Introduction to the University Graduate School

Jim Bell, University Graduate SchoolSeptember 2014

The University Graduate School

Gateway to advice & support for postgraduate researchers (PGRs)

Provides personal & professional development Oversees some administrative processes for

PGRs Guides University strategy on postgraduate

researcher matters Supports and works with Colleges & Schools in

achieving high quality provision in terms of supervision, training and facilities

Director of Graduate Studies – Prof. Gavin Schaffer

UGS Manager – Dr Catherine Mills PGR Development Officer – Erika Hawkes Marketing & Events Officer – Jim Bell Research Council Studentships Officer – Pete

Mandeville Data Officer – Katharine D’Souza Administrator – Sophie Pumphrey

Who we are

UGS partners

Colleges Careers Network and Entrepreneurship &

Innovation IT and Library Services Centre for Learning & Academic Development

(CLAD) People & Organisational Development (POD) International Students Advisory Service (ISAS) English for International Students Unit (EISU) Counselling and Wellbeing Guild of Students & PGMSA Vitae/Midlands Hub (http://www.vitae.ac.uk/)

University Graduate School Events

Some of our events: Coffee and Cakes (Welcome Week 2014) Think Graduate School (TGS) Fridays

(throughout year) Images of Research (March 2015) Annual Research Poster Conference (16th June

2015) Writing Summer School (July 2015)

Some UGS events…

Winning 2014 ‘Images of Research’ photograph

Hannah Hames (CAL)

Researcher Development

A standard-length full time PhD is 4 years (3 years plus writing up year) - this goes quicker than you think!

Developing a range of skills can help you meet this deadline.

Skills development is also vital in helping you demonstrate the impact of your research and in getting consistent results.

University Graduate School skills development

Some of our skills development courses: Time Management Presentation Skills Data Management Speed Reading Starting to Write for your PhD Note taking

Development Needs Analysis

Space for reflection on each of the Research Development Framework domains and short PDP

Complete as part of discussion with supervisors regarding your skills needs

Form can be handed into the school or uploaded via BIRMS

The form and an FAQ document can be downloaded from the UGS website

Sources of Information

The UGS website- Info on activities/events, sources of support,

regulations & policies- Online catalogue of training & booking- Postgraduate researcher news Monthly e-newsletter Email, Twitter, my.bham portal, and Weibo

The University Graduate School

Web: www.graduateschool.bham.ac.uk

Twitter: @UoBGradSchool

Email: graduateschool@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Tel: 0121 414 6376

University Graduate School Online Resources

Development Needs Analysis Doctoral Researcher Essentials Tool kits (e.g. viva preparation) Research & Information Skills (e.g. Ethics, Publishing, Intellectual Property, Careers Management…)

Talent Pool

Enterprise Summer School

Creativity and innovation How do you start a business? How do you create the team to get the

job done?