Researcher development

Develop yourself & your research skills with our range of workshops, support and resources.

As Postgraduate Researchers, you have access to a wide range of professional development and support from across the university, to help you to:

Prepare for milestones like your Viva
Write about your research & manage your data
Present & communicate your research to a range of audiences
Develop yourself by looking after your wellbeing, and considering your career options

Learn more about the different types of training, and the teams that deliver them, below:

The York Researcher Development Programme

The Research Culture and Researcher Development Team delivers and coordinates a comprehensive programme of professional development, events and skills training. Choose from over 70 sessions, including bespoke workshops specifically tailored to PGRs. The York Researcher Development Programme brings together workshops delivered by the Research Culture & Researcher Development, Digital Skills, Open Research, and Careers teams, plus sessions facilitated by external experts. These workshops are typically booked via SkillsForge.

Explore the York Researcher Development Programme

Skills Guides, Subject Guides & the Academic Skills Community

Skills Teams from across the Library, Archives and Learning Services (LALS) offer a wide range of advice and support on a variety of academic skills - including searching for resources, academic writing, communication skills, media editing and much more. This includes Skills Guides, Subject Guides, the Academic Skills Community, and 1:1 appointments. Several of these teams also contribute their expertise and sessions to The York Researcher Development Programme.

Learn more about the Academic Skills support, and meet the Skills Teams

Careers and Employability

Interested in an academic career or exploring other sectors? The Careers and Employability Team can help you explore your options with a range of support, including internships and work experience; feedback on CVs, applications and interview techniques; as well as 1:1 support appointments. The Careers Team also contributes workshops to the York Researcher Development Programme.

Learn more about careers support for postgraduate researchers

Getting started

All first year postgraduate researchers must complete a Professional Development Plan (PDP). To help develop your PDP, you should complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to help identify current levels of skills/expertise and areas of development. Your TNA and PDP can be reviewed as part of TAP and supervisory meetings.

PGR professional development plan

A student meets with their supervisor at a table