PhD Essentials
PhD Essentials
PhD Essentials
Every PhD is different, but there are some key areas of knowledge and skills that many researchers find valuable throughout their doctorate, including Upgrades, Vivas, productivity, poster design, and presentation skills ( and many more)
We've grouped these resources by stage of the PhD to help you navigate what's most relevant for you. However, researchers come to their PhD with a wide range of experiences and expertise, so feel free to explore the topics that best match your individual needs and development goals.
RDO Autumn-PhD Essentials - Keeping you on Track
| 30/09/2026 | 11.00-12.00 | 10 Things I Wish I'd Known at the Start of my PhD | Book |
| 01/10/2026 | 12.00-13.00 | 10 Things I Wish I'd Known at the Start of my PhD (IN PERSON, ON CAMPUS) | Book |
| 02/10/2026 | 13.00-14.00 | 10 Things I Wish I'd Known at the Start of my PhD | Book |
| 05/10/2026 | 10.30-12.00 | Increase your Productivity | Book |
| 05/10/2026 | 16.30-18.00 | Emotional Intelligence for Researchers | Book |
| 07/10/2026 | 10.00-11.30 | Understanding the PhD Upgrade: a starting point for PGRs | Book |
| 14/10/2026 | 16.30-18.00 | How to prevent burnout during your PhD | Book |
| 19/10/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Goal Setting: moving forward | Book |
| 20/10/2026 | 10.00-11.30 | Building Adaptability & Strategies for Sustaining Motivation | Book |
| 20/10/2026 | 12.30-14.00 | Preparing for your Viva | Book |
| 29/10/2026 | 10.30-12.00 | Visualising your Research: how visuals can help plan your PhD | Book |
| 04/11/2026 | 10.30-12.00 | Dealing with Impostor Syndrome | Book |
| 10/11/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Tackling Perfectionism | Book |
| 02/12/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Preparing for your Viva | Book |
| 03/12/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Understanding the PhD Upgrade: a starting point for PGRs | Book |
PhD in a Second Language
The series is designed and run by a Warwick PhD Alumni, Lecturer and RD facilitator who still occasionally struggles to find the correct word. For Autumn Term 2026 we are piloting Coaching Circles rather than workshops. We will let you know whether we will return to a workshop series or continue the circles once we have reviewed the pilot in December. Please do contact Luana at RDContact if you would like to know mmore.
The Hidden Gift of Fewer Words-What writing in a second language taught me about writing Catherine E. De Vries
Upgrade or Viva coming up?
We have sessions to support you and help you plan ahead.
Get an idea of what to expect and some hints & tips to be at your best. Our Viva session covers some common asked questions and you will have time to plan responses.
Part time PhD
For those who are studying their PhD alongside work, caring responsibilities, industrial partners' needs and life, then this community is especially for you.
We try to give as much notice of our programme and offer alternative timings such as evenings, weekends and vacation periods. We offer twilight sessions and Saturday mornings to extend the week to meet people's varying needs.
Check out our specific Part time PGRs RDO Teams Channel
Researcher Development Framework 2025
More information on Vitae's Researcher Development Framework 2025 and Vitae
Professional Development Planning for Researchers
Vitae members area(you will need to register with your Warwick email) will enable you to access more materials, more networks and keep in touch with events within researcher community
Responsible Innovation
A process that seeks to promote creativity and opportunities for science and innovation that are socially desirable and undertaken in the public interest.
A variety of frameworks, tools and resources have been developed to support Responsible Innovation for both research and business communities.
Publishing & Publications
Research Integrity
‘Research integrity’ refers to high quality and robust practice across the full research process i.e. the planning and conduct of research, the recording and reporting of results, and the dissemination, application and exploitation of findings.
Make sure you are aware of your commitments and responsibilities
Check out our 'Understanding the importance of Research Ethics & Integrity' Podcast
Research Integrity resources
University Integrity Webpages
University Code of Practice
Epigeum Research Integrity Training
RDO Integrity & Ethics Workshops
RDO Questionable Research Workshops
Dilemma Game- developed by Erasmus University, Rotterdam