Research Training Seminar

Thursdays 2.00 4.00 p.m.

Seminar Room E
David Mills, Susan James and Ingrid Lunt
This weekly seminar runs each term, and lies at the heart of the
departments doctoral training. As a PRS student, this is the place to
discuss and develop your research ideas, to develop your
confidence, to get feedback and to learn about the expectations of
the doctorate. The first half of each term introduces you to the
demands and rewards of doctoral study at Oxford, whilst the second
half is dedicated to presentations and discussions of your work.
Michaelmas term

1st Week Introduction and skills review

David Mills and Susan James
This first session introduces the course. We consider the skills you
bring to DPhil, and the ones you need to develop. We explore the
notion of a skills review, and how to record your training needs
and plans. We also discuss your research plan and timetable over
the next three years.
2nd Week Working with your supervisor
Ingrid Lunt and Susan James
This session focuses on the importance of the supervisory
relationship, and how best to establish clear expectations on each
side. We explore the role of the second or co-supervisor,
practicalities of arranging supervisions, the role of a learning
contract (be it oral or written), and the importance of keeping
regular records. We will discuss the amount of contact and support
you can expect, how to manage conflicts, and how to use your
supervisors knowledge and experience.
3rd Week Academic writing
David Mills and Kate Williams
This practical workshop tackles academic writing, and the
practicalities of the thesis form (length, grammar, structure, style).
We will also address the emotional and psychological challenges
presented by writing. In the second half of this session we will also
cover the management of your own personal bibliography and Kate
Williams will introduce reference management software, focusing on
the free software, Mendeley.

4th Week
Managing the literature review
Ingrid Lunt and Kate Williams
In this session we focus on the role that the literature reviews play
in the thesis, and different approaches to reviewing literature. We
also discuss the literature searching process, including how to define
and delimit your topic, how to create an effective search strategy
and different approaches to database-searching.
5th 8th week
David Mills

Presentations

In the final four weeks of this term, all participants will circulate a
2000 word draft research proposal in advance, structured around a
shared format. This would include a title, short (100 word) abstract,
research rationale/design and research questions, an indication of
relevant literature, and reflections on the challenges and concerns.
Each student will have up to 5 minutes to introduce their proposal,
and then up to 25 minutes for discussion/questions.
Hilary term

In Hilary Term, the first four sessions will discuss aspects of doctoral
practice. The final four sessions will again be devoted to discussing
drafts of student writing.
1st Week Criteria for a successful doctoral thesis
Ingrid Lunt and Susan James
This first session discusses Oxfords criteria for a doctoral thesis significant and substantial contribution in a particular field of
learning. We explore the concept of original research, the length
and scope of the thesis, and the writing (and rewriting) of a thesis
abstract. The session will also reflect on the key elements of a good
thesis, and its preparation and submission.
2nd Week Conferences and presentations
OUCS speaker and Dept students
This session will discuss the art of preparing and delivering
successful presentations (or posters) at conferences. Along with a
debate about the role and purpose of these events, we will discuss
how to identify the most useful events, and how to ensure your
paper is accepted! This session will be particularly useful in
preparation for the Departmental research students conference in
March.
3rd Week

Common pitfalls in research projects

David Mills and students

This session is designed to help you anticipate and prepare for all
the uncertainties and practicalities of the research process. What
might go wrong or take longer than you expect? Issues include
access, ethics, pilots, timetabling, and changing ones research
question.
4th Week Milestones towards the viva
Ingrid Lunt and Susan James
This session will draw on the experience of more advanced doctoral
students to discuss Transfer of status and Confirmation of status.
The final doctoral viva will also be discussed, including the choice
and role of the external and internal examiners, preparation for the
viva, practice vivas and possible outcomes.
5th -8th Week Student presentations
David Mills
Each week three or four students will circulate in advance a 3,000 to
5,000 word extract from their literature review, together with an
annotated bibliography. They will briefly introduce this to the class,
allowing up to half an hour for feedback, advice, and guidance from
others.
9th Week Student conference STORIES
Usually held on the Tuesday and Wednesday of 9th week, this event
is a great place to present your emerging ideas. Attendance
required
Trinity term

PPRS continues in Trinity Term (same time, same place) with a

further set of presentations and discussions, tailored to the groups
needs and interests.