Postgraduate Research Skills Training Dr Liam Marnane Dean of Graduate Studies

Traditional PhD Apprenticeship Model –Student Supervisor Focus on Research –Excellence in Research Outcome –Position in Academia –Specialist in Industry

Research Degrees in UCC Thematic - PhD in Health Services Research Structured - all other PhDs Practitioner Doctorate - DBA in Business Economics Doctor of Medicine - MD Masters by Research – MRes, MSc, etc Different Start Dates

Changing Nature of PhD Can we help students prepare for research better? Can we broaden the areas they learn about? What do they do afterwards and how can we prepare them for this? EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training

EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training Research Excellence Attractive Institutional Environment Interdisciplinary Research Options Exposure to industry and other relevant employment sectors International Networking Transferable Skills Training Quality Assurance

Definition of the Irish Structured PhD High quality research experience, training and output Core and basis of award is the thesis Student normally has primary supervisor with supporting panel Employability beyond academia very important Programme for education and personal and professional development Progress formally monitored within institutional system Four year registration the norm

UCC Structured PhD Pillar 1: High quality research experience Pillar 2: Modules for Credit & other training opportunities Pillar 3: Annual Review Pillar 4: Co-Supervision or Supervisor & Advisor

Pillar 2: Coursework and Training European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System:- ECTS Credits 1 Credit Equivalent to 25 Hours Student Effort Undergraduate Course:- 60 Credits Per Year Taught Masters:- 60 Credits Courses + 30 Credits Dissertation Research Masters 90 Credits PhD:- 90 Credits per year 90 Credits: Hours -> 45 fifty hour weeks

Pillar 2: Coursework and Training Masters by Research:- Minimum research content of 90 Credits –No credits can be formally taken in 1 year; Need to discuss with your supervisor –can be taken in >1 year of study PhD:- Minimum research content of 240 Credits –30 credits can be formally taken in 3 years –90 credits can be formally taken in 4 years Formally Taken:- Transcript

Pillar 2: Coursework and Training 15 credit minimum level of training, typical expected level up to 30 credits Only PG-coded modules will be formally recognised for , unless discipline specific modules are approved at application sign-off stage Up to 10 credits can be awarded for external modules Elements such as internships will be recognised for credits

Over to You What Training, Skills, etc. do you require for your Research?

Transferable Skills Training Research skills and awareness Ethics and social understanding Communication skills Personal effectiveness/development Team working and leadership Career management Entrepreneurship & innovation

UCC Website

University Calendar

Modules for Postgraduate Training

Book of Modules PGXXXX

Postgraduate Training Modules

PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills

PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills

Other Training Opportunities

Library Workshops

Factors in Choosing Modules Training Needs Analysis – what do you need help with? Consider your workload Consider the relevance (note how these are judged by others, e.g., IRCHSS) Check timing of delivery and how to apply What are the benefits? What about intellectual satisfaction/ stimulation How can you accelerate your completion? Don’t sign up for everything that is available

Pillar 3 Annual Reviews For your Benefit 3 Years is a long time Run by Local Graduate Studies Committee –Report –Presentation –Poster NOT an EXAM

Pillar 4 Supervision Supervisory team –2 or more staff members with significant responsibility for the direction of the student’s research Sole supervisor + PhD advisor

Advisor Model of Supervision Pastoral care and student support Procedural issues Induction and integration with School / Dept Contact: supervisor/student relationship break down Does not offer specialist academic support Expected to meet the student twice per year Safety net Not expected to play a role in the progress review process

Thank you!