Induction: End of Month One
The end of your first month at the University is a good time to stop and look back over the last few weeks. It may be that at this point you feel that you are settled into the University and your School, but you may also have outstanding questions.
First meeting with Principal Supervisor
At this meeting it is useful to discuss your understanding of your research area, and any interesting books/articles you have read relating to the research. Your Supervisor will guide you on the requirements of your literature review, and discuss a work plan or a way forward for the first few months of your study. It is important that by the end of the first month you complete the Research Student Progress Meeting Form, if appropriate, as this form allows both yourself and your Principal Supervisor to agree some preliminary targets for your research programme. The form can be found below.
Organise timetable of regular meetings
It's important that you and your Principal Supervisor meet regularly to ensure that you are both happy with your progress. Before the end of the first month you should have agreed with your Principal Supervisor how often and when these meetings should take place.
Ongoing work related to your research project
It may be that work relating to your research project is ongoing with the School. For example, your School may have a research community or run a "journal club". You will be expected to participate in these activities, which will include social events. For more details contact the School Office.
Campus familiarisation
The end of the first month should mean that you are familiar with the campus, particularly the University Library. It is important that you feel comfortable in your surroundings and so if you have still to visit certain parts of the campus you should do so soon.
The Garthdee Campus is home to the University's new £10 million Sports Complex. The centre features a 25m swimming pool, two gyms, climbing wall and bouldering room, cafe, three exercise studios and a vast sports hall.
Library
The Library will become increasingly important to you during your research and you should take time to visit the library at an early stage, introduce yourself to library staff and discuss your research programme with them. The Library has specialist staff who are familiar with the needs of research students and who can help provide information relating to journals and literature searches. The Library will also help you contact other libraries such as the British Library or the National Library of Scotland. At the first module of the PgCert Research Methods you will get an opportunity to meet a member of library staff to discuss particular issues regarding your research programme. For more information contact the library via its web pages which can be found below.
Participation in PgCert Research Methods
The University offers a PgCert Research Methods course which is compulsory for all research students. The first module provides you with essential tools to begin your research degree, whilst the second module will assist you in the transfer application to PhD. As part of the assessment for the first module, students undertake a presentation and prepare coursework. This work is assessed by both the Course Management Team and Principal Supervisor and helps the student prepare for the registration stage. Both modules are delivered by a combination of seminars and private study, and provides students with an excellent opportunity to network with fellow peers.
Research Student Development Programme
The University's Department for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) offers courses in Teaching and Demonstrating, and Viva Preparation. Please use the link below to find course availability, delivery dates and to book a place.
Student Organisations
The Research Students' Association is a dedicated society for research students. It offers you an opportunity to meet other research students and build up a network of friends on both an academic and social basis. You will get more information about this association when you attend Module 1 of the PgCert Research Methods.
