Induction & Training
As postgraduate research study can commence at any time of year, we place particular emphasis on providing a structured induction process - to provide students with an understanding of the academic and social environment in which they will be working. Following on from the pre-arrival support, an individual induction plan is devised for each new student, which includes:
- Meetings with the Postgraduate Tutor, supervisors and support staff.
- Introduction to other research staff and students.
- Provision of dedicated office space, computing and email accounts.
- Overview of University services and facilities such as the library.
- Student Handbook including guidance on wider support mechanisms.
- Membership of the relevant research group.
- A formal welcome to ITS by the Director during a departmental meeting.
Training
Our approach to skills training recognises the diverse backgrounds and experience of our research students, as well as on practical considerations such as the flexible start date. So, rather than a single programme of courses compulsory for all, our model is of a bespoke plan tailored to the individual needs. Each student is asked to produce and submit a personal training plan within their first two weeks, based on consultations with their supervisors. Students and supervisors are expected to regularly review this plan (including a formal review at upgrade), in order to identify any new needs and appropriate methods for meeting these needs.
There are a wide range of training opportunities offered by the University, which the student and supervisors can consider when devising the personal training plan. These include:
- Courses on research methodology and practice provided in the Faculty Training Programme.
- Skills training courses (e.g. presentation skills) offered by the Staff and Departmental Development Unit (SDDU).
- Computer and information technology skills, delivered by Information Systems Services (ISS).
- A series of internal, external and specialist ITS subject group seminars.
- Subjects within ITS taught programmes (e.g. Masters modules) and associated short courses.
- Specialist topics from the University's wider catalogue of undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
- Graduate training schools, such as the UK GRAD Programme and White Rose Interpersonal Skills School (WRISS).
Financial support is also available for students to attend external courses and conferences (for those who do not already have this as part of their funding arrangements). Students are particularly encouraged to attend and present a paper at the national academic conference organised by the Universities' Transport Study Group (UTSG), which takes place each January and requires abstracts to be submitted around six months in advance.
