Preparing for your first annual progress review FMS postgraduate training workshop Monday 2 March 2015 Professor Dianne Ford Associate Dean for Taught Postgraduate Studies, FMS (Previously Director of PhD Studies), FMS PhD supervisor/progress panel member

Overview Progress review timeline Preparation –Research report/literature review Relevant researcher development programme sessions –Presentation Relevant researcher development programme session –Other documents/materials –Student’s report to panel –(Supervisors’ report to panel) During the interview After the interview

Progress review timeline 4 year MRes/PhD 3 year PhD 12 months submission deadline! 6 months 12 months (MRes result) 8 months 20 months29 months 8 months 20 months29 months 42 months* *if still to submit First PhD progress review

Progress review timeline Full details:

Preparation Research report/review –Read guidelines. First review – literature review, aims, preliminary results (7,500 words) Second (and third) review – shorter report (3/4 pages; maximum 10): summary of data, detailed analysis of some data; strengths and weaknesses; “to do” list; appendix Final review – detailed breakdown of structure of thesis; identify research to complete –Be sure to cite information from other sources correctly Plagiarism will be treated seriously –Provide sufficient information to “bring your panel up to speed”. –Ask your supervisor for feedback. Check he/she will be available and agree a deadline for submission of a draft, giving you sufficient time to make any changes –Pay attention to presentation. –Submit in good time, including a hard copy if required.

Preparation Research Student Development Programme training sessions Tomorrow (Tuesday 3 March) – “Writing a literature review”; Writing Development Centre Tuesday 12 March 2015 – “Writing your first year report”; Dr AlisonTyson-Capper, Faculty Postgraduate Tutor (Associate Dean)

Preparation Presentation –Stick to rules/guidelines –Make sure the presentation helps you to communicate effectively Show key “visual” information, avoid use of lots of text etc. –Ask for input from supervisor

Preparation Documents/materials of possible use to your panel (and thus of use to you) –Your e-portfolio –Research diary or lab book –Copies of abstracts/conference proceedings etc. –(Approved project proposal; upload with report)

Preparation Student’s report to the panel –Be honest and reflective Discuss in advance with your supervisor/supervisory team/institute PG Research Student Coordinator any issues raised?

Preparation Supervisors’ report to the panel –A reminder will help speed up the process of you receiving official notification of the outcome of your review.

Preparation Know your panel. Read your report, and your project proposal. Lab books/research diaries and information on training attended Be organised. –Arrange date and time well in advance and as convenient for panel members, book room (and inform panel), get key, set up PC and projector etc.

During the interview Don’t assume the panel has expert knowledge of every aspect of your project. –Provide reminders/clarification where you think helpful. Don’t be afraid to defend your research, but be receptive to panel’s suggestions. Take the opportunity raise any concerns you may have. –E.g. completion of research, attendance at training courses and access to other activities important to your training and future career Remember, it’s a “progress review” rather than an “assessment”

Possible outcomes

After the interview Reflect On receipt of panel report –Discuss recommendations etc. with supervisor/supervisory team. –Be proactive in engaging in any activities/practices recommended or required by the Head of Institute (Institute PG Research Student Coordinator).

Finally.... Bear in mind that the review process is for YOUR benefit