The response of physical science post-graduates to training courses and the connection to their PhD studies

Pritchard, J., MacKenzie, J. and Cusack, M. (2009) The response of physical science post-graduates to training courses and the connection to their PhD studies. International Journal for Researcher Development, 1, pp. 29-44.

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Abstract

Training in both employability and discipline-specific skills has been provided and expanded over a number of years for post-graduate research students, (PGRs) in the Faculty of Physical Sciences administered by the Physical Sciences Graduate School (PSGS) at the University of Glasgow. This project explored the training provided in 2005/06 with a view to further developing a programme that students and faculty alike consider appropriate, timely and developmental for the needs of research students. The training provided by the PSGS had grown over a number of years in response to suggestions from academic staff in the Faculty of Physical Sciences. Data were collected from Postgraduate Research students (PGRs) from all the stages of the 3 year PhD process to enable a complete map of views to emerge. In particular, the way PGR students perceive the training they undergo in relation to their core PhD research and career progression was examined. The students in our study also identified clearly where they perceived they were developing such transferable skills, and training sessions are not seen as the sole or even major source; the research group itself would appear to play a major role. The authors believe the finding could inform the provision of PGR training in other UK institutions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cusack, Professor Maggie and MacKenzie, Dr Jane and Pritchard, Dr Jane
Authors: Pritchard, J., MacKenzie, J., and Cusack, M.
Subjects:Q Science > Q Science (General)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
Journal Name:International Journal for Researcher Development
ISSN (Online):1759-751X
Published Online:01 January 2009
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