Graduate college supervisor training

Training Sessions On Demand

The Oral Examination, the Role of the Internal Examiner

On demand: pre-recorded materials only.

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Please note that no member of staff who has not previously examined a research student at Oxford Brookes University may be proposed for the role of internal examiner unless they have completed this training session.

Incorporating mentoring principles into your supervisory practice

On demand: pre-recorded materials only.

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Description: Supervision should be supportive, and should encourage the research student to develop the skills they need to become an effective and independent researcher, as well as providing constructive critical feedback on progress. Whilst all supervisor-student relationships are unique, depending on the personalities and the needs of those involved, and whilst mentoring and supervision are distinct, still incorporating some basic mentoring principles into everyday research supervision can be highly effective. In this session, we consider the benefits of taking this type of approach, and consider practical ways in which it can be used to foster independence, self-confidence and reflection in our research students.

Supporting your research students to manage their research records and make a data management plan

On demand: pre-recorded materials only.

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Description: Whatever your discipline, your research student will keep records of their research and be required to produce a 'data management plan' for registration. In this presentation we consider the many different types of research records and 'data' that research students generate, and how, as supervisors, we can support them to think carefully about how they capture, store and manage the outputs of their research throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Supporting your research student to build an effective professional network

On demand: pre-recorded materials only.

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development

Description: We are all aware that effective networking is an essential skill for a researcher and can contribute considerably to your career success whether you choose to stay within academia or seek a career in another field. However, networking is a skill that does not come easily to many. As a supervisor, we have a responsibility to encourage and support the research students in our care to develop effective professional networks. In this short presentation, we will suggest some ways that we can do this in a supportive and practical way.

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Semester 1 2023

Induction Session for new Research Students

Date and time: Monday 2 October 2023, 15:00 - 17:00

Location: Live event on room JHB 205 followed by networking and celebration at The Terrace.

All supervisors should ensure that new students attend this session. Online training materials will be ready to download from the Research student training Moodle course in advance of the live session.

Research Ethics Process for PhD Students

Date and time: 11 October 2023, 11:00 to 12:30

Location: online via Google Meet Conferencing. An invitation will be sent out by email to all those who have registered for this session.

Presenter: Lauren Morry, Research Ethics Officer.

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 to be working with human subjects or materials and it may also be of general interest to others. 

Supervisors will find this a useful session to attend as preparation for guiding your students through the process of preparing and applying for ethical approval.

Semester 2 2024

Please register below for each of the training sessions you would like to complete.

Research and Research Management Training - Supervisor Training - Session 1

Date and time: 24 January 2024, 13:00 to 14:00. 

This session will be repeated on 12 June 2024, 13:00 to 14:00.

Format: Live online session via zoom (you will receive the zoom link once you have booked your place).

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Resources: All training materials are available to view/download from the staff portal. These resources are mandatory so please read them before the session.

How to book: You can select the training date that suits when you click on 'Book your place'

Keeping up to date with your research

Date and time: 6 February 2024, 13:00 to 14:00

Format: Live online session via Google Meet conferencing (you will receive the link once you have booked your place).

Presenter: Helen Whittaker, Academic Liaison Team Leader

Description: Keeping up to date with the huge amount of information available to you can be overwhelming and challenging. This session provides tips and strategies for staying current in your area of research and managing your information. We will also look at key current awareness resources and tools. This event is for staff and research students.


Induction Session for new Research Students

Date and time: 7 February 2024, 15:00 - 17:00

Location: CLC G.32

All supervisors should ensure that all new students attend this session. 

Online training materials can be downloaded from the Research student training Moodle course in advance of the live session.

Research and Research Management Training - Supervisor Training - Session 2

Date and time: 21 February 2024, 13.00 to 14:00. 

This session will be repeated on 10 July 2024, 13:00 to 14:00

Format: Live online session via zoom (you will receive the link once you have booked your place).

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Resources: All training materials are available to download from the staff portalThese resources are mandatory so please read them before the session. 

How to book: You can select the training date that suits you when you click on 'Book your place'

Research Ethics Process for PhD Students

Date and time: Wednesday 20 March 2024, 10:00 to 11:30

Location: online via Google Meet Conferencing. An invitation will be sent out by email to all those who have registered for this session.

Presenter: Lauren Morry, Research Ethics Officer.

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 to be working with human subjects or materials and it may also be of general interest to others. 

Supervisors will find this a useful session to attend as preparation for guiding your students through the process of preparing and applying for ethical approval.

Experienced Supervisors' Update

Date and time: 22 May 2024, 12:30 to 14:00.

Format: Live online session via zoom (you will receive the link once you have booked your place).

Presenter: Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development.

Description: This session is open to all supervisors who have not attended any training for one or two years. It is designed to up-date you on changes to Research Degree Regulations and procedures and to inform you of specific priorities set by the Research Degrees Committee in order to comply with and take forward all OfS requirements and the University's current Research Strategy.

Concerned about a student?

Who do I talk to if I'm worried about a student?

Contact student support if you are concerned about a student or visit their website for further information for staff supporting students.

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Contact us

For further information about the Graduate College sessions or if you would like to discuss your training needs, please contact Research Degrees Team.

Research Degrees Team

rdt-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk