Introductory description

This module seeks to raise awareness and provide transferrable skills in order to succeed in the PhD research process and how to manage a research project.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Time management

• How to conduct literature research
• Using referencing software
• The review process and how to respond to reviewers
• Academic writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Communicating research and use of social media
• What is impact and how to achieve it
• Research Integrity (plagiarism, issues in research governance and what to do if research misconduct is suspected)
• Ethics (how to deal with research involving human, animal, sensitive information, etc. and the relevant ethics approvals)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify current topics and research questions in the field.
• Ability to identify problems in the literature which offer opportunities to make a contribution to the field.
• Evaluate the originality, coherence and effectiveness of a range of current theories and models in the field.
• Identify different ways in which phenomena are addressed in this field, both theoretically and empirically.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Identify current topics and research questions in the field.
Ability to identify problems in the literature which offer opportunities to make a contribution to the field.
Evaluate the originality, coherence and effectiveness of a range of current theories and models in the field.
Identify different ways in which phenomena are addressed in this field, both theoretically and empirically.

Transferable skills

Write clearly and succinctly, displaying a high level of conceptual understanding, and with appropriate use of referencing.