Considering a research degree

Here you will find some example development objectives that we think will support you at this stage.

They have been developed by a working group of diverse, multi-disciplinary colleagues. The themes were raised by colleagues in a cross-University survey about researcher needs, and are mapped to external benchmarks and sector good practice (e.g. Vitae), plus relevant internal strategies and policies.

The objectives identify some key actions for you to complete. Staff needs are likely to be different as the research career progresses, but progression is not always linear and different forms of objectives and support may be required at different times. You may want to adapt them to your own needs, in consultation with your line manager, mentor or research lead.

Developing identity as a researcher

Explore your motivations for doing a research degree, including potential benefits for yourself/those around you. Write down what you need to find out/understand decide whether a research degree is right for you now. How does obtaining a research degree help you get to where you want to be in the future?

Broadening your research knowledge (skills) and experience

Schedule time to note down some possible research projects you might like to explore through a research degree. Do some background research about these ideas and note down possible gaps in existing research. Schedule time to speak with colleagues who are doing/have done a research degree. Ask them how they got started, how they found the experience, and their tips for balancing a research degree with other responsibilities. Based on the discussion, assess whether a research degree is for you.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Consider how age, gender, race, disability, sexualities and other social-cultural identities might be relevant to your planned research.  Explore and learn about the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in research through attending relevant Research Centre/Institute seminars or Graduate School workshops. Plan these into your diary and agree attendance through your scholarly leave (or equivalent) with your line manager. Consider the workload and wellbeing implications of completing a Research Degree.

Organisational expectations/vision

Schedule a discussion with your line manager to explore whether a research degree would fit with your current workload and role. If you decide to proceed, contact a Faculty Postgraduate Research (PGR) Lead or a colleague from the Graduate School to develop your understanding of expectations, processes, and timescales for undertaking a research degree. Explore the Graduate School’s guidance and resources for advice on criteria required and application.

Developing networks, partnerships/collaborations

Ask a Faculty PGR Lead or a colleague from the Graduate School to a put you in touch with PGRs (Postgraduate Researchers) and potential supervisors in your area. Contact them for initial discussions and ask for feedback on your possible research ideas.

Colleagues and line managers have asked for guidance on setting Performance and Development Review (PDR) objectives relating to research. We have provided four example PDR objectives for colleagues at your stage. Examples can be selected and adapted to suit individual development priorities.

1. Attend Research Centre events, the annual UON Research or Learning and Teaching Conference

• Focusing on research
• Building relationships

2. Speak to colleagues undertaking a research degree about their experiences (include professional doctorate, MPhil and PhD students in your research)

• Focusing on research
• Building relationships

3. Contact a Faculty PGR Lead or a colleague from the Graduate School to develop your understanding of expectations, processes, and timescales for undertaking a research degree.

• Focusing on research

4. Explore and learn about the importance of EDI in research through attending relevant Research Centre/Institute seminars or Graduate School workshops.

• Focusing on research
• Building relationships

We want to empower researchers to explore their strengths and areas for future development. There is a section for managers of researchers which you can also signpost your manager to, to help you underpin discussions about applying for a research degree. Some topics for discussion might include:

• How can you, alongside your manger, identify protected time to engage in your research degree?
• How can you work with other colleagues to share teaching commitments and ensure you have blocks of time to study?
• What, if any, funding is available to support you with the fees and additional costs of your study?
• How can your research interest support your team to become more research active?
• If you or your manager would like support with these discussions, please contact your research lead, or the lead of a relevant research centre. The following section also provides some examples of good practice in this area.

In this section we have provided some examples of development activities, top tips and good practice. UON colleagues have found these activities helpful, and we hope they will be useful to you at this stage. We will continue to update this section with examples and activities. Please share any feedback, or other examples you have found useful, on this research development feedback form. These fall under four categories, and you can ‘pick and mix’ according to your needs and development objectives:

• Information, policies and guidance for research degree students at UON;
• Existing resources via recorded sessions previously held at UON, or offered via development platforms that we have a license for, including Linda.com and SAGE research methods;
• Forthcoming development sessions hosted by the University of Northampton;
• Case studies of support, mentoring and protecting research time for you to develop your own ideas of the support mechanisms you need.

Information for postgraduate research students and staff

PGR leads:

• Faculty of Health, Education and Society: Cristina Devecchi for education subjects, Michelle Pyer for health and society subjects;
• Faculty of Business and Law: Nadeem Aftab (DBA)
• Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology: Paul Jackson for arts subjects, Michael Apoku Agyeman for science and technology subjects

Graduate School information

Thinking about the future, now is the time to think about your next steps in terms of research. If you decide to apply for a research degree at UON or elsewhere, make sure to align yourself to one of the University’s research centres, to build your support network. We have deliberately not included a section in this resource for those working on a research degree because during your studies you will have access to other existing support, which will be explained to you during your application process, and at induction for your award.

If you choose not to apply for a research degree, you can still be involved in research! Consider how to continue to develop your research knowledge and skills to underpin your current role, and to support your colleagues/team to do the same. You might want to dip into the steps before and after this one for some hints and tips on how to do this in practice.