THE POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHER DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY

researcher DEVELOPMENT AT YORK

The York Researcher Development Programme offers a range of training sessions covering topics to support postgraduate researchers to make the most of their research degree, develop a wide range of academic and professional skills, and plan for the next steps in their career.

PGRs can attend sessions at any point during their programme to suit their own needs, but this walkthrough helps identify the key activities which are relevant at each stage.

The Programme is aligned with the Vitae Researcher Development Framework, the UK's national standard which outlines the skills and knowledge required of effective researchers.

MAPPING OUT THE JOURNEY

FROM BEGINNING TO COMPLETION

In order to start planning your personal development, its helpful to divide your PhD into stages:

Year one

Foundations

YEAR TWO

Progression

YEARs THREE AND Four

Finalising

COMPLETION

GETTING STARTED

YEAR ONE

Planning your research programme and gaining foundational skills.

RESEARCH
SKILLS

  • Establish the basis of your project by framing your research question and establishing a formal Data Management Plan.
  • You must also gain ethical approval for your study and learn to use reference management tools like Endnote.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Use the first six months to identify your development needs through the Development Needs Analysis (DNA) tool and create an evolving Professional Development Plan.
  • Focus on building a productive working relationship with your supervisors and attend workshops.

ENGAGEMENT
AND IMPACT

  • Integrate into your academic community by joining departmental research networks and PGR groups.
  • You can also develop foundational communication skills by learning to design effective presentations for public engagement events.

YEAR TWO

Enhancing your research skills, consolidating your research, and exploring impact.

RESEARCH
SKILLS

  • Focus on advanced research management by planning your first academic paper and exploring the use of generative AI in research.
  • You will also navigate the midpoint of your project through formal progression meetings to ensure you are ready for the final stage.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Build your professional identity by creating a LinkedIn profile and participating in the PGR mentoring scheme.
  • You are also encouraged to gain teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant to develop valuable leadership and organisational skills.

ENGAGEMENT
AND IMPACT

  • Broaden your impact by presenting your research at external conferences and participating in the 3 Minute Thesis competition.
  • Learn to communicate your findings effectively across social media platforms and through academic poster design.

YEARS THREE TO FOUR

Refining your research, submitting your thesis, undertaking assessment, and looking to the future.

RESEARCH
SKILLS

  • Prioritise the completion of your final research outputs, including journal submissions.
  • You should also gain an understanding of bibliometrics to track your research impact and investigate grant writing for future projects.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Prepare for your career transition by booking 1:1 appointments with a PGR Careers Advisor and refining your CV.
  • This is the stage to explore Early Career Fellowships and practice interview essentials to secure your next role.

ENGAGEMENT
AND IMPACT

  • Focus on high-impact dissemination by engaging the public with your research and mastering advanced oral presentation techniques.
  • You will also begin to act as an academic citizen by participating in peer review and mentoring less experienced researchers.

COMPLETION

RESEARCH
SKILLS

  • Ensure your thesis is formatted correctly before submitting it electronically via the York Depository.
  • You will also need to prepare for your viva, which is the final oral examination of your doctoral work.

And finally...

TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE

HELPFUL LINKS

UPCOMING TRAINING

View all future training sessions organised by the Research Culture and Researcher Development Team at York.

Find out more

YORK GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL

Access a range of tools and resources to help plan out your personal and professional development, put together by YGRS.

Find out more
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