Step by step guide for research students
Introduction
It is recognised that research students have a wide range of backgrounds and prior experience. For example, there are those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree and are only just beginning on their career path and there are those who have already had a significant professional career and are returning to education after a significant break. For this reason, training and development activity for research students at the University is needs based and a wide range of opportunities are offered to allow tailoring to the needs of the individual.
It is a requirement of the University that every research student discusses their training and development needs with their supervisor and agrees a training plan within one month of starting your research degree.
Your primary source of support will be your supervisor. In addition there are the training and development opportunities on offer to you at the University to support you through your research degree and beyond. Our provision is guided by University strategy and national initiatives such as the Researcher development Statement and Framework the Researcher Concordat and European HR Excellence in Research*. Whatever your background, and whatever your aspirations for the future, we make every effort such that there will be something at the University which can support your development during your time here. Below is a step by step guide to what you need to do.
Your induction programme in your Faculty/School and attendance at the workshop 'Starting Your Research Degree'(You wil be contacted in respect of attending this workshop) or equivalent should give you an overview of training and development at the University of Leeds including your and your supervisors’ responsibilities. Also follow the 'Find a Workshop' link for further information
Prior to or soon after you register at the University, your School/Faculty will inform you of the induction process. This will include a workshop such as ‘Speed PhD’ or ‘Starting Your Research Degree’ where you will be able to explore further what is involved in getting a PhD and the training and development opportunities that can support you.
The University has a Personal Development Record System including a Training and Developmental Needs Analysis tool (Printable version) to help you consider your training needs within the context of the research degree you are about to undertake and your future career. Needs analysis is designed to support you in thinking about your personal and professional training and development needs ahead of a discussion with your supervisor (see step 4). In some circumstances, because of specific requirements of a subject area, some training may be mandatory in a particular Faculty/School. You will be informed where this is the case.
Consider the range of training and development opportunities open to you through this website - see the links on the right.
You should discuss your training needs with your supervisor and agree a training plan within your first month at the University. Your supervisor should monitor your progress against the training plan regularly; as a minimum, at the mid-point of your first year and at the transfer stage and annually thereafter. You are encouraged to record and reflect on training and development activity within a Personal Development Plan (PDP) (Printable version) throughout your time as a researcher at the University. You will be provided with a PDP folder or Faculty equivalent during your induction process.
*In December 2010, Leeds was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" badge from the European Commission in recognition of our commitment to ensuring good working conditions and career development for researchers.