With your intended supervisor, you will begin an initial assessment of learning needs geared to your PhD e.g. research methods training.

Students are provided with research methods training in year one consisting of a weekly in person class each term. This must be completed by you unless exempted by the supervisor and the department. Before arrival, students are advised to plan well in advance to attend these dates and discuss.

More detail on Research and Training is available and updated annually.

You will also receive an induction to the University and the Centre. With your supervisor, you will continue to discuss your learning needs. You will be introduced to relevant staff including your Personal Tutor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Generally, we use a dual supervisory model in the Centre for Lifelong Learning. This means you will usually have at least two supervisors who will be appointed before you start with us. Your supervisors will analyse your research methods training needs and advise you of courses you need to follow. These will usually include two or more of the social sciences research methods modulesLink opens in a new window (Research Design, Practice and Ethics IM926; Philosophies of Social Science Research IM924; and Foundations in Qualitative Research IM925) plus relevant courses from the Doctoral College’s Researcher Development Programme.Link opens in a new window 

You will experience at least monthly supervision, if a full-time student, and every two months if part-time. This takes place via Teams and/or at the University according to the needs of all involved. In the first year, you will broaden your literature review and continue to work on your research proposal. You will also discuss progress regularly with your Personal Tutor.

Your progress will be reviewed on an annual basis and developmental needs identified. You will be initially registered on an MPhil and progression to the PhD will follow successful completion of an upgrade panel towards the end of your first year (full-time) and second year (part-time).

You will be provided with a pleasant PhD study room equipped with modern PCs, desks, and lockers.

You will be invited to attend and participate in the combined staff and student seminar programme. This provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.

You will be provided with suitable training and opportunities for teaching practice. We can offer 10 hour paid teaching projects to our postgraduate researchers tailored to abilities / experience and departmental needs.

You will participate in the University's researcher development programme including: academic writing; literature review; research ethics and governance; developing your academic profile; impact and public engagement; project management; proof reading and editing; and viva (oral defence of thesis) preparation.

For more information visit the Doctoral College website.

You will be provided with facilities and support to realise your full potential including the extensive Library holdings and the Wolfson Research Exchange. There are many opportunities to organise your own workshops and reading groups, evening social events, cultural celebrations and more.

Students can also study for their PhD remotely and will be offered support to engage with other students..

Find out more on the University's postgraduate webpages.