1. Training and development
Supervisory Training

2. This module provides an overview of the training and development opportunities that are available This section contains information on the following areas/themes: - Training & Development Overview - PGR pathway of training - Training and resources for supervisors

3. The Training & Development available……
The Training & Development available……. The SPoRT Programme Researchers at Salford can take advantage of an extensive range of development activities. The Salford Postgraduate & Staff Research Training (SPoRT) programme is designed to help researchers: - Develop the skills needed for effective research - Provide transferable skills to enhance employability - Support thesis writing and submission process - Exposure to the wider professional research environment through conferences and dissemination - Build confidence, capability and collaborations through bespoke training Complementary to Core research milestones The SPoRT programme is aligned to the core milestones of the Postgraduate Research journey meaning that training is available at the appropriate progress point compliments the research activity. Face-to-face sessions run at key points in the academic calendar, these are complemented by a library of on-line resources, tutorials and courses. A booklet of training is available from the PGR web pages and is sent to current supervisors at the beginning of each academic year.

4. Part of a National framework……
Part of a National framework……. Salford's research development programme is aligned with the national Researcher Development Framework (RDF), which sets out the knowledge, behaviours and skills of successful researchers. For further information, please refer to: The RDF provides researchers with a useful guidance on skills to develop and a vocabulary to evidence their skills on their CV.

5. Confidence development…… Confidence and conference development through SPARC SPARC (Salford Postgraduate Annual Research Conference) is designed to provide essential experience and practice opportunities for the PGR community. The conference typically runs in July, after School or departmental symposia and ahead of events in the next academic year. The benefits include: - Students have the opportunity to reflect and build on previous experiences and a chance to practice and adapt their approach for the next round of conferences. - The critical skill that SPARC develops is how to present research to a lay or non-expert audience. This is an essential requirement for many research grants, sponsors and for career development. - SPARC provides researchers with additional feedback on their posters, presentations and abstract writing as well as the opportunity to develop social skills, networking and potential collaborations and improve confidence. All PGRs are expected to contribute to SPARC. Supervisors are also invited to support their researchers at SPARC over the two days and beforehand (copied into abstracts, posters and presentation submissions)

6. PGR Training Pathway…… For each stage of the PGR journey, there’s training available. Please note the list is for illustration only and is not exhaustive.
Research Skills
Communication skills
The Thesis and beyond
Professional career development
Year 1
Introductory and Advanced Research Methods e.g. SPSS, NVivo,
Managing the Literature, using Endnote and referencing tools
Introduction to library resources
Project management and organisation
Principles of experimental design
Academic writing
Critical writing and thinking
LEAP Higher/ Wordscope
Abstract writing
Preparing a Literature review
Report writing for APR, reflective practice for annual SER
Interim Assessment
Research data management
Using other peoples work in your research
Research ethics and integrity
Creating and developing a professional network
Conference and Symposium attendance
Year 2
Research Seminar series by discipline
Analysing and evaluating research methods
Organising and synthesising your work
Identifying and presenting the research question/ critiquing your own work
Poster presentations
Writing a conference paper
Conference and Symposium participation/ submission
Adapting your writing to your audience
Improving your academic writing
Writing an academic paper
Peer review and insights into the editorial process
Internal Evaluation
Time management and procrastination
Writing a lay abstract
Teaching experience/ widening participation
Volunteering and developing researcher-led activities and seminars
Writing for funding
Year 3
Completing your research/ field work
Developing your research methods thesis chapter – approaches and challenges
Writing retreats/ developing approaches to avoid procrastination and write effectively
The Elevator pitch – summarising and presenting an overview of your work
International Conference and Symposium participation/ submission
Structuring the thesis
Approaches to planning your thesis chapters
Open access and publications
Developing your writing style
Proof reading and making amendments
Managing the submission process
Viva voce preparation/mock viva
Career development 121 support: CVs, applications and interviews
Grant writing & Fellowships,
Commercialisation and developing business plans
Career opportunities within and outside of HE
Career opportunities UK and Overseas
Job hunting for researchers
Personal branding and self-promotion

7. Training resources for supervisors…… The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requires all Universities to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This is known as the Prevent Duty. If you have concerns about your student, please refer to: Further information on services and support: - Counselling Well-being - Learner support Blackboard has a dedicated Academic and research staff development area including a Supervisor checklist, ‘The good supervisor video’ and Independent chair resources – such as forms and the IC checklist:

8. Training resources for supervisors…… Vitae: Advice and guidance for supervising a doctorate: The Higher Education Academy: Tips and further reading for supervising and supporting international students: Postgraduate Research Supervision Network - THE RESEARCH SUPERVISOR'S BIBLIOGRAPHY For queries relating to training and development, please contact Davina Whitnall