E-learning

All these resources are available through Study Direct, under the 'umbrella' site Researcher Development E-Learning, which provides access to all the modules for researchers. You will need your ITS username and password to sign in.

Technical programs and software modules

Building a website with Wordpress: This module offers detailed tuition on creating a website for your academic projects using Wordpress. Building a website with Wordpress
Building your academic web presence: This module is designed to introduce you to the different ways in which you can promote yourself online and give you the ability to assess the usefulness of the tools available to you. Building your academic web presence
Document Preparation with LaTeX: LaTeX is widely used in the sciences for document preparation. This module will guide you through the basics of setting up a new document, including making tables and equations; adding figures and quotations; and creating sections, sub-sections and itemised lists. Document Preparation with LaTeX
Managing your Research with Evernote: Evernote is a suite of software designed for note making and archiving, making is a useful tool for research. This module will guide you through the different stages of learning how to use this very useful software. Managing your Research with Evernote
Qualitative data analysis with NVivo: NVivo is a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) package which can help researchers to make good use of large volumes of data collected during research. This module will introduce to this software and help you get started. Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo
Using Scrivener to write your thesis: Scrivener is a word-processing program designed especially for writers which provides a sysyem for documents, notes and metadata, and has been described as a literary management tool and ideal solution for writing your thesis. This module will explain the key features of Scrivener and show you how to best use it for writing your thesis. Using Scrivener to write your thesis
Using Zotero at Sussex: This module explains how to use Zotero, a free easy-to-use Firefox extension that helps you collect, manage, and cite your research sources. It is similar to Endnote, but many users find it more straightforward. Using Zotero at Sussex
Introduction to UNIX: This module introduces students to the basics of a UNIX system, its architecture, set of commands, X Windows and provides exercises to practise commands. Introduction to UNIX
Using Mendeley to Manage your references: This modules explains how to use Mendeley, a desktop and web program for managing and sharing research papers,discovering research data and collaborating online, and managing your references. Using Mendeley to Manage Your References

Writing skills and support

Getting your book published: This module provides guidance on finding a publisher and preparing your book proposal, along with some background information on the publishing process. It is based on a monograph written by a single author, but is also applicable to other formats. Getting your Book Published
Writing an article: This module is designed for both research students and early career academics who are looking to get their work published for the first time, or who want to improve their technique for writing scholarly papers. Writing an Article
Writing tips for researchers (coming soon): Communicating your research well is crucial if you want people to engage with your work, and as a researcher, the written word is a vital tool for getting your ideas out there. This module will provide you with practical pointers and advice, combining tricks and tips from the worlds of creative writing, marketing, and academic editing, to help you improve your writing. Writing Tips for Researchers
Writing your thesis (coming soon): This module is for both researchers who have yet to start writing their thesis, and those who have already begun. It includes advice on: planning and structuring your thesis; writing style; staying on track; dealing with 'writer's block'; and knowing when you're finished. Writing your Thesis
Turbocharge your writing (Hugh Kearnes workshop 2011): Internationally recognized public speaker, educator and researcher, Hugh Kearns delivered a series of workshops for researchers at Sussex in January 2011. This resource takes you to the slides and audio recording from the Turbocharge Your Writing workshop. Turbocharge your Writing

Research skills

Writing a literature review: This module provides guidance on where to begin your literature review, including what tools and resources are available to you. It also includes subject specific tips and advice on how to plan and structure the content of your literature review. Writing a Literature Review
Preparing for your viva: The viva can seem a daunting process, but with the right preparation it can be a rewarding experience. This module explains what to expect from your viva, the possible outcomes, and some techniques to help you prepare. It also includes types of questions you could be asked during your viva and possible strategies to best respond. Preparing for your Viva
The Good Viva Video: For doctoral researchers everywhere, the viva is a daunting challenge, often approached with anxiety and confusion rather than careful preparation. This two part video (approx 30 mins) by Angel Productions and Birkbeck, University of London, will help students in all institutions to understand the viva and handle it well. The Good Viva Video
The Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Research Students (Hugh Kearns, 2011): Internationally recognised public speaker, educator and researcher, Hugh Kearns delivered a series of workshops for researchers at Sussex in January 2011. These resources are taken from his Seven Secrets workshop, showing you how to be a more successful research student. The Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Research Students

Communication and presentation skills

Better presentations: This module will guide you through the process of creating a well written presentation, taking into account your audience, with effective use of visuals (where appropriate), and clearly communicated findings/data. It also covers body language, voice, and techniques to deal with your nerves. Better Presentations
Effective communication: How could you improve communications with your supervisor, your participants or your colleagues? Would you like to be able to communicate more clearly, listen more effectively, and be more confident in building and maintaining your professional and academic relationships? This module provides advice and information on assertive communication methods to help you give and receive feedback and increase your confidence in building and maintaining your professional relationships, both in person and via other other methods. Effective Communication
The Good Supervision Video: This short film (32 mins) is produced by Angel Productions with Birkbeck, University of London, to help doctoral researchers get the best from their relationship with their supervisors. The film includes advice and guidance from doctoral researchers and supervisors, and will help you to gain an understanding of what support to expect from your supervisor, how to get the feedback you need, and how to develop a productive relationship with your supervisor. The Good Supervision Video.
The Good Presentation Video: This short film (28 mins) is produced by Angel Productions with Birkbeck, University of London, to help doctoral researchers improve their presentation skills. The film includes advice and guidance from doctoral presenters, academic experts, and a presentation coach. The film will show you how to develop the content and focus of your presentation, use your voice and body language to your advantage, deal with difficult questions and nerves, and expect the unexpected. The Good Presentation Video.

Personal development

Preparing for a conference: This module will help you make the most of your conference experience, with tips and suggestions on selecting an appropriate conference, how to get the most from your attendance and how to effectively prepare. Preparing for a Conference
Time and project management: This module is for doctoral researchers who would like help with organising and planning their time for their PhD research and to learn about productivity tools to aid their time and project management. Time and Project Management
Defeating Self-Sabotage (Hugh Kearns workshop 2011): Internationally recognized public speaker, educator and researcher, Hugh Kearns delivered a series of workshops for researchers at Sussex in January 2011. The below link takes you to the slides and audio recording from the Defeating Self Sabotage workshop. Defeating Self-Sabotage

Doctoral School