A professional development framework for doctoral students
The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) 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
MyDoctoralDevelopment
You can book onto our workshops and events, sign up for development opportunities and access online resources through MyDoctoralDevelopment.
MyDoctoralDevelopment
A site for doctoral students to access training, learning resources and development opportunities.
Develop your skills and build your networks
We have a range of development opportunities that you can get involved with. These include opportunities to present, focus on your research or facilitate a roundtable or network.
Doctoral networking events
Join us at a networking event to take a break from your research and meet other researchers.
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
Virtual Writing Wednesdays and Writing Retreats
Find out how our virtual writing sessions and retreats 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.
Doctoral Research Focus Weeks
Find out more about Doctoral Research Focus Weeks and what is happening during the programme.
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.
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.