Completing a doctorate will build wide-ranging transferable skills and experience, including independent research, project management, problem solving, critical skills and adaptability. Our core training programme, the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Researcher Development Programme (RRDP), offers a wide range of training sessions, development workshops and activities to help you gain the skills to carry out research professionally and effectively and to support your ongoing career.
Things to do now
- The Doctoral and Researcher College Training and Support Guide 2024/25 is now available and provides details of development opportunities across the coming year. (Use your student login details to access.)
- The summer RRDP timetable is available to view.
- Details of how to request a course place can be found in this guide.
What is the RRDP?
The RRDP comprises a wide range of sessions, workshops and activities that address your needs in the following areas:
- knowledge and intellectual abilities
- personal effectiveness
- research governance and organisation
- engagement, influence and impact.
These areas are based on the Researcher Development Framework (RDF), a nationally endorsed tool created by (a UK organisation that supports the professional development of researchers).
How the RRDP works
The RRDP is a compulsory part of your doctoral programme. There is a minimum requirement for participation, depending on whether you are registered on a full-time or part-time programme.
| Year | Full time | Part time |
| 1 | 5 RRDP sessions | 3 RRDP sessions |
| 2 | 3 RRDP sessions | 2 RRDP sessions |
| 3 | 3 RRDP sessions | 2 RRDP sessions |
| 4 |