A professional development framework for doctoral students
The Researcher Development Framework is the industry standard professional development framework for researchers
Professional development for doctoral students
Build a strong set of skills to succeed in your doctorate and enhance your future career prospects.
Your professional career development
Not only is professional development an expectation as a researcher it will also help you with your career development. We can help you through signposting training opportunities, as well as opportunities for you to develop your skills.
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.
Managing your professional development - a guide for doctoral students
Find out how to build an impressive set of transferable skills which can help you succeed in your doctorate and whatever you choose to do next
Recording your professional development during your doctorate
How to record training and other professional development activities in SAMIS
Skills and knowledge acquisition
Once you have identified what you need to know and develop, we offer a range of free courses, workshops and other resources through our DoctoralSkills Programme.
DoctoralSkills Programme
Enrol on our DoctoralSkills Programme to get access to free training and learning resources to support your professional development.
Develop your skills and build your networks
We have a range of development opportunities that you can get involved with. Whether that's presenting your research, facilitating a network or competing in one of our competitions.
Slice of Research
Find out more about our seminar series, Slice of Research, organised by the Doctoral College to help doctoral students share their research with others.
Doctoral Roundtable
Find out more about the Doctoral Roundtable series organised by the Doctoral College to help connect doctoral researchers with others to share their experiences
Doctoral café
Join us for our fortnightly doctoral networking event with a hot beverage and complimentary refreshments.
Writing Wednesdays and Virtual Writing Wednesdays
Find out how our weekly writing sessions can keep you motivated, reduce your levels of procrastination and help you achieve your writing goals.
Explain your PhD in just three minutes
Take part in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and develop valuable communication skills.
The difference development makes
Find out why researchers are making time to develop their skills
"Professional development delivered me clarity of thought."
Ionannis Costas Batlle, (PhD in Education) and now Lecturer in Education, reflects on the benefits of taking on different activities alongside doctoral study.
I didn't just get a PhD
Jon Chouler, Phd researcher in the Department for Chemical Engineering, reflects on the all-round experience his PhD has given him so far.
Get a head start with professional development
Elizabeth Kaplunov, PhD Health Psychology researcher, reflects on the benefits of training and development.
Other development opportunities
There are many other development activities that you can tap into whilst studying for a doctorate. Here are some things that may be of interest to you.
Teaching during your doctoral studies
Find out more about the value of teaching experience as a doctoral student, how to get involved and what support is available.
MySkills
University resource to support students with the development with a range of different skills: academic, language, digital, and wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Thesis
An online resource for postgraduate research students to support your wellbeing, learning and research.
Centre for Qualitative Research
The Centre provides training opportunities for staff and students at the University of Bath, including a workshop series for doctoral students.
GW4 partnership
GW4 is a collaboration between the University of Bath and Bristol, Exeter and Cardiff. Doctoral students can benefit from shared training and development.
Guide to undertaking a placement, or other work experience activity during your doctorate
Factors to consider and important information that you should be aware of before considering taking up a placement or other work experience activity
About us
The Doctoral Development Team provide the following to all doctoral students:
- Training and workshops through our DoctoralSkills programme
- Signposting of online resources to help your learning and development
- Opportunities to get involved and develop your skills through our researcher development activities
- Opportunities to broaden your networks with other doctoral researchers
- Opportunities to take part in competitions to develop your skills
Doctoral Development Team
If you have any questions about any aspects of your development or our development programme please get in touch with the Team.