Online Researcher Development Programme modules

Several of our RDP workshops are available as self-led online modules or as webinar recordings, and we will be adding to this as the year progresses.

See the Researcher Development Online Canvas site to access a wealth of RDP online resources. 

We have added four exciting new online courses from ElecTV for Autumn 2021, which you can follow in your own time: 

• Your professional profile and networking
• Build your own website in a day
• Intellectual Property essentials
• Introduction to R

See the Canvas site for details of how to enrol. We are piloting these courses during the Autumn term and welcome any feedback.

Places on these modules are limited. If you are unable to enrol, please contact researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk to join the waiting list.

UEA Online Training Series for PGRs 2022-23

The Doctoral School has signed up to the UEA Online Training Series again, and we will be repeating ten of these sessions exclusively for Sussex researchers as part of the RDP.

See below for details of the main training series, and see the current RDP schedule for listings and to book a place on the bespoke Sussex sessions.

The UEA Online Training Series for doctoral researchers offers research and professional skills training for postgraduate research students (PGRs) in a ‘live-taught’ online format. Training sessions are delivered via a virtual classroom, mostly on weekday evenings between 7pm-9pm, but with some additional daytime sessions. The series is organised and administered by Dr Simon Watts (simon.d.watts@uea.ac.uk), PGR Training Coordinator for the Faculty of Social Sciences at UEA, who also teaches Modules 1 to 4. Module 5 is taught by Dr Kimberley Bartholomew from the School of Education at UEA.

The training has been organised into five modules, each focused on a specific area/topic. Students don’t have to attend a whole module, however, and are free to sign up to individual sessions. The modules and individual sessions for 2022/23 are as follows:

• Module 1: Academic Writing

• • What Should a Literature Review Do?
  • Writing Effectively
  • Academic Publishing
  • Writing & Structuring an Effective Thesis

• Module 2: Qualitative Research Skills

• • A Comparison of Qualitative Methods
  • Qualitative Interviewing
  • Analysing Qualitative Data
  • Using NVivo for Qualitative Research

• Module 3: Finishing your PhD

• • Preparing for your Viva
  • On the Job: Securing a First Academic Post
  • Preparing Impactful Research Proposals & Grant Applications

• Module 4: Teaching Skills

• • Preparing & Delivering Seminars
  • Preparing & Delivering Lectures
  • Assessment, Feedback, & Module Design

• Module 5: Quantitative Research Skills

• • Quantitative Research: A Basic Guide
  • An Introduction to Scale Development
  • An Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling

Each session will open for bookings exactly three weeks in advance. Booking is always competitive so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information on individual sessions and to book your place, visit the UEA Online Training Series website. The Doctoral School does not deal with bookings. If you have any problems, want to ask a question, or there is anything you don’t understand, please email ssf.advancedtraining@uea.ac.uk.

Researcher Development Online modules
[NB: This section is under review]

Undertaking 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.  

Planning, structuring and writing your thesis

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.

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. 

Vitae Researcher Booklets

Vitae have produced a series of booklets giving practical advice and tips tailored to researchers. Topics include: 

• The balanced researcher- strategies for busy researchers
• The informed researcher- because interacting with information is at the core of research
• The enterprising researcher- analyse and develop your enterprising abilities
• The leading researcher- explore and develop your leadership potential
• The engaging researcher- inspiring people to engage with your research
• The career-wise researcher- develop your career management skills and get the right job for you
• The creative researcher- tools and techniques to unleash your creativity

All researchers have full access to the Vitae website and resources if you register with your Sussex email address