Introduction to the University Graduate School Jim Bell, University Graduate School September 2014

The University Graduate School  Gateway to advice & support for postgraduate researchers (PGRs)  Provides personal & professional development  Oversees some administrative processes for PGRs  Guides University strategy on postgraduate researcher matters  Supports and works with Colleges & Schools in achieving high quality provision in terms of supervision, training and facilities

 Director of Graduate Studies – Prof. Gavin Schaffer  UGS Manager – Dr Catherine Mills  PGR Development Officer – Erika Hawkes  Marketing & Events Officer – Jim Bell  Research Council Studentships Officer – Pete Mandeville  Data Officer – Katharine D’Souza  Administrator – Sophie Pumphrey Who we are

UGS partners  Colleges  Careers Network and Entrepreneurship & Innovation  IT and Library Services  Centre for Learning & Academic Development (CLAD)  People & Organisational Development (POD)  International Students Advisory Service (ISAS)  English for International Students Unit (EISU)  Counselling and Wellbeing  Guild of Students & PGMSA  Vitae/Midlands Hub (

University Graduate School Events Some of our events:  Coffee and Cakes (Welcome Week 2014)  Think Graduate School (TGS) Fridays (throughout year)  Images of Research (March 2015)  Annual Research Poster Conference (16 th June 2015)  Writing Summer School (July 2015)

Some UGS events…

Winning 2014 ‘Images of Research’ photograph Hannah Hames (CAL)

Researcher Development  A standard-length full time PhD is 4 years (3 years plus writing up year) - this goes quicker than you think!  Developing a range of skills can help you meet this deadline.  Skills development is also vital in helping you demonstrate the impact of your research and in getting consistent results.

University Graduate School skills development Some of our skills development courses:  Time Management  Presentation Skills  Data Management  Speed Reading  Starting to Write for your PhD  Note taking

Development Needs Analysis  Space for reflection on each of the Research Development Framework domains and short PDP  Complete as part of discussion with supervisors regarding your skills needs  Form can be handed into the school or uploaded via BIRMS  The form and an FAQ document can be downloaded from the UGS website

Sources of Information  The UGS website The UGS website - Info on activities/events, sources of support, regulations & policies - Online catalogue of training & booking - Postgraduate researcher news  Monthly e-newsletter  , Twitter, my.bham portal, and Weibo

The University Graduate School Web: Twitter: Tel:

University Graduate School Online Resources  Development Needs Analysis  Doctoral Researcher Essentials  Tool kits (e.g. viva preparation)  Research & Information Skills (e.g. Ethics, Publishing, Intellectual Property, Careers Management…)

Talent Pool

Enterprise Summer School  Creativity and innovation  How do you start a business?  How do you create the team to get the job done?