Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Doctoral education – the role of skills training

Dr. Jon Turner

Institute for Academic Development, University of Edinburgh

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

• Themes

• Case studies

• Issues to consider

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Changing face of doctoral education• Apprenticeship model

of sole supervision

• Unstructured

• Little formal training

• Isolated

• Preparation for academic career

• Supervisory teams

• Structured progression and training

• Emphasis on formal training (specialist and transferable skills)

• Joining postgraduate and academic community

• Preparation for broader range of careers (including academia)

• Improved researcher experience

• Higher completion rates

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Variability, complexity and flexibility

• Purpose of doctoral education• Doctoral programme structures• Central vs local provision• Collaboration in skills training

– Pools, disciplines, networks

• Risk of overload• Impact on doctoral researchers,

especially part-time and international

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

ResClim - Norwegian Research Schoolin Climate Dynamics (www.resclim.no)

Need for a new type of scientist:• Expert knowledge in depth• Broader knowledge – climate

system complex interactions• Networking and collaboration• Communication• Ability to take active part in

prediction, mitigation and adaptation

Activities funded:• Intensive courses• International workshops• International summer

schools• Biannual symposium• Annual meeting (students

and supervisors)• International research

visits and conferences

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Researcher-led initiativesE-journals and conferences

• Communities of postgraduate researchers • Experience of academic publication and

communication• Linked to formal and

informal training• Workshops and seminars• Networking and

social events

http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/esharp/

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Part-Time Researcher Conference• Collaboration: Universities, Vitae Hub, SFC• Designed for part-time PhD researchers & research staff:

– Including professional doctorates and distance– Based on feedback from part-time researchers– High quality venue, major event– Informed by activities tried by institutions

• Content:– network with colleagues from diverse research areas &

universities; – develop professional skills; – consider future careers; – Meet service providers from universities across Scotland

and Northern Ireland.• Evaluation and impact

vitae.ac.uk/policy-practice/916-203971/Part-Time-Researcher-Conference.html

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh Principal’s Career Development PhD Scholarships

• 60 new scholarships, open to all applicants & fields of study

• Include additional career development opportunities:– University teaching– Public engagement– Enterprise

• First scholarship holders arrive in September

www.scholarships.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/development.htm

Institute for Academic Development

University of Edinburgh

Issues• Diversity and flexibility of provision

– Positives and risks• Collaboration in skills training

– Disciplinary, across Scotland, internationally• International experience

– Within institutions – Encouraging mobility during doctorate

• For benchmarking project– Think holistically– Identify both strengths and areas for enhancement