New research students
Professional support for research students
Want a summary of the professional support available to research students?
Watch presentations taken from the York Graduate Research School induction event to find out about:
- developing your research skills
- library help
- careers advice
- people who can help with your general wellbeing, and more.
Handbook
The York Graduate Research School Handbook 2019/20 helps you understand how the University works, and provides guidance about what you need to know and how to get help from the right people and places.
York Graduate Research School Handbook 2019/20 (PDF
, 1,200kb)
Surviving your PhD
PhD students have developed these resources and workshops to help you get the most out of your PhD experience by sharing what they've learned along the way.
I've just started - now what?
There are a number of activities which you must complete in your first year:
Being an Effective Researcher Tutorial (BERT)
An introduction to the tools and support available to you as you complete your research degree. Students are expected to complete this online induction within six months of registration.
Research Integrity Tutorial
A comprehensive guide to research integrity: Citations, references and academic misconduct.
Professional Development Plan
Make a plan for developing your skills, behaviours and attitudes.
Information Security Awareness Training
All researchers (including PhD students) are expected to complete Information Security Awareness Training in the VLE. It should take around an hour to complete and we recommend that you complete it in a single-sitting.
Training Needs Analysis
You should undertake a training needs analysis (TNA) and discuss the results with your supervisor in order to identify appropriate development goals. These goals will be recorded on your Professional Development Plan.
Key online systems you will use
e:Vision - your central student record
Use e:Vision to update your contact details, manage your fee payments, and request official documentation, such as a confirmation of study letter. For Tier 4 students, this is also where you need to upload a scanned version of your passport and visa.
SkillsForge - record your academic progress and book training
Record your academic progress against the university's supervision and Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP) milestones, and your Formal Reviews of Progress. Working with your supervisor(s) and TAP member(s), you will complete the relevant form for each meeting and submit it to form part of your central record of academic progress. SkillsForge is also the system you use to book central training and review your training records.
Yorkshare Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - online modules and resources
The VLE hosts central and departmental online modules and resources. All research students are expected to complete both the 'Research Integrity Tutorial' and 'Becoming an Effective Researcher Tutorial (BERT)' via the VLE within their first six months of registration (see above). You may also need to use the VLE if you are a Graduate Teaching Assistant to access course materials and student work.
And don’t forget to check the York Research Student Community noticeboard for news and opportunities.
Annual leave
You are entitled to 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, per year. You should arrange your leave in consultation with your supervisor.