Support for doctoral researchers

Our doctoral researchers have access to a range of free personal, professional and career training and development opportunities through our Researcher Development Programme (RDP).  The RDP helps support doctoral researchers in developing the skills they for their doctorates and beyond.  We offer development opportunities in three main areas:

Skills needed to do your research

• For example: literature searching; research data management; programming and data analysis; data protection; and research integrity and ethics.

 Skills needed to disseminate your research

• For example: academic writing; publishing your journal article; using social media; poster design and presentation; and viva preparation.

Skills needed to develop your research and career

• For example: collaborative working; interdisciplinary research; networking and exploring career options; and promoting yourself effectively to a range of employers.

A dedicated Researcher Careers Consultant provides tailored support for Brunel Researchers through one-to-one confidential appointments, career development workshops and events to explore career options.

We co-ordinate a number of university-wide opportunities for doctoral researchers to:

• Apply for funding such as the Vice Chancellor’s conference prize and the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN) – Research Mobility Award
• Participate in campus-based research events such as the Brunel annual poster conference and Vitae Three Minute Thesis® competitions. 

This is in addition to funding, scholarships and prizes that are co-ordinated by the Postgraduate Research Offices within your college.

We also provide a number of social events, including drop-ins and afternoon teas. 

The Graduate School has a number of physical facilities available for our doctoral researchers, such as a common room, quiet study area, and kitchen, in addition to space provided by the colleges and departments.