Professionalizing the PhD
Doctoral Seminars
Introduction
At the School of English we have prided ourselves on the formal support mechanisms we have developed for postgraduate students particularly to MAs. We have a well developed induction programme, which emphasises research-based knowledge, and provides incoming students with a programme of training in the use of research tools, resources and methodologies; our approach has been commended by both subject reviewers and the wider community of English studies in the UK. In the PhD, the foremost formal support mechanism is provided through the working relationship between supervisor and supervisee. The School as a whole, however, is committed to preparing doctoral students for future careers either in academia, or in other fields. It is to address this important issue that this seminar series is conceived.
This is not intended to be a course in research training. Likewise it is not intended to supersede any element of the PhD supervisor's responsibility. The series of developmental seminars detailed below is offered to students across their three (or four) years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent), and is intended as training in career development, which has as its specific remit the preparation of doctoral candidates for the job market, both within and without English studies. By conceiving a framework for professionalizing the PhD, it is hoped that doctoral students will emerge from the Queen's experience well prepared for the challenges of the academic or non-academic workplace.
For details of the 2010-11 Professionalising the PhD schedule click here
