Introduction
The SSF research training programme was first launched in 2009-10. It was formed in response to student feedback as well as our bid for ESRC block grant funding for PGR research and is delivered by social scientists from across the University who have volunteered to take part. The programme also features some external speakers with special expertise in particular areas.
The Research Councils’ requirements for training and development stress the importance of generic research training and preparation for a professional career - http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers. The SSF programme follows these requirements and concentrates on subjects and themes supporting the development of general research skills as well as those now required for the modern academic career and careers elsewhere in the public, private or third sectors. These themes are covered in cross disciplinary discussion groups. More subject specific opportunities are available in Schools or external specialist events. The advantage of this framework is that dialogue between disciplines and Schools through an informal, workshop type approach to learning is supported. In this environment the onus is on you to discuss, participate and learn from your peers across all the Faculty’s Schools and from experienced Faculty staff as you progress through the research and writing of your thesis.
The programme also encourages you to be an active part of the Faculty’s research community with an emphasis on learning through experience. To support this, the later stages of the programme concentrate on the acquisition of skills which are now essential for anyone intending to progress as a twenty-first century academic in the social sciences but which are also transferable to other professions outside the academy.
The programme for 2012-13 is now available to read or download:
