Current Student Resources

The aim of University induction activities is to introduce you to the range of University services which are available to postgraduate students, as well as to provide you with essential information about registration.

We hope that induction will answer many of the questions that you may have about what you can expect, and what will be expected of you, as a postgraduate student here.

Information about the Postgraduate Development Research can be found on Researcher Development Programme.

Information for Research Postgraduate Students 

Information for Taught Postgraduate Students 

3 Minute Thesis Competition (3MT)

Postgraduate Research Conference

Penglais Postgraduate Centre‌‌

Located within the Penglais Campus’ Llandinam building (ground floor) is the Postgraduate Centre. It provides:

• Quiet study spaces (private and open-plan) and a seminar room.
• Computer access and printing facilities.
• Lockers.
• A social lounge and kitchen area.

Book a study pod in Llandinam Postgraduate centre:

• Eight study pods in this space are available for booking. Pods are available 24 hours a day, for three hour slots.
• Pods can be booked here. 
• Log in using your Aberystwyth University User ID and password, select "book a slot", select a pod, day and time. you will then receive an email confirmation.

(Lockers are available in the Penglais centre, a deposit is required for your key, please contact graduate.school@aber.ac.uk for further information.)

• Group Study Rooms
• Computer Desks
• Lounge
• Large Group Table
• Small Group Table

Graduate School Offices

The Graduate School is based on the top floor of the Cledwyn Building, on the Penglais campus.

This programme, aimed at Postgraduate Research Students, has been running since 2016, and 8 cohorts and over 130 people have completed the programme. The programme will develop the teaching skills for those who are already teaching in their departments.

A Professional Doctorate (DProf) allows qualified professionals to study for a doctorate while remaining in employment.

A DProf will be awarded in recognition of the successful completion of an approved taught programme of study, together with the successful completion of further study and research.This research can be directly linked to and benefit your organisation, resulting in organisational or policy-related change.

Course Description

The DProf is a structured programme, a mix between taught and research aspects, which guides candidates through the research project development. The course begins with the taught aspect comprising of a number of modules in the first year. These modules cover generic research, work-based training and pilot research aspects. Following this, a work based research project will be developed. Throughout your DProf you will be closely collaborating with your supervisory team.

Topics Covered

Undertaking Work-based Research in Professional Contexts: This topic aims to ensure that DProf students embarking upon their pilot studies and final theses or professional practice portfolios will be fully prepared to do so. It will also ensure that students possess a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of methodological frameworks and specific methods used in work-based research. It will look in details at practical considerations facing the work-based researcher.

Research Skills and Personal Development: This offers research students a broad knowledge and range of transferable skills which can be applied in a variety of research contexts. This module will cover personal development, including skills in negotiating, networking, academic writing, research management, team working, and writing a conference paper.

Principles of Research Design: This topic aims to give research students an understanding of the basic principles of research design and strategy: to identify and formulate research questions clearly and succinctly, analyse and break questions down into relevant sets of sub-questions, and where appropriate formulate testable hypotheses. Students will also learn to explain why research questions are significant in the context of the discipline/research subfields.

Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collections and Analysis: This is designed to give students grounding in the basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of analysis, presentation and description of statistics and how qualitative data are actively constructed and interpreted by a researcher and an appreciation of any issues raised by qualitative data collection.

Leadership for Researchers: Postgraduate researchers are introduced to the range and models of leadership in this topic, which outlines how to apply these models and provides students with the opportunity to explore leadership styles and behaviours through experiential learning.

Pilot Inquiry and Professional Research Project: The pilot inquiry is a precursor to the professional research project, which could form the basis of the final, fuller project in the subsequent years of the course. The pilot inquiry and professional research project offers students the opportunity to identify a ‘professional concern’, and subsequently scope out an area of professional inquiry-based within their professional setting. Knowledge and insights derived from earlier modules will be applied.

Residential Schools

Modules will be delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops during a series of 4 compulsory residential schools totalling approximately 35 days during the first 14 months, with assignments spanning between schools. Residential schools are a chance for DProf students to meet other students on the course and fully integrate in the Aberystwyth University's research community. The schools are also an opportunity to meet face to face with supervisors and engage in activities beyond academia.

Assessments

There are a variety of assessment methods designed to support learning and develop appropriate doctoral level communication skills, these include coursework and presentations. Professional and practical based doctorates are assessed through submission of a thesis or portfolio, and an individual oral examination (‘viva’ or ‘viva voce’).

Entry Requirements

Students on the DProf must have a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.

Outcomes

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
• Continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to development of new knowledge, techniques, ideas or approaches.

Composition and Terms of Reference

Current Members 

Past RSCG Minutes 

Checklist for Thesis Submission

Preparing for your Viva focuses on the needs of students who anticipate being examined in the next 12 months or so (students who have recently submitted their theses and are awaiting their viva are also welcome to attend). Students earlier on in the process of their PhD are also able to attend, though if there is pressure on numbers, preference will be given to final year students. Book here

Viva Preparation Workshop Presentation Slides

Etheses and Open Access PowerPoint

The Aberystwyth Careers Service provide an excellent and supportive service which enables individual students and graduates to realise their aspirations, make informed life choices and achieve their potential.

Dedicated information about Careers for Postgraduates can be found on these Careers pages.

• Careers Information for Postgraduates