The READ programme is designed around a study week framework. For the first year (full time), participants can attend three, week long study weeks, these happen in September, January and April. (This is pro rata for part time study)

In the second year, participants attend two week long study weeks, these occur in November and May and are specifically tailored to meet the continuing needs of researchers

The final year supports participants by offering one week of study in March.

Apart from these formalised contact points throughout the year, participants are expected to engage in internal and external research seminars, conference presentations and networking opportunities relevant to their field and stage of researcher development.

This 60 credit (SCQF level 12) doctoral certificate in researcher development is assessed to encourage the integration and synthesis of theory with practice, to enable the development of transferable research skills, to ensure the rigour of academic thinking and to promote the achievement of the student’s personal and professional goals. In line with the programme philosophy of promoting a questioning approach, challenging espoused knowledge and understanding reflective practice, a range of strategies are used to ensure a vitality of assessment in support of personal growth and professional researcher development.

Assessment routes for full and part-time participants

Full Time

• One assessment to be submitted once a year.
• Participants will be offered three points within the year when they can submit their work for assessment.

Part time

• One assessment to be submitted over a two year period.
• Participants will be offered six points within the two year period when they can submit their work for assessment.

For further information regarding READ please contact GraduateSchool@qmu.ac.uk

Staff Support

A wide range of supervisor sessions are available for staff, these include:-

• Induction for new staff
• Ethics – supporting your doctoral researcher
• Introduction to READ
• Assessing probationary vivas and being on an assessment panel
• The differences between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate
• Programme supervisor training

Contract research staff

Bespoke sessions are available for research staff, these include:-

• Vitae and the RDF planner
• Writing grant applications
• Career development