Graduate Training programme
The School of Medicine, through the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, provides a comprehensive Graduate Training programme (GTP) for all registered research students.
Skills training is mapped to students’ individual requirements and covers transferable and professional research skills. The emphasis is on an organic programme of training that adapts to the requirements of postgraduate research (PGR) students as they progress through their degree.
A requirement of the Higher Education Code of Practice, the GTP has become an integral part of a student’s research experience while in the Faculty, and provides students with the strongest grounding possible to succeed, whether in academia or a medically aligned profession.
Research skills questionnaire
As part of the University and Faculty induction, all new students undertake a research skills questionnaire to identify any areas that may require further training.
Personal development plan
The training needs of each student should be discussed within the first three months of their research project as part of the supervisory-team meeting, which provides an academic perspective on any necessary training, in order to ensure any initial problems can be rectified as early as possible. This results in the development of the initial personal development plan.
The flexibility of the GTP allows for any emerging needs to be catered for immediately, with courses being set up should the need arise. This may take the form of collaboration with another Faculty or involve external input from specialists in certain fields, dependant upon the specifics of the training gap that has been highlighted.
Induction
As part of the Faculty induction, all students receive clear guidance on the support available in addition to the training programme. This support covers:
- Funding concerns
- Progression expectations
- Examination preparation, etc
During this initial induction, all students also receive a Student Handbook. This provides an overview of the training on offer, while also providing a reference on issues such as monitoring procedures, support services and academic codes of practice. The Faculty has a comprehensive postgraduate database to assist with the monitoring process, which highlights any delays in progression.
Speed PhD
The induction week includes the ‘Speed PhD’, a recent initiative that allows students to experience the rigours of a PhD from the point of initial abstract right through to examination. Working in groups, students are involved in tasks covering the spectrum of demands placed upon researchers such as:
- Time management
- Development of working relationships
- Library and computing skills
- Ethical considerations
During this period, there are opportunities for students to attend regulatory courses if required (Genetic Manipulation and Radiation Protection courses).
Workshops and training courses
The training programme is split into recommended Faculty workshops and ancillary training courses. Each year the workshops cover:
- Communications skills
- Networking and career advice
- What is required to gain your thesis and beyond
The training courses are designed to complement the workshops and provide additional support for PGR students in generic skills. Topics include:
- Effective presentations
- Negotiation and teamwork skills
- Ethics
- Statistical methodology
Husein Salem