Transferable Skills
For further detail and information on this topic, current students and staff may use the >> Handbook <<Link opens in a new window
Beyond developing subject specific skills, postgraduate study is also an opportunity to develop a range of transferable skillsLink opens in a new window such as communicating orally and in writing to various audiences and readerships, project organisation and time management, or creative and independent thinking. These skills will be valuable in whatever career students decide to go into, whether academic or industrial.
The Department, the Science Faculty, and the University acknowledge this professional development and support it by offering various training opportunities for postgraduate students and researchers.
First year
The Mathematics Institute runs two tailored modules:
- Computational TechniquesLink opens in a new window (Term 1):
Organised by the MathSys CDT for their MSc/PhD students in their first year, this is a seminar series that serves to broaden computational skills.
Attending the seminars is expected, but it is possible to augment this activity and get it credited by doing the Practical Application of Computational TechniquesLink opens in a new window module, which will count towards the Certificate in Transferable Skills (see below). - Speaking with StyleLink opens in a new window (Terms 2/3):
The ability to communicate facts and findings to fellow mathematicians at workshops, seminars etc. is an essential skill for a research mathematician. The main objective of this module is to enhance the ability of first-year PhD students to orally present a substantial piece of mathematics in a clear, concise, and lively fashion to a general mathematics audience. The activity is delivered by some theoretical and practical sessions throughout the year.
Subsequent years
As part of the Science Faculty, the Mathematics Institute encourages PhD students to take training opportunities that count towards the PG Certificate in Transferable SkillsLink opens in a new window. This certificate is externally examined and ensures that the training is structured and well documented.
Whilst this is not compulsory, the University expects postgraduate students to engage with their Professional DevelopmentLink opens in a new window. The platform SkillsForgeLink opens in a new window has been set up for booking courses, but also for evidencing and documenting training activities and analysing individual needs.
The above mentioned SkillForge platformLink opens in a new window provides an overview of training available via various providers. These include:
- The Researcher Development ProgrammeLink opens in a new window run by the Doctoral CollegeLink opens in a new window.
- The libraryLink opens in a new window offers dedicated space for postgraduate researchers such as the Wolfson Research ExchangeLink opens in a new window and runs a couple of networking eventsLink opens in a new window. Thus, it provides access to support and opportunities to work and to share experiences in the broadest context of postgraduate life, not just subject specific study.
- Further general computing trainingLink opens in a new window is offered by IT servicesLink opens in a new window.
- For students thinking about an academic career, opportunities for early career researchers are offered by the Institute of Advanced StudyLink opens in a new window.
- The Centre for Applied LinguisticsLink opens in a new window provides support with developing English language skills.