Career development
In addition to the Research Training Programme, the department and the University seek to assist all students in pursuing their chosen career path. There are a range of different opportunities for you to gain essential skills and experience.
Teaching Internships
Research students interested in pursuing an academic career are encouraged to participate in our teaching internship programme.
Interns work individually with one of the teaching staff during a teaching semester to learn how to design, deliver, and assess a module. You will learn what to consider when designing course content and choosing resources, strengths and weaknesses of styles of delivery of information and teaching activities, and the pluses and minuses of various types of assessment.
As an intern, you shadow the staff member throughout the semester in a chosen module, attending all the class sessions. Interns teach at least one and no more than three of the weekly classes, getting help in preparation from your mentor, and are given feedback on your delivery and effectiveness, with suggestions for improvement, after each class you lead. You also learn about assessment firsthand, by marking part of the assessed work for the module. This is done with prior guidance by the instructor, who will then give you feedback on your performance of this vital task.
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PCHE)
This is the professional qualification for lecturers in Higher Education, and may be undertaken alongside your research.
The PCHE aims to develop your understanding of the principles and processes involved in teaching and learning, applicable to higher education, as well as providing opportunities for relevant research in this area.
In addition, students develop their awareness of and ability to select and use appropriate and effective teaching and learning methods in the context in which they are working. You will be required to reflect on your experience of learning and teaching, working closely with a member of staff to assess learning outcomes and to discuss issues arising.
Careers Service
The University Careers service is available to offer advice on the range of options open to you, and help you to work towards identified goals. The service provides series of talks, skills training and one-to-one advice sessions geared to the needs of postgraduate students.
Graduate Research Centre
The Graduate Research Centre organises regular career and research-oriented seminars for postgraduates. They also provide a limited number of workspaces for research students, supplementing those available within departments.
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