PGCARMS: a hybrid model of doctoral training Dr Catherine Mills University Graduate School Manager, University of Birmingham 1

Overview Background PGCARMS structure & content Relationship with DTPs Lessons learnt Next steps 2

Background Proposed creation of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Research Methods and Skills (PGCARMS) as part of UoB ESRC DTC advanced training provision Opportunity to develop and trial innovative approach to DR development Managed by UGS. Provision delivered by Colleges, UGS and central University training partners. Make clear UGS involvement in DTC bid and how this opportunity for close working with a DTC presented itself Means of addressing advanced training requirements of ESRC for its funded PGRs. Innovative new approach to PGR development – combining advanced research methods and transferable skills. Accredited provision. Collaborative development model – managed by the UGS. Made up of training provision developed and delivered by academic staff in Colleges, UGS and central University training partners such as the Centre for Learning & Academic Development and the Enterprise & Innovation team. 3

PGCARMS structure 60 credits worth of modules that can be spread over the normally registered period of the PhD. PGCARMS combines research skills training with advanced transferable skills training. Year 1 Visual Research Methods [10 credits] Questionnaire Design [10 credits] Introduction to Public Engagement for PGRs [10 credits] Year 2 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis (using NVivo) [10 credits] Policy Evaluation [10 credits] Year 3 Self Reflective Portfolio [10 credits] Example route through PGCARMS 4

Research Methods Advanced research methods modules drawn from existing School or College programmes e.g. Advanced Qualitative Analysis New modules developed by Schools and added to PGCARMS to reflect diversity of candidates e.g. Advanced Research Training in Macroeconomics New modules developed for specific Doctoral Training Partnership cohorts e.g. Basic Quantitative Skills for Systems Biology & Team Work and Collaborative Working Skills 5

Transferable Skills PGCARMS candidates must take at least one advanced transferable skills module e.g. - Consultancy Skills for Researchers [10 credits] - Enterprise skills for Researchers [10 credits] - Intro to Learning & Teaching in HE for DRs [20 credits] - Intro to Public Engagement for PGRs [10 credits] - Professional Internship Placement [10 credits] - Team Work and Collaborative Working Skills [10 credits] These are run by the UGS, central training partners (e.g. Enterprise & Innovation team) and College partners. New modules currently under development: Advanced Project Management 6

Assessment Distributed assessment and marking model Individual module assessments set by the module leader e.g. Narrative Research module 3000 word research strategy document Formative feedback and 500 word reflective writing assignments Overall assessment 4000 word self-reflective portfolio produced at the end of PGCert registration period Flag support PGRs receive in reflective theory and writing – peer support workshop, drop in portfolio sessions etc provided by the UGS.

Management of the programme UGS ‘owns’ PGCARMS. Responsible for: programme administration (handbooks/web resources, registration, monitoring of progress) quality assurance and evaluation secretarial support for PGCARMS governance committees teaching/assessment on UGS-run modules induction, reflective theory/writing workshop & portfolio drop in sessions. UGS, College and central training partner membership on PGCARMS governance committees. Reporting links to DTP Management Boards Current cohort 80 (ESRC, open CoSS & BBSRC) 5 PGRs graduated 2 more portfolios with EEs 14/15 increasing to 148 (16 ERSC, 15 open CoSS, 15 BBSRC, 23 AHRC…MRC and NERC tbc)

Relationships with UoB DTPs PGCARMS provides advanced training for: ESRC DTC (since Jan 2012) BBSRC DTP (since Oct 2013) AHRC DTP (starting 14/15) NERC DTP (starting 14/15) MRC DTP (starting 14/15) ESRC DTC relationship BBSRC tailored pathway

Lessons Learnt Key elements for success: Varied module provision Cross-institutional staff understanding and support for programme and processes Acknowledgement in staff workload models Clear and detailed PGCARMS guidance for PGRs Transparent evaluation and quality assurance mechanisms 1. Processes for evaluating programme and gathering PGR and staff feedback 2. Example feedback 3. Changes made in response/lessons learnt

Next steps PGCARMS expansion Stage 1 (14/15- 15/16) new DTPs and open places PGCARMS expansion Stage 2 (16/17) University-wide New modules (research methods & transferable) developed 14/15- Open out to external students (17/18-)? Current cohort 80 (ESRC, open CoSS & BBSRC) 14/15 increasing to 148 (16 ERSC, 15 open CoSS, 15 BBSRC, 23 AHRC…MRC and NERC tbc)

Any Questions?

Get in touch Catherine: c.mills@bham.ac.uk www.graduateschool.bham.ac.uk @UoBGradschool