Researcher Development

The Researcher Development programme is provided by the Doctoral College to help you get the best out of your time at Warwick and the best out of yourself.

The Researcher Development programme is designed by researchers, for researchers.

Our workshops are created and delivered by people who understand the realities of research because they have experienced it themselves and continue to value development opportunities throughout their own careers.

We believe that you are in charge of your own development.

Our role is to provide supportive, interactive learning opportunities that help you explore challenges, build confidence and develop as a researcher. Through coaching-focused, small-group sessions, you can shape your learning around your own goals, strengths and interests.

We deliver over 200 workshops each year across our Six Pillars of Development, offering support at every stage of the research journey. 97% of participants say they would recommend the workshops they have attended.

Researcher Development is also a thriving community of over 2,500 researchers, connected through workshops, online spaces and shared experiences. Many members of the Researcher Development team are Warwick PhD alumni, bringing first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges of doctoral research.

Want to know even more - then check out our presentation

Researcher Development 2026-2027

Why Researcher Development?

"The prime gain from doing a PhD is little to do with the subject.

It is the life skills; surviving countless struggles, persisting through difficult times, becoming a resourceful problem solver and independent thinker; and knowing when to ask for help.

Invaluable for any future role!!"

Doing a PhD is a training ground preparing yourself for this and the next stage of your next career.

The RDO Autumn Programme is here and bookable from 14th September on SkillsForge

The RDO programme is also searchable by three stages-

which offers suggestions for what we think are key for this part of your PhD journey.

But do feel free to attend any stage - it's your research journey, your development, your PhD.

Researcher Development Online (RDO)

Researcher Development Online (RDO) offers flexible, online development opportunities to support you throughout your research degree.

Workshops run throughout the year, including evenings, weekends and vacation periods, making it easier to engage with development activities around your research and other commitments.

Resources

Need a refresher?

Whether you missed a workshop, are waiting for a place on a session, or simply want to revisit key ideas, our online resources are available whenever you need them.

Moodle: workshop materials, guides and resources
YouTube: short intro videos
Podcasts: ideas, discussions and inspiration

All resources are updated regularly and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.

The Six Pillars of Development

Our approach to PGR development is holistic, which acknowledges that PGRs are researchers and academics, and also multifaceted individuals with diverse needs. We offer a comprehensive and integrative curriculum that supports your intellectual development and also your wellbeing.

Accelerator

Start your PhD with confidence.

Designed for researchers in the early stages of their doctorate, Accelerator helps you build momentum, develop essential skills, and connect with fellow PGRs as you establish your research community.

PhD Essentials

Develop the foundations for success.

From productivity and wellbeing to communicating research and navigating key milestones, these sessions focus on the skills and strategies that every researcher needs, regardless of discipline.

Research Practices & Methodologies

Build confidence in research.

Explore research methods, integrity, ethics, project planning and collaborative working to strengthen your research practice and decision-making.

Writing Support

From first draft to final thesis.

Develop your academic writing skills, organise complex ideas, communicate research effectively and access writing retreats, proofreading circles and strategies for overcoming writer's block.

Careers & Next Steps

Start planning your future now.

Explore academic and non-academic career pathways, identify opportunities to enhance your experience, and develop the skills and confidence needed for your next step after the PhD.

PhD in a Second Language

Supporting multilingual researchers.

For researchers undertaking their PhD in a second, third or additional language, we are piloting coaching circles for this Autumn.

RDO Feedback Form

Expression of Interest Form

This is our weekly calendar for when the programme is running. Check in with what is on offer when the Autumn programme starts in October.

Welcome to SkillsForge (warwick.ac.uk)

Do you have any questions? Contact us via RDcontact@warwick.ac.uk or use the Contact and Feedback Form

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