard research degree documentation

All students have access to a structured training programme, organised at University level to provide the skills needed. These skills may be explicitly taught or developed during the course of the candidate’s research programme. Different mechanisms are used in different disciplines and circumstances to support learning as appropriate, including: supervisor support and mentoring, school support, workshops, conferences, training courses, self-direction, formally assessed courses (e.g. Masters level modules) and informal opportunities. It is also important for students to network with fellow researchers beyond the University, and development opportunities in the region and further afield are also available.

Research training for individual research students starts with an initial training needs analysis, where student and Principal Supervisor together identify the student’s current skills, the skill gaps, and the specific requirements of the research in this particular discipline. This is documented in the PGR Development Portfolio, on the standard form below; it outlines all the skills training and supporting studies which the student expects to complete in the course of the programme. The PGR Development Portfolio is submitted for approval along with the Project Approval form; it is monitored and updated annually by the student and Supervisor.

Two examples of completed PGR development portfolios are provided below. These are examples only and intended to guide you in completion of your form. Each example includes as many options as possible for each section. You are not expected to attend all the training listed, but to consider carefully where your skills gaps lie and to attend training/ seminars/ conferences as appropriate and in consultation with your supervisor.

This covers the general research skills which all students need to acquire. Many of these skills are also of broader use outside of the research programme and directly contribute to the development of skills for future careers. The University provides generic training for all research degree students; this is co-ordinated by the Graduate School and published in the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme 2012/13. Book a place on any session using the PGR Training - Student Booking System.

In addition, some Academic Schools also provide generic and subject specific training opportunities, and information is available from School Research Administrators.

Bursaries are available to post graduate research students (including Graduate Tutors and staff registered as research degree students) to attend conferences, where the student is contributing to the conference and will feed back knowledge and experience gained from the conference to their supervision team and research group. Grants up to £250 are available on a competitive basis. 

Please note that applications cannot be made retrospectively

Have you ever wanted to present your research to the public or community? Well now is your chance!

The Graduate School recently launched a scheme that offers PGRs the opportunity to present their research to the public. Financial and administrative support will be offered to assist you in making this happen. What you need is a good idea of how and where you would present your research to the public. At this stage you are required to tell us the following:

1. What’s the purpose?
2. Who are the audience?
3. What is the activity?
4. What are the costs?

After the event(s) have taken place you would need to complete a short report for us on the activity they have completed.

For a preliminary discussion of your idea please contact Laura Smailes (email: Laura.Smailes@northumbria.ac.uk)

For more information on types of public engagement activities and ideas please visit: http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/what

This scheme enables completing research degree students the opportunity to develop their entrepreneur expertise. It is for postgraduate research degree students who have already submitted their thesis (or who will imminently submit). There are many early-stage ideas and research and development projects within the University that have the potential to be of commercial interest to Industry. However, there is often a problem that commercial potential is not realised due to other commitments. The fund is available to support a research degree student on a stipend for an initial period of 3 months to concentrate on a commercially focused project.  Further details and form are available on the Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme Application Form below. Completed applications (hard copy and electronic) and any queries about the scheme should be directed to Laura Smailes, the Graduate School, Room 510, Wynne Jones Building, tel: +44 (0) 191 227 4257, or email: laura.smailes@northumbria.ac.uk

Development of generic or transferable skills is increasingly important as part of doctoral programmes. Vitae is a national organisation that champions professional and career development for researchers. Vitae's website and courses provide excellent resources to help research degree students assess and develop their personal effectiveness, networking and team working, communication and career management skills. Click on the link below for more info.