What’s On in May for PG Students?

Thesis writing: Literature reviews

An overview of the structure of literature reviews within a thesis. Identifies typical functions and distinctive features of this section in relation to the whole research project. Participants analyse, discuss and relate text examples to their own writing, and explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Systematic reviews are not covered.

Using literature 3: For research significance

Explores where and how you can make your research findings stand out. Participants will consider ‘what matters’ and ‘who cares’ and where this information goes across a thesis or research output. We also apply knowledge from the workshop to explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Bring an article you have read recently and a sample of your own writing. You will need a device to participate in reading and writing activities.

Interviewing skills for qualitative researchers

This workshop looks at the aim of interviews, what research questions they can answer and what they can’t. Discover different types of interviews and when they might be employed, and learn the different styles of questioning and strategies that researchers can use to elicit the fullest answers from interviewees.

Academic CVs, cover letters & job interview expectations

This workshop will introduce attending postgraduate research and doctoral students to structuring an academic CV, writing a tailored cover letter, and preparing for typical academic interview formats.

Getting started with research writing

Focuses on strategies to help researchers digest reading in preparation for writing about what you’ve read. Try freewriting and mapping concepts as strategies to get words on the page and then create more structured writing. We will also explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Bring your device and an article you have read recently.

Developing a systematic search strategy to find literature

This Library workshop will take you through a systematic literature searching process: developing a search strategy; using different search techniques; and best practices for recording and managing results. Please have your research question handy so you can use it to develop and practice your search during the workshop.

Thesis writing: Discussions

Discusses writing strategies and choices for bringing in past research to support your own arguments. Participants will practice precise language that changes the extent to which you may agree or disagree with the views of others. We also explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Bring your device, plus an article you have read recently and a sample of your own writing.

Responsible use of AI in research

This workshop will introduce a selection of popular AI tools for research, exploring their benefits and the ethical considerations associated with their use.

Writing an abstract for a conference or symposium

This workshop is designed for students who aim to present their research at a conference or symposium. It will cover the principles of writing an abstract for a presentation, including: defining the scope of the presentation, communicating its purpose, writing for specialist and/or educated lay audiences, fulfilling conference criteria, and responding to reviewers’ comments.

Thesis writing: Conclusions

An overview of the structure of a Conclusion section of a thesis. Identifies typical functions and distinctive features of this section in relation to the whole research project. Participants analyse and discuss text examples and relate these to their own writing. We also apply knowledge from the workshop to explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Bring your device!

Thesis formatting: Introduction

This workshop provides an introduction to Microsoft Word for academic writing. Learn formatting, editing and file management skills so that you are ready to start your thesis writing with confidence. This workshop provides an overview of MS Word for academic purposes, and is designed to answer your questions and clear up your confusion.

Introduction to research data management (Part 1)

This introductory workshop covers the basics of what is research data, its lifecycle and what it takes to have good data management. Writing a Research Data management plan (DMP) enables you to be able to describe your data and detail the appropriate storage, access, publication and sharing of it, along with any legal, ethical and funder requirements. This workshop introduces you to the world of research data, and what you should consider when planning your research project.

Thesis writing: Understanding thesis structure

Discusses how the different parts of a thesis connect to each other. We will analyse examples and practice using language to clearly show how existing knowledge connects to new research, to what others may do with it in the future, and where that information gets organised across a thesis. We also apply knowledge from the workshop to explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process. Bring your device, plus an article you have read recently and a sample of your own writing.

Systematic Review 1: An introduction

What is a systematic literature review and how is it different from a literature review? Why do people use the same terminology but seem to have different ideas on what a SLR actually is? This workshop outlines key differences between types and involves activities to help you decide which one is right for you. This workshop is one of a series of three SLR workshops. Attend any one or all three.

Publishing Part 1: Open Access – the benefits and options

What’s so good about open access? 72% more citations is just one answer! To find out more, join the Research Services librarians as they demystify the jargon and confusing rules around open access and explain how you too can reap the benefits of publishing openly.

Copilot writing lab: Using GenAI for research significance of a thesis/dissertation

Explores how we can use Copilot for aspects of the research writing process. We begin by summarising important knowledge about arguing for the significance of your research and then introduce a ‘choice map’ to outline the types of tasks we could ask Copilot to perform. Together we will craft and refine prompts and continuously critique responses. Bring your own reading and writing as we dynamically use Copilot for research writing.

Systematic Review 2: The search process

Part 2 of a three-part series. Learn advanced literature searching and search strategies; search databases in a systematic way, where to locate existing systematic reviews, how to create alerts and learn best practices for recording and managing results.

Industry careers for doctoral students

This workshop will introduce attending doctoral students to the job search beyond academia, as well as helping them know themselves and leverage their transferable skills. There will also be information about strategic networking, with the opportunity to practice.

Systematic Review 3: Writing the introduction and method

Builds on content covered in session one and two by providing an overview of the structure of introduction and method sections for a systematic literature review. Identifies common parts and distinctive features of these sections. Participants analyse and discuss text examples and relate these to their own writing or reading.

Publishing Part 2: Finding and evaluating journals to publish in

This Library workshop is designed to guide you through the process of finding relevant and credible publications for your research. Understand elements of a publishing strategy; use databases and online tools to find relevant journals to publish in; and evaluate journals for suitability and quality.

Developing a systematic search strategy to find literature

This Library workshop will take you through a systematic literature searching process: developing a search strategy; using different search techniques; and best practices for recording and managing results. Please have your research question handy so you can use it to develop and practice your search during the workshop.

Qualitative analysis for beginners

This workshop provides a focused introduction to qualitative data analysis, and will cover the key stages in the process such as data preparation, coding, and identifying patterns in your data. It is interspersed with practical tips and aims to leave attendees feeling more confident in approaching this vital—but inevitably messy—stage of the research cycle.

Qualitative writing for beginners

This training course covers tips and tricks for writing up qualitative research, as well as techniques for getting started and keeping going. A demonstration of the writing process is also provided. There will be guidance on representation of the researcher’s voice, which can be a challenge for those new to qualitative approaches. Practical ideas for working with NVivo outputs, and effective use of verbatim extracts will also be covered.

Thesis writing: Connecting sections and chapters

Explores how we can organise research writing so that our readers clearly see how paragraphs and sections within a chapter and different chapters connect. Participants will use the principle of ‘writing in layers’ to critically examine their own reading and writing samples. This principle can be applied to writing theses, dissertations, book chapters, and journal articles. We also explore how Copilot can assist with the research writing process.