Workshops for PhD students
The Academic Skills Centre run a number of workshops for PhD students through Talent & Development. Click on the workshops below for more information, dates and how to book a place.
The Writing Process – Getting Started with the Literature Review
Workshop Description
The Literature Review is often the first piece of writing a research student is expected to complete and submit for critical appraisal but this can be a daunting prospect, and there is sometimes a lack of understanding as to the purpose of and expectations around such a piece of writing.
In this flipped workshop you will first work with online resources which will explore the purpose and role of the literature review before encouraging you to explore and develop ideas around content, structure and style. You will then have the opportunity to discuss your ideas, challenges and questions in the live discussion-based workshop.
Aims of the workshop
By the end of this workshop you should:
- understand the purpose of the literature review and the role it plays in your thesis
- have identified ways of ensuring that your literature review engages critically with the existing literature in your field
- have identified how the literature review will fit into your thesis in terms of structure
- have begun to work on some ideas for writing-up the literature review effectively
When will this workshop run?
- 2nd November 2023, 14:00-15:00 online
- 25th January 2024, 10:00-11:00 online
- 2nd May 2024, 09:30-10:30 online
Book a place
All bookings must be made through the Talent & Development website. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings any other way.
Getting to Grips with Referencing – How to Cite Right and Avoid Plagiarism
Workshop Description
In this flipped workshop, you will first engage with online materials and activities which will cover 1) the purpose and mechanics of referencing, 2) different referencing systems, and 3) using evidence effectively and ethically (including effective paraphrasing and quotation). You will then have a chance to discuss areas of interest in more detail and raise questions at the subsequent live workshop.
Aims of the workshop
By the end of this workshop you should:
- understand the basic mechanics of referencing and be comfortable switching between different styles
- know which system(s) you need to use in your discipline and where you may find more information and tools to help you
- understand where and how referencing and the use of evidence fits into the broader process of research and writing
When will this workshop run?
- 7th December 2023, 14:00-15:00 online
Book a place
All bookings must be made through the Talent & Development website. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings any other way.
Preparing for your Thesis Monitoring Committee (TMC)
Workshop Description
The TMC is an important element of doing a PhD at Dundee, yet many research students are unsure of what this process will entail and how best to prepare. In this flipped workshop you will first of all engage with online materials which will help you to explore the nature of a TMC, your role (and the role of others) in the process, and how to best prepare and to talk or write about your research to date with confidence and criticality. You will then have the opportunity to share your thoughts, experiences and questions in the discussion-based live workshop.
Aims of the workshop
By the end of this workshop you should:
- have a better understanding of the purpose of a TMC and what to expect on the day
- have begun to critique your own research and anticipate the type of questions which might be asked
- have started to develop confidence in talking about and defending your own research
When will this workshop run?
- 23rd January 2024, 10:00-11:00 online
- 7th May 2024, 14:00-15:00 online
Book a place
All bookings must be made through the Talent & Development website. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings any other way.
Planning and Structuring Your Thesis
Workshop Description
In this flipped workshop, you will first engage with online materials and activities which will cover possible formats of a thesis and will explore the role of individual chapters. We will also consider how these individual chapters might themselves be structured to best ensure the overall coherence of the thesis.
Participants will then have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the structure of their own work and refine this in light of the discussion which follows in the live workshop.
Aims of the workshop
- To identify the overall structure and key features of a thesis in your own discipline area
- To emphasise the importance of structural coherence in the thesis and within individual chapters, and to consider how this coherence can be achieved
- To identify the role of individual chapters within the overall structure of your thesis
- To help you identify and refine your own thesis plan
When will this workshop run?
- 29th February 2024, 10:00-11:00 online
Book a place
All bookings must be made through the Talent & Development website. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings any other way.
Writing Up, Proofreading and Editing Your Work
Workshop Description
In this flipped workshop, you will first engage with online materials and activities which will cover some of the key elements of good thesis writing and identify common errors to look out for. We will also consider techniques for editing and proofreading a thesis .
Participants will then have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the structure of their own work and refine this in light of the discussion which follows in the live workshop.
Aims of the workshop
By the end of this workshop you should:
- Be confident of the key aspects that make up good thesis writing style
- Be able to identify common errors in your own work
- Understand and be able to apply effective techniques to edit and proofread your thesis
When will this workshop run?
- 10th June 2024, 14:00-15:00 online
Book a place
All bookings must be made through the Talent & Development website. Please note that we are unable to accept bookings any other way.
Learning to Teach in Higher Education (LTHE)
Learning to Teach in Higher Education (LTHE) provides an introduction to university teaching for research postgraduates who are new to teaching at the University of Dundee.
Completion of the course is a mandatory requirement for all research postgraduates who are new to teaching at the University of Dundee. To successfully complete the course, participants will be expected to attend four workshops and undertake a peer observation reflecting on a colleague’s teaching.
For more details, including when the course runs and how to apply for a place, visit the LTHE page on the Academic Skills Centre website.
Online Resources for PhD students
The Doctoral Academy has a range of resources for PhD Students available on its SharePoint site. Note you may need to log in using your University of Dundee credentials.
OPD also offer some resources for self-directed learning.
One-to-one appointments
The Academic Skills Centre’s one-to-one appointments are open to PhD students. To find out more about how we can help you develop your academic literacies, visit our one to one tutor appointments page.
