Training and Development

Why do we offer Research Training?

The importance of training postgraduate researchers has been highlighted by HEFCE , QAA and the Research Councils. The Graduate School’s Programme is designed around the Joint Statement of the Research Councils Skills Training Requirements and Roberts’ recommendation for supporting and promoting generic and employability skills training for postgraduate researchers. Our programme:

• includes: Research Skills and Techniques; Research Environment; Research Management; Personal Effectiveness; Communication Skills; Networking and Team working; Career Management
• provides opportunities to gain an understanding of the broader research environment, develop your conceptual and practical understanding of research and to develop more generic transferable skills, such as communicating to various audiences, negotiation skills and presentation skills.

What is involved in Research Training?

The Graduate School’s PGR Development programme is an integral part of your research training and development at BU, which enable you to enhance your abilities in areas which are not necessarily discipline-specific and provide an opportunity to meet and engage in discussion with researchers from other Academic Schools.

An understanding of research skills and techniques is essential for the development of postgraduate researchers. At BU, as part of your research degree you will develop research skills in your specific project area and discipline, and you will also have an opportunity to develop wider, transferable skills which will assist in your future employment, whether within or outside academia.

Attending our programme is essential to the successful completion of your research degree which has sessions relevant to each stage of your research degree - some will be more appropriate to the early stages, while others are more relevant as you near completion and consider employment options or future research.

• Induction Programme for New Postgraduate Researchers.
• PGR Development Programme.

What is the Training Needs Analysis?

You will be encouraged spend time with your supervisor to undertake a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to identify your development needs and plan a programme which meets these.