Graduate School training events

Electronic Thesis – Turnitin
Roy Grant, OCSLD

There are big changes in the way that the thesis will be presented in future that will affect all current research students. Whereas in the past, once you achieved your degree, the University held a single bound, hard copy of your thesis for others to consult and only the Abstract was available externally, from now on, all theses will be available in their entirety, electronically, through the British Library for anyone to access. One of the implications of this, is that it will be very easy to check for plagiarism. In order to prepare research students for these changes, we are changing the way in which we assess your progress reports and will ask for work to be submitted through the plagiarism-checking software ‘Turnitin’.  This session explores the use of ‘Turnitin’ to check text. The session is compulsory for all research students and you should aim to attend as close to the beginning of your programme as possible. It may also be of benefit to those preparing to write their final thesis.

Induction Session for new Research Students

This session is compulsory for all new research students as it is introduces many essential aspects of studying for a research degree at Brookes, including advice on what is involved,  how to officially register your project, goals and milestones, how to plan your time and keep up momentum, supervisor-student relationships, and introduces new research students to policies, people, support  and resources – such as library resources and the generic skills training programme – that will help ensure your success. 

Networking Social Event for all Research Students and Supervisors

All research students and their supervisors are welcome to attend this networking social event, with drinks and snacks – and it is, in particular, a good opportunity for new research students to get to know some friendly faces. Meet other students - in your subject area and across the entire University, full timers and part timers, at all stages in their programmes - to share experiences and make contacts. Meet the staff from your subject area and from the Graduate Office who are there to support you throughout your programme.

'Career planning and advice for Graduate Students'

Dr Dan Ferrett, Information/DHLE Co-ordinator, Careers Centre

'The PhD Oral Examination'

Dr Susan Brooks, Deputy Head of the Graudate School Training

Most students find the idea of the viva rather scary! This session is aimed at all those who will be facing their viva in the near future, but may also be helpful to research students at earlier stages in their studies, who are not sure what is involved.  It clarifies what the University regulations say is required.   It also demystifies the process by outlining what is going on behind the scenes, what the examiners are looking for and what procedures they are following.  It also provides practical and useful advice about what you can do to make the process as painless and successful, as possible.

'How to apply for ethical approval for a research proposal through UREC'

Dr Elizabeth Hurren, Chair of the University's Research Ethics Committee

Any research project that involves the study of humans - even simply interviewing human subjects - or examination of biological samples (such as blood or tissue samples) taken from humans cannot begin without specific Ethics Committee permission.  This session explains how to apply for permission through UREC, the University's Research Ethics Committee.  It is essential for anyone who is likely t obe working with human subjects or materials and may be of general interest to others.

'Tackling the writing up stage of the PhD'
Dr Susan Brooks, Deputy Head of the Graduate School, Training

It is never too early t ostart thinking aboiut writing your thesis and many students find the idea extremely daunting.  While this session is particularly helpful for those about to begin or are in the midst of writing, it may also be helpful to research students at every stage of their studies.  it is always good to know what you are aiming for!  The session clarifies what the University regulations say is required, provides hints and tips for successful and timely completion and is an opportunity to ask questions and get some impartial advice as well as sharing experiences and concerns with other research students.

Induction Session for new Research Students

This session is compulsory for all new research students as it is introduces many essential aspects of studying for a research degree at Brookes, including advice on what is involved,  how to officially register your project, goals and milestones, how to plan your time and keep up momentum, supervisor-student relationships, and introduces new research students to policies, people, support  and resources – such as library resources and the generic skills training programme – that will help ensure your success. 

13 February (Monday), 12.00pm – 4.00pm 

BG10+BG05

Publishing your work - Citations, impact and all that stuff

Professor Alistair Fitt, PVC Research

PhD Writing Workshop - Session 1 (Max 16 students - must attend all 3 sessions)

Kate Williams, Upgrade Learning Development Manager

Kate Williams, Upgrade Learning Development Manager

Helen Whittaker and Rowena Rouse, Learning Resources

Media Training Workshop
Media Players International

This one day Media Workshop, led by Media Players International, is for research students and staff who want to publicise their work, or comment on related topics, in the non-specialised media. This course will also help you build skills that will be crucial to getting grants in the future. Even if you have no plans to interact with the media, the skills gained will help you to deal with difficult questions in vivas, at academic conferences and in converting research findings to business applications.

Monday 12 March, 9.00am - 5.00pm

PhD Writing Workshop - Session 3 (Max 16 students - must attend all 3 sessions

Kate Williams, Upgrade Learning Development Manager

12 March, 2.00 - 4.00pm

BG01

‘Research degrees – strategies for successful part-time study’
Dr Susan Brooks, Deputy Head of the Graduate School, Training

While studying for a research degree shares many common features  whether you are doing it full time or part time, part time students do face unique challenges. Part time students are often more mature and have more complicated lives than their full time counterparts, some are returning to study after periods of time spent doing other things, many live geographically distant from the University, or are physically present on campus only occasionally, and all share the issues inevitably associated with pursuing a research programme over an extended time period. This session explores some of these issues, is an opportunity for part time researchers to share their experiences, and looks at some practical strategies for successful part time study.

14 March, 4.00 pm – 6.00pm

BG10

‘How to apply for ethical approval for a research proposal through UREC’
Dr Elizabeth Hurren, Chair of the University’s Research Ethics Sub-Committee

Any research project that involves the study of humans - even simply interviewing human subjects - or examination of biological samples (such as blood or tissue samples) taken from humans cannot begin without specific Ethics Committee permission. This session explains how to apply for permission through UREC ,the University Research Ethics Committee. It is essential for anyone who is likely to be working with human subjects or materials, and may be of general interest to others.

21 March, 4.00pm – 5.00pm 

BG10

Presentation Workshop - Session 1 (Open to all students)
Dr Susan Brooks, Deputy Head of the Graduate School, Training and Dr John Runions (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Most people find giving an oral presentation extremely nerve wracking, yet it is an essential skill for any research student to develop. In this friendly, interactive and constructive workshop we will look at what makes a good (and bad) presentation, explore practical advice for both putting together and delivering a great talk, and for overcoming nervousness. It is a good opportunity to share your experiences and concerns and get some advice from the experts, who will be happy to answer any specific queries you might have. It is aimed at any research student, at any stage in their programme, who wishes to develop their oral presentation skills.

Monday 16 April, 1.00pm – 3.00pm

BG10

'Getting a return on your investment in education
Dr Tracy Marr, Business Boffins

Monday 30 April, 4.00am– 5.00pm

BG10

Graduate School Poster Competition and Guest Lecture

This ‘live event’ is the culmination of the Graduate School Annual Virtual Research Conference. Submit  a presentation to the virtual conference ‘wiki’ in the weeks leading up to this event, then come along to see your presentation displayed as a poster, along with other entries  from across the University. There will be a guest lecture and cash prizes for the best presentations, along with a lunchtime networking reception.

'Presentation Workshop – Session 2' (restricted numbers – to be agreed at 16 April session)
Dr Susan Brooks, Deputy Head of the Graduate School, Training
Dr John Runions (School of Life Sciences)

This workshop is open to those who attended workshop 1 and numbers here are strictly limited. It is a hands-on experiential session where you have the opportunity to give a brief presentation – either something you are planning for a specific future event, or just for experience – in a close, friendly, supportive and non-judgmental environment. We will give you specific and positive feedback on what you do well, what you need to work on, and ideas on how to improve.

9 May (Monday), 12.00am - 3.00pm 

BG10

Research Student & Supervisor Networking Social Event - BBQ

This ever popular summer networking event is a great opportunity to celebrate the end of the academic year with a football tournament – play or just watch – and a barbeque and bar. Invite your supervisor and chat with research students and staff from across the University.

Date and Time to be confirmed

Sports Bar

‘Skills Summer School’
Dr Susan Brookes, Deputy Head of the Graduate School, Training and the Careers Office

The development of generic and transferable skills is accepted as being an essential element of a PhD and postdoctoral research. The challenges of doing a research degree are such that it is not easy to find the time to stand back and assess where you are and what you want to do next. Attending the ‘skills summer school’creates a space – a brief and valuable ‘holiday’ both from the familiar and from the research project -  and, crucially, a safe and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to experiment, be adventurous, try new things and push their own boundaries. There is also time for you to reflect, discuss, and to set your own future objectives for your research, for your career and for your life aspirations. It is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your strengths and skills and to focus on where you want to go and how you are going to get there. It will help you to identify ways to develop yourself, to see the relevance of your skills in different environments and to feel more able to promote yourself and your abilities. The approach is that of experiential learning – learning by doing. It is open to ALL Brookes research students and postdoctoral research staff, part time or full time, from all disciplines, and at all stages in their programmes. The theme of the first day is ‘collaboration & innovation’ and of the second day is ‘negotiation, communication and teams’ while the (optional) third day, held 2 weeks later, focuses on CV’s and interview skills.

5& 6  September, 9.00am – 6.00pm