Introduction to the White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Centre Susan Molyneux-Hodgson Director, WRSSDTC

Welcome

WRSSDTC A collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York Encompasses all of the PGR social science provision at these institutions One of the largest DTCs in the UK Part of a national network of 21 centres of excellence funded by ESRC ESRC fund 48 studentships per annum across 23 research pathways

Our Vision Increase research capacity in the social sciences and enhance doctoral training to meet the demands of the contemporary knowledge economy Build on current strengths in – qualitative and quantitative methodologies – skills training provision – international leadership in core social science subject areas Develop our interdisciplinary strengths in key areas

The DTC Research Pathways Politics and International Relations Education Sociology (inc. gender studies)Economics Management and Business (inc. Finance, Work Psychology) Area Studies (inc. East Asian studies) Human Geography Social History Psychology Social Work Social PolicyPlanning

The DTC Research Pathways International DevelopmentHealth & Wellbeing Science and Technology StudiesSocio-legal Studies Environment & Sustainability Linguistics & Language Sciences Communication and Media Studies Security, Conflict & Justice

Challenges Developing a ‘whole social science’ approach Building ways to share training across sites Alignment of systems and practices across 3 leading research Universities This DTC is for all social science students & supervisors Maximising the opportunities and enhancing the experiences for all social scientists

Training and Resources You can access training at your home institution, at the other two White Rose universities, within the UK network of 21 DTCs and via a national methods service.

Designing your doctoral training a) Complete a ‘needs analysis’ b) Select the best programme from the available opportunities. Your training will probably include:- General social science training (philosophy; methods) Pathway and subject specific activities (events at home or partner universities; subject modules at M-level) Cross-DTC activities e.g. conferences, summer schools Transferable skills training e.g. events on impact, developing research grants, dissemination

On entry to doctoral study, the student will be asked to discuss training needs with their Supervisor and agree a training plan. Training Needs Assessment: Year 1Year2Year 3 Substantive topic? Data required and sources? Practical/ethical issues raised? Analysis of datasets TNA1: Methods to secure data TNA2: managing research TNA3: Data analysis skills

ESRC priority: National Centre for Research Methods

Future activities:- Faculty of Social Sciences Induction, University of Sheffield Introduction to FSS programme, 9 th October, ICoSS. National Conference for First year ESRC students 8 February 2013 Central Hall, Westminster, London. National Conference for Final year ESRC students Hosted by University of Sheffield, 24 th April WRSS DTC Methods Conference 7 th May 2013, University of Leeds To include talks on cutting-edge methodological issues, student poster competition and student-led discussion panels.