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Research Training and Development

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Welcome to the Researcher Development and Training page!

We are proud to present a newly curated approach to researcher development that brings together all disciplines and respective activities into a shared structure; it promotes reflection upon research practices and accountability over the researchers' development planning.

Here you can find all the information you need about our Researcher Development Framework, our vision and our values, and of course the timetable for upcoming research events.

Access the Researcher Development Framework in MyLearning!

RDP Introduction & Timetable

Under the new researcher development framework, activities offered across the university will be mapped to a stage and strand of development.

The refreshed programme is underpinned by a focus on wellbeingdiversity and inclusionknowledge in action and trans/interdisciplinarity. In order to make the programme clear we have developed six core strands of researcher development which form the basis of the new Middlesex University Researcher Development Framework.

A set of minimum requirements is applicable to all research students starting from September 2022 onwards (and advisory for pre-September 2022 starters as well as our collaborative partner students).

- Accrue a minimum of 10 days (full time students) or 5 days (part time students) per year in line with the Research Concordat
- Submit a researcher development plan
- Engage with the specific aspects of development as a minimum requirement for each milestone of their studies

You can use the timetable to plan and book ahead for the events you want to attend. You can use the filter to see available events and training that align with each strand.

  • Researcher Development Strands

Essentials (researcher journey, wellbeing, ethics and integrity)

This strand fosters healthy, reflexive research practices throughout the research degree life cycle. Placing ethics and integrity as a core concern for all researchers, we reach beyond a compliance approach to explore complex ethical dilemmas, values and positionality.

Approaches to Research and Methodologies

From core methodologies and methods aligned to different disciplines to diverse, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to research that seek to challenge established paradigms, this strand focuses on ensuring researchers have access to robust approaches, including software training and digital literacies.

Writing and Publication

Considering many different purposes for writing in research - from note-taking to getting published in academic journals to blogging - this strand supports the development of writing through writing retreats, one-to-one sessions and collaborative feedback processes. Workshops seek to support the writing aims of researchers, enabling every researcher to have a distinctive, clear and purposeful voice.

Knowledge-in-Action and Public Engagement

How does research make a difference to others? What are effective ways to communicate research to different audiences? This strand explores how engaging with communities, businesses and institutions can both enrich research and generate impact. Core features of this strand are the annual University Summer Conference and a new Knowledge-in-Action week.

Careers and Futures

Viewing postgraduate researchers as (future) leaders and strategic changemakers, this strand provides opportunities to gain HE and sector-led professional experiences and build connectivities through teaching in HE training, placements and shadowing.

Subject and Sector Knowledge

Here the focus is on opportunities to deepen and enrich knowledge in specific fields of research as aligned to academic disciplines and professional sectors, ensuring researchers are engaged with the most current research and sector practices.

  • Kickstarting Research Series

  • Timetable

    The next run will be available for researchers who will start in September 2023.

  • Kickstarting Research Series - Starting on 3 October 2023

    For new research students (starting in September or January), we offer a kickstarting series that supports researchers across disciplines at the start of their research journey, providing them a forum where they can discuss anything they need as they get settled as researchers at Middlesex. It is particularly relevant to MPhil/PhD and MA/MSC by Research candidates but is open to all.

    The workshops are designed to be followed as a series, with a focus on community and sharing of approaches – such that we all learn through dialogue and exchange.

    Read with more details in MyLearning

  • Instats Membership

Middlesex is an institutional partner of both CARMA and Instats.org, providing all Middlesex staff and students access to discounted research methods training as well as many free resources.

Instats seminars offer foundational and cutting-edge content delivered by leading experts. The live-streaming and on-demand seminars can be taken individually or as structured courses to provide researchers and faculty with the breadth and depth of knowledge they need. Through Instats you can find specialised methodologies training according to the specific needs of your research.

  • CAPE Short Course

CAPE Short Course: Effective Teaching to Support Blended Learning at Middlesex

As a researcher at Middlesex you can undertake teaching within your Faculty and department. This is an opportunity to gain teaching experience, enhance your learning and your academic CV and develop your connections within academia.

In order to do so, you are required to complete the CAPE Short Course in Effective Teaching, which has been developed by the Centre for Academic Practice Enhancement (CAPE) and covers the fundamental principles of learning, teaching and assessment practice at Middlesex. The Course is designed to support researchers and colleagues for whom teaching at Middlesex is new, and is robustly aligned with the University's Strategic Plan 2031.

Completion of the Short Course is a mandatory requirement for doctoral students who have not previously taught at Middlesex.

The programme has been announced for academic year 2023-2024 and you can book ahead.

Course Leader John Parkinson
Course Administrator Joanne Mullarkey

Find out more in My Learning

  • Subject and Sector Knowledge Events (this section is under construction)

    • Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries
    • Business School
    • Health, Social Care & Education
    • School of Law
    • Faculty of Science and Technology

If you have any queries about these sessions please email researchdegrees@mdx.ac.uk

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