Student feedback: what you said

We take the quality control aspects of our training programme seriously, and we evaluate each and every event that we run. Last academic year (2006-07), over 1500 places were taken by research students on our central generic skills training programme, and we ran over 150 workshops. Over 98% of participants stated that they would 'positively recommend' the workshops and that they were well above average in meeting their training needs. When you visit the online booking system and browse events, you can view individual workshop evaluative comments from previous participants. In addition, we have provided below some more general comments about the skills programme from PhD students who attended last year.

Here is what they said:

“I find that just escaping work for a couple of hours (or more) to sit with students in similar situations lets me step back and look at my project and goals in a more objective manner. On the whole I find the sessions, aside from giving plenty of good advice, help to reassure myself that I can finish the thesis!” (James Suckling, School of Physics)

“All the skills sessions are very effective in bringing to the front of your mind what might sometimes be regarded as common sense in the PhD. Handouts and other literature are always included, so it is possible to refer back to the material at a later date. Also, being able to show to prospective employers that I have taken an interest in my skills development will be of great value.” (Lysiane den Breejen, School of Geography, Archaeology and Earth Resources)

“I have attended a number of skills workshops ranging from presentation skills, writing skills, project management, time management, assertiveness, speed reading and research ethics, to making the most of your supervisor. I’ve been genuinely impressed by the quality of workshops and the speakers. Many of the courses available are not provided elsewhere in the university and are vital (rather than just helpful) for getting through a PhD.” (Alice Moseley, School of Humanities and Social Sciences)

“There is a wealth of information in the skills programme all excellently presented; it is a great resource and it is there, free, for all of us to use. A huge bonus for me is the interaction with students from other areas of study. As a part-timer, and being older than the average, the seminars are a relaxed and pleasant way of making new friends, widening my academic horizons and discovering the problems of other PhD students and how they solve them.” (Pamela Richardson, School of Humanities and Social Sciences)

“I have come away with something positive from every skills session, which has been applicable to some aspect of my PhD. The sessions are also a break from the normal routine of a PhD and are a great way to meet other postgraduate students outside of my discipline.” (Nicola Foster, School of Biosciences)

“The whole skills programme is well above the average of my training experiences to date and intensely worthwhile in its own right. Indeed, some of the courses here have proved to be outstanding. So enrol on a course! The effort and enthusiasm of the co-ordinators and presenters is worth a few hours of your time.” (Craig Knight, School of Psychology)

“My experience of the skills programme has been very positive and I highly recommend them. Of the seminars and tutorials that I’ve attended, ranging widely across the spectrum of skills and professional development, all have been thoughtfully organised and genuinely helpful.” (Oliver Garrett, School of English)

“The Graduate School skills workshops offer a great opportunity for personal as well as career development. The seminars are presented by experts in a critical and self-challenging manner where group discussions and activities play a major role in the learning process. Although the seminars’ applicability ranges to all fields of knowledge, they are very well structured and professionally devised to target specific academic and career objectives. The focus is mainly on practical issues which enable strategic planning for the PhD." (Joseph Bayeh, School of Humanties and Social Sciences)