The aim of this extended programme, delivered by Learning and Teaching Support Services (LTSS), is to equip postgraduate research students with the skills and personal qualities that will enable them to undertake teaching and learning activities within their school to the best of their ability. Teaching roles can provide postgraduate research students with valuable work experience and extra income whilst also providing a welcome break from research activities. Teaching enables research students to develop their skills in communicating their work to non-specialist audiences.

Depending on subject area, basic teaching duties might typically involve running tutorials with undergraduates, demonstrating during laboratory work or other practical classes, and facilitating fieldwork. Extended teaching duties may cover student assessment and giving lectures. Participants on the teaching and learning programme will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to successfully fulfill their teaching responsibilities to a high standard. All of the learning and teaching sessions will be practically orientated and will require participants to adopt a reflective approach to their teaching.

The programme is designed to be flexible, with a core of 4 hours entitled 'How to manage your teaching and create a suitable learning environment', with up to 16 additional units on a variety of topics that are focused on a wider range of teaching situations of postgraduate students. The further units can be selected, depending on the individual needs of postgraduates. Schools will decide how many units postgraduate research students should attend. There will be a contact person for the learning and teaching programme within your School who you should consult in the first instance, but further details can also be found at the Teaching Assistants Programme website

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The Library

Libraries have always paid an indispensable part in the research process. Even the most heavily laboratory-based project requires familiarity with the written reports of predecessors in the field, most often in the form of a long trail of journal articles, while the researcher who concentrates on texts will need a complex network of articles, books, reports and, perhaps, primary sources.

Establishing the existence and whereabouts of these materials – we have well over a million volumes on our shelves at Exeter – demands skills in the use of such finding aids as catalogues, indexes and bibliographies, to an extent not needed at undergraduate and Master’s levels. The situation is both enriched and complicated by the increasing availability of online versions of books and journals (we subscribe to 9,500 online journal titles), along with their finding aids. More than ever PhD students have a treasury of material available to them at Exeter, and more than ever they need to equip themselves with the skills to find their way round it. As well as running various library sessions for the Graduate School, specifically for PhD students, as detailed in the online booking system and skills booklet, also visit University of Exeter library website.

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Careers and Employment Services

The Careers and Employment Services staff have a wealth of expertise and will be able to help research students plan their future irrespective of whether you are firmly committed to a particular career or are completely undecided about which path to follow.

Its services are available to all research students, including international and mature students, both while you are studying here and after you have graduated. In addition to formally contributing to the Generic Skills Programme, the service runs a comprehensive programme of its own events, including individual guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, practice job interviews and individual guidance on preparing your CV and making your applications.

The Careers and Employment Service is based at Reed Mews on the Streatham Campus where its extensive careers library has information on the full range of graduate occupations and publicity in the form of books, leaflets and videos from a huge number of employers.

You can also access on-line services at the The University of Exeter Careers Website

Also, postgraduate research students are encouraged to visit the University of Exeter Employability Website for lots of information and advice on how to make yourself more employable.

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The International Office

The International Office warmly welcomes international postgraduate research students and we will do everything we can to ensure that you benefit fully from your academic studies and receive support and friendship during your stay here. International students often find the UK education system different to their previous experience. In particular you may notice that the UK PhD offers a higher level of independent study and more of an emphasis on developing or expressing ‘critical judgement’, which means an ability to assess whether an argument is coherent and well supported by evidence rather than an ability to remember lots of facts and figures. Some international research students find it difficult to adjust to these different learning and teaching methods at first but there are lots of sources of information to help you.

You can also go to the International Office in Northcote House, or visit the University of Exeter International Office for more details.

Linda Shand, the International Student Advisor whose office is in Northcote House can provide a copy of the UKCOSA Guidance notes on UK Study Methods. This pamphlet explains some of the common academic terms and gives some helpful study tips. You can also download the UKCOSA leaflet for international students.

The International Office also encourages international students to be aware of The UK Council for International Education (UKCOSA) which provides useful advice and information to international students studying in the UK.

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The University of Exeter Student Counselling Service

The Counselling Service is available to any student who wishes to discuss personal difficulties that may be getting in the way of a successful postgraduate experience. Embarking on a postgraduate degree can be demanding. Sometimes these demands can become overly stressful or worrying, or may cause students to question the value of their degree. Whatever your situation, counselling offers the opportunity to explore personal issues in a confidential setting. Many students find that talking things over with a trained listener can offer them a different perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

Students can refer themselves directly to the Service, either by booking in person or by telephone during reception hours. The Service is based in Reed Hall, Hailey Wing, on the Streatham campus. Reception is open daily from 9.30 -1.00pm and from 2.00-5.00pm in term. A reduced service operates during the vacations. Visit The University of Exeter Student Counselling website for more details.

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The Study Skills Service

The Study Skills Service offers individual appointments for postgraduate research students in the following areas for example: Time planning and organisation, planning and writing the thesis, reading strategies, presentations and in less specific areas such as motivation, confidence and critical thinking and writing. The service is free and appointments are tailored to individual needs and priorities. Appointments can be booked online at the Study Skills Service website.

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The English Language Centre

The English Language Centre offers a range of classes, workshops and tutorials to international students at the University, including postgraduate research students, who feel they need, or would like, help and support in studying through the medium of English. There is even a special research student group. Students wishing to make use of the service will need to register on the programme. There is no charge for this service. Visit the English Language Centre website for more details.

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The Foreign Language Centre

The Foreign Language Centre provides credit-rated and non credit-rated language courses for postgraduate research students. Some students follow a credit-rated course in order to prepare for research/study in a foreign country. Visit The Foreign Language website for more details.

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The Disability Resource Centre

The Graduate School warmly welcomes and supports postgraduate students with disabilities. The Centre promotes equality of opportunity and aims to prevent discrimination wherever possible. The Disability Resource Centre offers the following services, for example: one-to-one tuition with dyslexia specialists, one-to-one appointments with disability advisers, one-to-one tuition for IT skills and advice on how to apply for a Disability Allowances. Contact The Disability Resource Centre website for more details.

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IT Services

IT Services provides a wide range of facilities and services designed to help you while you are a student at the University. These services may change frequently in order to take advantage of advances in technology. IT Services runs introductory and some advanced courses in the use of the major systems and software packages that the university provides and supports. Visit the IT services website for more details.

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External Training Providers and Contacts

The UKGRAD Programme

The role of the UK GRAD Programme is to ensure that all postgraduate researchers are fully equipped and encouraged to complete their PhD and to make a successful transition to their future careers. UKGRAD recognise that doctoral researchers are some of the country’s most talented individuals: you have the potential to make a significant difference to the economic competitiveness of the UK. The UK GRAD Programme has a key role in enabling you to realise your potential.

UKGRAD offers a 'Just for Postgrads’ website - their extensive website provides advice and guidance on:

· Managing yourself: evaluating your skills and setting personal objectives;
· Managing your research: time management, managing your supervisor and understanding support mechanisms;
· Planning your career: building a career plan and effective networking;
· Launching an academic career: publications and project management;
· Marketing yourself to other employers: CVs and applications and interview techniques.

GRAD courses - If you are looking for inspiration, skills and motivation to help you to complete your research effectively, and an opportunity to think about your next move, then a UKGRAD course is for you. GRADschools can help you improve your personal effectiveness, project management abilities and communication skills, leaving you better equipped to complete your doctorate. Attending a GRADschool can also help you to think about your future career options.

The University of Exeter strongly encourages all research students to attend a UKGRAD school, irrespective of funding status. Here is a typical comment from a previous UKGRAD participant:

“The GRADschool was an amazing experience which helped me to develop both as a researcher and as a person” PhD student, University of Warwick.

Visit The UKGRAD programme website for more details.

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Researchers in Residence

Researchers in Residence is a placement programme funded by the UK Research Councils and the Wellcome Trust. The scheme enables PhD students to work alongside teachers and pupils in school. There is no financial cost to the school as all of the costs are met by the project. There is no charge for research council funded students, but a fee does apply for non-research council funded students.

Who are Researchers in Residence?

Researchers working on a PhD, at the cutting edge of research, but willing to make a contribution to making school science more relevant and exciting for young people. The researchers are enthusiastic and excellent role models who can help with anything from projects and investigations, to careers advice.

What do Researchers in Residence do?

They will work with teachers and pupils in a secondary school, providing them with a different perspective on science. But how is down to the researcher and the school. How about getting the researcher to help your classes with their science investigations or projects, helping on field trips and science fairs, or setting up a 'murder mystery' forensic science activity?

How long are Researchers in Residence in school?

That's down to you and the school, but it needs to add up to about 25 hours, usually spread over a number of visits, many schools opt for 6 or 8 half day visits, some prefer full days, but that's for negotiation too! The placements can be arranged for any time during the school year to create flexibility for both the teacher and the researcher. Sheffield Hallam University will supply all the necessary information and support material to make the placement a success. The researchers may choose to return to their former school, others opt for a school close to their university.

What should I do now?

The earlier that schools and researchers are put in touch with each other, the quicker the placement details can be sorted out.

For more information and to register with the project please contact Nicky Fuller at the Centre for Science Education at the address below.

Nicky Fuller
Centre for Science Education
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield S1 1WB
Phone/fax: 0114 225 4880
E-mail n.a.fuller@shu.ac.uk

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Research Councils UK (RCUK)

RCUK is a strategic partnership through which the UK’s eight Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support.

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The National Postgraduate Committee (NPC)

The National Postgraduate Committee is a charity to advance, in the public interest, postgraduate education in the UK. They are made up of postgraduate student representatives from educational institutions. The NPC aims to promote the interests of postgraduates studying in the UK, while remaining politically non-aligned. The Committee holds an annual conference, and publishes various guidelines and codes of practice. Visit the NPC website for more details.

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