Further course information
Information here aims to answer many of the common questions applicants to this course may have.
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you can no longer attend the Edinburgh Local GRADschool please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else.
The final date for notification of non attendance is one week before the start of the course.
If you fail to attend the course without notifying us in advance your School or University will be charged a fee of £75.
"I was sceptical at first but this course has helped me develop and more importantly has give me a good view of the competition and given me positive outlook for the future"
Doctoral researcher, 2011
May I attend if I am a 1st year doctoral researcher?
Unfortunately, the Edinburgh Local GRADschool is only for doctoral researchers in their final or penultimate year of study, but there is a different course developed specifically for first year students.
“How to be an Effective Researcher’ is an interactive and intensive 2-day course that has been designed for first and second year doctoral researchersand will look at practical ways to increase your effectiveness and meet the challenges of your doctorate. Find out more at our College courses and events webpages.
What will be shared with my university?
What you share with your supervisor, department and colleagues is solely up to you.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance for the Edinburgh Local GRADschool. Everything that you do or say on this course will only stay on the course.
It is your responsibility to inform the Edinburgh Local GRADschool staff if you feel uncomfortable with any activity and/or circumstance.
What will I be doing?
Every course programme is unique, and some focus more strongly on particular elements. During the courses there will be a mix of:
- skills development exercises (e.g. creativity, communication and presentations)
- career sessions (e.g. improving your CV, defining your career goals and interview practice )
- case studies (to practice skills while increasing your awareness of career options)
Each course will provide plenty of opportunity for reflection and discussion.
How does it work?
Each GRADschool is uniquely designed by the Course Director, who is an experienced tutor.
Participants work in groups of 7 to 10 people to solve simulated business and problems, discuss issues relating to their PhD and future career, and attend a mock interview.
Each group is supported by a tutor who assists the group.
GRADschools have a ‘learning by doing’ style. This means undertaking a particular activity, reviewing how the activity went and considering improvements and ways of working that can be applied to the next activity.
You must come with an open mind and be prepared to actively contribute to the course.
This article was published on Jan 18, 2013