Doctoral College

UWS has more than 1,000 postgraduate research students (PhD, DBA, ProfD, MPhil and MRes). Therefore, to better address career progression from PGR studies to academic and non-academic careers, Doctoral College enables:

• Creating and maintaining a collegiate, interdisciplinary research environment with the main aim to generate societally impactful research and produce highly employable doctoral graduates of the future. Our interdisciplinary postgraduate research spans across all Schools, proactively aligning the role of UWS Doctoral College with external drivers (including the need for societal impact as well as PGR student wellbeing and success);
• Fostering a collaborative peer-supported doctoral research culture across the University and our partner institutions worldwide through year-round events and initiatives in addition to professional development offered by UWS Academy [examples of initiatives in development: (1) PGR students peer-mentoring to improve transition to PGR studies, (2) Wellbeing and socialising club(s) to tackle isolation and support healthy lifestyle in a friendly environment, (3) joint international events with partner institutions worldwide];
• Monitoring progression and completion as a standard practice but also in response to the above initiatives to ensure (1) these are developed to address identified challenges and (2) that they lead to improved progression and completion patterns.

Collegiate Postgraduate Research Environment

Behaviours, Interactions and Wellbeing will represent the three key pillars underpinning the collegiate postgraduate research environment.

Behaviours

In addition to the existing effective processes, Doctoral College continuously develops and maintains systems and practices to instil Ethical practices and professional behaviours. This includes events to demonstrate and embed behavioural traits of highly successful students, supervisors, assessors and examiners.  Under the leadership of UWS Academy and the University Ethics Committee, Doctoral College helps in the development of training programmes to address ethical challenges across discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research.

Interactions

During their postgraduate research studies, students need to interact with their peers across different disciplines, academic and industrial communities.  Doctoral College engages students at all campuses and partner institutions to jointly organise social events (e.g. international dinners), academic conferences, industry seminars and interdisciplinary gatherings. These wide-ranging interactions build and enhance social skills, confidence and promote UWS internationally as a Global University of choice known for creating a supporting and rewarding Research and Enterprise environment. 

Wellbeing

Postgraduate research students face numerous challenges during their studies with often negative impact on their wellbeing.  Doctoral College, jointly with the University Student Services, SAUWS, Sports Centre and other stakeholders develops and runs a series of events, classes and respite sessions to maintain physical and mental wellbeing of our postgraduate research students.  Among others, these include: (1) Yoga classes open to PGR students, (2) UWS Laughter for Heath Club and (3) Healthy Diet Days.

Doctoral Training and Development

We are committed to providing high quality postgraduate research opportunities across the themes of Health, Society and Sustainability with the right blend of specialist insight, research training and professional development. The UWS Academy and Doctoral College are here to ensure that your time as a doctoral candidate here at UWS is as rewarding and enjoyable as possible and that you are prepared to meet your needs, expectations, and career ambitions. The Doctoral Training Programme will equip you for key roles in higher education and beyond, and enables you to make the most of the excitement and challenges of research.

The Academy works collaboratively with academic Schools, research groups and other departments such as Research Services and Enterprise Services, supporting strategic collaborations across disciplines and Schools by combining expertise from within our thematic centres of excellence, and numerous partner organisations.

A key feature of the programme is to achieve sector-leading personal and professional development, outputs and impact in an interdisciplinary and societal challenge-focused way. The UWS Academy jointly with the Doctoral College aspire to develop the UWS research graduates of the future with the skills and expertise to create impact and drive innovation in a wide range of sectors.

UWS Doctoral Training Programme

A key feature of UWS doctoral provision is the multidisciplinary doctoral training programme which is aligned to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework.

A cohort-based approach to training and development has been developed allowing participants to undertake activities that support their PhD journey and career development.

Use the link below to view the full programme of scheduled training activities and seminars for PGR students. Here you will find links to register for all Doctoral College training and events in the three key areas of support: Behaviours, Interactions & Wellbeing.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/uws-doctoral-college-8493535458

All research students are expected to engage in the programme during which you will gain a range of valuable skills in addition to the in-depth knowledge and understanding of your research topic.  Skills development has a critical part to play in your employability – it is well recognised that employers both within and outwith academia place great importance in, and recognise the value of, developed transferable skills in prospective employees. By planning and undertaking the right training and thinking about your professional and personal development you can significantly improve your employability.