Why professional development is important
Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research, but also as part of your longer term career development.
Professional development for doctoral students
Build a strong set of skills to succeed in your doctorate and enhance your future career prospects.
Why professional development is important?
Not only is professional development an expectation as a researcher, it will also help you with your career development.
Accessing development opportunities
The Doctoral College can support you with your development. Doctoral researchers can book onto our workshops and events, access online resources and can sign up for development opportunities through _MyDoctoralDevelopment_.
Doctoral Development Programme: workshops and student-led activities
Explore the range of workshops and activities to support the development of your research skills and transferable skills throughout your doctorate and beyond!
Doctoral Festival of Ideas
The Doctoral Festival of Ideas was held on 17th and 18th June 2025 and featured an inspiring programme of events to celebrate and enhance our research culture.
Explain your PhD in just three minutes
Take part in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and develop valuable communication skills.
Coaching scheme for doctoral students
Find out if the Doctoral College's Coaching Service is right for you to support you with your own learning or address a specific research-related challenge.
Doctoral Research Culture Month
Join us in June 2025 for our flagship annual events: the Doctoral Research Celebration Evening and the Doctoral Festival of Ideas.
Doctoral Training Room - 10 West 5.01
The Doctoral Training Room can be found in 10 West 5.01 and can be used for PGR training and doctoral student activities.
The difference development makes
Find out why researchers are making time to develop their skills
Meet Ioannis
Ioannis Costas Batlle, (PhD in Education) and now Lecturer in Education, reflects on the benefits of taking on different activities alongside doctoral study.
Meet Jon
Jon Chouler, Phd researcher in the Department for Chemical Engineering, reflects on the all-round experience his PhD has given him so far.
Meet Elizabeth
Elizabeth Kaplunov, PhD Health Psychology researcher, reflects on the benefits of training and development.
Doctoral Development Team
- Oli Schofield , Head of Doctoral Development and Experience
- Fiona Alexander, Doctoral Training and Events Officer
- Caitlin Naylor, Doctoral Research Culture and Development Officer
- Taif Aljebory, Doctoral Development and Project Coordinator