Your Future

image of researcher during experimentHere you will find information about careers advice and support for PGRs, as well as links to further training opportunities and information on the support available at the University as you progress in your academic career.  Further links will be added soon.

Training

The College will be holding a number of training events linked to developing your skills and training needs through the year. More information will be posted about these soon.

In addition, the University has a number of processes in place to support PGR development, training, and progress.

DNA

You should work with your supervisor and local PGR lead to make sure you identify and work on your personal training needs using the Development Needs Analysis tool.

GRS2

You should work with your supervisory team to complete the GRS2 form every month. This form is not just to monitor your progress, but should be used to identify any training needs or skills gained as you go along your PGR journey. Information about the online GRS2 form for both students and supervisors can be found on the Graduate School's Monthly Supervision intranet page

Data Management Plan

The appropriate management of research data, including data management plans (DMPs), is recognised as excellent research practice. In recognition of the importance of DMPs to effective research, the development of independent researchers, and in support of the University’s Research Data Management Policy, the Graduate School Management Board agreed in July 2017 to make DMPs mandatory for all PGRs starting their programme in September 2017 or later.  The requirement to complete a DMP will be monitored during the PGR progress review.  For a complete definition of research data, please see the Research Data Management Policy

Training and advice on DMPs (and wider research data management) is available via Library Services:  access information via their Research Data Management or Data Management Plans webpages.  For DMP templates, visit DMPOnline or use the University’s Word template.  Face to face training and options to commission bespoke training are also available, details can be found on the Library's Training and Events page.  For any other queries or support around research data management, please contact research-data@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Careers

The University's Careers Network for Postgraduate Students provides a wealth of information, resources and support on careers options and next steps.

Further Support

Support for Postdoctoral and Early Career Researchers

If you are moving into a postdoctoral role at the University on completion of your PhD, you will be able to access a wide range of training and developmental opportunities to help you develop in your role and progress in your career.

The PERCAT programme within the Colleges of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Life and Environmental Sciences aims to provide a gateway to resources and support available at the University of Birmingham for career development and training for postdoctoral and early career researchers, including events, seminars, career development opportunities, research council funding, fellowships and other support services.