The strand courses are specifically designed to support postgraduate research students throughout their studies, helping to further develop their research capabilities. As part of the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP), these courses are essential for academic and professional growth, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in their research journey.
Strand 1: Introduction to Research Skills
Offers foundational research skills training and introduces students to valuable tools for executing their research projects. It emphasises the development of professionalism and is a necessary step for PhD candidates to transfer their registration from MPhil to PhD. Postgraduate research students in the EdD programme are exempt from Strand 1, as they receive equivalent training through the taught phase of their programme.
Strand 2: Teaching Skills
Is a training course developed to support PhD students develop critical teaching skills. All full-time postgraduate research students must complete the Teaching Skills course within their first year of study and all part-time students must complete it within their first two years of study (unless they can demonstrate acquired prior learning entitling them to an exemption from the training requirement, e.g. PGCE, PG Dip, etc.).
Strand 3: Examination Preparation
This strand prepares students for the assessment and examination milestones of transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD and final examination. The training consists of "Preparing for your MPhil to PhD Transfer" (not applicable to EdD students) and "Preparing for your Final Examination". Please note, all postgraduate students must complete "Preparing for your MPhil to PhD Transfer" course prior to the submission of your RDA2 form (transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD form), and all students must complete "Preparing for your Final Examination" prior to submission of your RDA6.
Strand 4: Subject-Specific Skills
Each research project is unique and requires the development of personalised, in-depth skills beyond basic research. This strand helps students advance their research skills specific to their project. Active engagement is required and must be recorded as part of the student’s professional development. You will need to build on the basic research skills developed through engagement with Strand 1 to enable you to progress and succeed with your programme of research.
Strand 5: Extramural Activities
Postgraduate research students are encouraged to engage in activities beyond their core research to broaden their knowledge and professional networks. Extramural activities are actions and initiatives taken by you to seek out and engage in events that are outside the confines of the main thrust of your research programme to help develop your knowledge base. This includes attending lectures, seminars, and conferences. Engagement in at least four events per academic session is expected, and progress should be reported annually. The university is not prescriptive as to how, what, and the length of time you should devote to engaging in such activities, but by being proactive on this front you will broaden your knowledge base, learn from observing both good and poor practice, and provide networking opportunities, thereby broadening your network of contacts etc.
For further information, please refer to Section 4: Programme Structure of the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP) Handbook.