Training and development

Conducting a training needs analysis is an invaluable exercise for any researcher looking to enhance their performance and support their development. This friendly assessment conducted with support from supervisor(s) enables students to examine the specific knowledge, skills, and capabilities already within their skillset, and to identify areas of development, creating a clear roadmap for designing impactful training programs tailored to their individual requirements.

Our training needs analysis prompts our PGR students to consider 26 statements pertaining to their current skillset and then recommends a training framework to support them throughout the various stages of their research journey. Students are asked to review their TNA annually, reflecting on their current skillset and redesigning a subset of training activities to support their development. To support this development, we offer internal and external opportunities of growth.

Newly registered students will be sent details which explain how to access the TNA. If you need help accessing the link, please email proficio@essex.ac.uk.

Our courses equip researchers with the resources and skills to excel in their research. You'll learn how to plan your research degree strategically, tackle common challenges, and develop transferable skills to communicate effectively with both academic and non-academic audiences. Additionally, the courses facilitate networking opportunities with fellow postgraduate research students across schools and departments, to make the most of your PGR community.

Developing transferable skills is crucial for research degree postgraduate students, as it enables you to work effectively across a range of sectors, from industry to academia. By thoughtfully and strategically assessing your skills, goals, needs and areas for growth, you can take control of your professional development and become a successful researcher.

All our courses are aligned with the Vitae Research Development Framework (RDF), an internationally recognised framework that outlines the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for successful researchers. This framework is designed to help you understand the competencies expected of effective and highly skilled researchers.

You can find more information about our internal training courses, including details on how to book, on the Student Directory.

In our quest to build well rounded researchers, all PGR students are allocated a funding allowance to be used for training and development and conference attendance. This flexible approach ensures students can curate a tailored training plan, which can be adapted during their research journey:

• PhD, Professional Doctorates and Integrated PhD programmes are allocated £2,500 funding, £500 of which can be used for conference attendance.
• Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) programmes are allocated £1,500. You can use £500 for conference attendance.
• Masters by Dissertation programmes are allocated £1,000. You can use £500 for conference attendance.

If you have identified an external training course which would be beneficial to the successful completion of your research degree, and a similar course is not available at Essex, you can apply to use your funding to pay for the course. Your funding will pay for any travel and accommodation associated with the attendance at this training. 

Attending academic conferences can be an incredibly valuable experience for postgraduate research (PGR) students. These events provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the latest developments and cutting-edge research within one's field of study. By engaging with renowned experts, listening to thought-provoking presentations, and participating in stimulating discussions, PGR students can deepen their understanding of their research area and gain valuable insights that may inspire new directions for their own work.

Conferences also offer an invaluable platform for PGR students to present their research and receive constructive feedback from experienced academics and peers. Utilising the funding for conference attendance not only helps to refine and strengthen the student's research but also builds their confidence in communicating their findings to a wider audience. 

The 3MT competition, short for the Three Minute Thesis, showcases the incredible research and communication skills of graduate students. In this unique challenge, participants are tasked with presenting their complex, often highly specialised research in a concise, captivating three-minute presentation, accompanied by a single static slide.

This seemingly simple format requires students to distil years of intensive study, experimentation, and discovery into a tight, polished presentation that engages and enlightens a general audience.

Participants need to hone their ability to explain their research in accessible, jargon-free terms, cultivating a vital skill that is all too often overlooked: the capacity to translate knowledge into compelling narratives that resonate with the public. Through this unique platform, 3MT empowers the next generation of researchers to become eloquent ambassadors for science, scholarship, and discovery, sharing their work with clarity, passion, and immense skill.

As an entrant in the Essex competition, you will receive support and training prior to the event. Additionally, you will be considered for a financial award as part of the competition. The winner will then advance to the national competition, and the national winners will progress to the international level.

Coaching can provide immense value for postgraduate research students as they navigate the challenging journey of their doctoral degree. As PGR students delve into their specialised fields of study, they can easily become consumed by the complexities of their research and life as researchers.

A coach can help PGR students establish clear goals and develop strategies to stay on track, providing an objective perspective to identify areas for improvement and growth. Through regular check-ins and collaborative problem-solving sessions, a coach can also teach valuable skills like time management, stress reduction, and effective communication - equipping PGR students with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and maintain their momentum.

In addition, a coach can serve as a confidential sounding board, offering a safe space for students to process their emotions, build confidence, and explore career aspirations beyond their current program.

All PGR students at Essex are eligible to receive coaching as part of their research journey at Essex, ensuring students are empowered to maximise their potential, enhance their overall wellbeing, and ultimately achieve greater success in their studies and future endeavours.  

Current students can arrange a 1:1 coaching session, provided by Organisational Development, here.

At Essex, we’re dedicated to developing well-rounded researchers, which enables our graduates to succeed in the world of academia or industry. During the transition from student researchers to graduate, our careers service will provide a wide range of support, from developing effective job search strategies and crafting impactful CVs and cover letters, to honing crucial soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. You can find out more about our Essex Career Service here.

Through a blend of interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities, PGRs gain a competitive edge in the job market, learning how to effectively market their unique academic expertise and research experience to prospective employers.

Should you be interested, we encourage students to explore with their supervisors the diverse career paths beyond the traditional academic track, identifying the vast array of opportunities available with an Essex research degree.

We recommend that postgraduate researchers utilise the available professional development opportunities, progressing from the world of study to the world of work. Ultimately, this holistic approach ensures that PGRs are well-prepared to leverage their achievements and embark on fulfilling, rewarding careers that align with their unique skills, interests, and aspirations.