Mandatory training
As a Postgraduate Researcher, you must undertake the following mandatory training in each year of your study programme:
Year 1
Mandatory health and safety Induction
You will need to complete this training in order to be granted ID card access to postgraduate research workspaces and laboratories.
Further information on building access can be found at the following link:
Starting Postgraduate Research in Science and Engineering
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Articulate a clear vision of what you want to achieve during your PGR degree.
- Identify the important relationships in your doctoral studies.
- Consider different approaches to managing your research.
- Identify what is needed to meet key year 1 milestones.
- Identify and ask key questions of your postgraduate supervisor.
Course details can be found at the following link:
Preparing for Annual Reviews in Science and Engineering
This course aims to prepare you for your Progression Review, helping to build confidence when submitting written work and meeting with your reviewers. It comprises two parts: an online learning resource and a workshop held in person or on MS Teams.
- Explore the requirements and regulations for the submission of written work for the review.
- Learn what to expect during the review meeting and how to manage the process.
- Practice answering review-style questions and talking about your research.
- Identify personal next steps to help you prepare for your continuation report/annual review.
Course details can be found at the following link:
Export Controls Training
This training course, developed by the Higher Education Export Control Association (HEECA) in collaboration with the government, is critical for understanding and complying with export control regulations. It supports the University’s commitment to ensuring that all research activities align with legislation.
The course provides:
- A nationally consistent approach to Export Control Compliance.
- Practical guidance and training materials tailored to the challenges faced by the research sector.
- Helpful links and resources for deepening your understanding of export controls.
Further details can be found at the following link:
Diversity in the Workplace
In this course, you will:
- Gain an understanding of the broader issues of equality and diversity.
- Know your responsibilities and rights.
- Identify what discrimination and bias looks like.
Once completed, you will need to confirm this on your eProg Progression page.
Course details can be found at the following link:
Research Integrity Training
Postgraduate Researchers are required to complete the full Research Integrity, UK course within Epigeum.
Information on how to register for the course can be found in the PGR Guide for Research Integrity Course.
Once completed, you will need to upload the certificate from Epigeum to your eProg Progression page and submit the form.
Course details can be found at the following link:
PGR Student Health and Safety Induction Mandatory Module 1
This health and safety module comprises three parts with a short assessment at the end of each:
- Part 1 - University expectations
- Part 2 - Your safety
- Part 3 - Risk assessment
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg Progression page.
Course details can be found at the following link:
PGR Student Health and Safety Induction Module 5 – Off-campus work
This health and safety module covers managing the risks associated with working off-campus, including fieldwork.
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg Progression page.
Course details can be found at the following link:
Data Protection and Cyber Security
In this course, you will learn:
- UK data protection law and what this means to you.
- Cyber security best practice.
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg progression page.
Year 2
Maintaining Momentum: Project, Time and Self Management
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Assess your own personal effectiveness and identify areas and strategies for growth.
- Apply project management concepts to your PhD to help you remain focused on difficult tasks, follow through on plans, and adapt to the unexpected.
- Maintain or create work-life balance, making time for skills development and exploration.
- Review, assess and adapt week-to-week plans to keep control of your work.
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg Progression page.
Further details can be found at the following link:
Year 3
Planning and Writing your Thesis
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the formats and nature of a thesis.
- Identify and apply strategies to build an effective writing routine to organise and prioritise successful completion, while taking care of your health and wellbeing.
- Practice speaking about your thesis plan and structure with other researchers.
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg Progression page.
Further details can be found at the following link:
Preparing for your Viva in SE: Developing your Skills and Building Confidence
This course will enable you to:
- Explore the requirements and regulations for the submission of the thesis.
- Learn what to expect during the viva and how to manage the process.
- Practice answering viva-style questions and talking about your research.
- Identify personal next steps to help you prepare for your viva.
Upon completion, this milestone should automatically mark as complete in your eProg Progression page. Course details can be found at the following link: