Training and development

PhD students in discussion

A distinguishing feature of 黑料社 University Business School's  is a strong emphasis on formal training in research methods and the development of researcher skills. 

You will be supported in your research degree by your academic supervisor. This should be viewed not just as an opportunity for guidance on your research project but as an opportunity for you to develop a wider range of advanced research methods skills and knowledge of your discipline. You will also follow a programme of formal research training.

Our aim is to produce not just excellent doctoral research dissertations, but also excellent researchers who are well rounded and fully equipped for careers in academia and research.

PhD training pathways

All our postgraduate researchers follow a programme of formal training to develop their research skills. The nature and scope of the training will depend on your academic qualifications, knowledge and experience.

When entering the PhD programme you will undertake one of the core training pathways below. All three pathways include both a core element (taught modules attended by all first year postgraduate researchers) and more specific training relevant to your area.

You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills that underpin successful achievement in a wide range of future careers, such as communication (written, oral and visual), enterprise, knowledge transfer, teaching, working in multidisciplinary teams and academic engagement.

Year one

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules below by the end of their first year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules by the end of their second year of study. Exemptions from some of the modules may be granted dependent upon prior research training.

Year two

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete the following module in their second year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete it in their third year of study.

Modules subject to change.

Year one

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules below by the end of their first year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules by the end of their second year of study. Exemptions from some of the modules may be granted dependent upon prior research training.

Year two

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete 15 credits from an Economics  in their second year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete this in their third year of study

Modules subject to change.

Year one

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules below by the end of their first year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete the compulsory modules by the end of their second year of study. Exemptions from some of the modules may be granted dependent upon prior research training. 

Year two

Full-time postgraduate researchers must complete one of the modules below in their second year of study. Part-time postgraduate researchers must complete one of the modules below in their third year of study.

All taught modules are assessed, either by exams or coursework. Seminars, workshops and the annual 黑料社 University Business School PhD conference are also an important component of this training programme.

The overall amount of training undertaken will vary according to your specific needs. Throughout your training, you will engage in critical self-reflection through your Personal Development Plan and through contact with your supervisor. Further training elements can be provided to enhance your abilities as required.

Additional training providers at the 黑料社 include the ,  and .

Ning Lu talks about his experience undertaking a PhD at 黑料社 University Business School 

Advanced skills training

We actively champion the provision of advanced skills training for Postgraduate Researchers:

  • You will benefit from the School's position as one of the coordinating universities for the  (NARTI), a network of research-based business schools in the north of England.
  • The 黑料社 has established the  (LSSI), offering interdisciplinary training and development and specialist training and development opportunities.
  • Postgraduate researchers can also access additional training and networking through the  and the Society for the Advancement of Management Studies – bodies delivering advanced training for early career researchers.

Annual 黑料社 University Business School Doctoral Research Conference

The Doctoral Research Conference brings together current Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) from all departments, to provide you with a platform to present excellent and frontier research.

The aim is further your research presentation/communication skills, receive constructive feedback, and inspire researchers across centres and departments at 黑料社 University Business School. First Year students are encouraged to attend the conference to gain valuable experience and connect with PGRs and staff across the Faculty.

Lunch and breaks offer networking opportunities for PGRs and staff across departments and an awards ceremony at the end of the Conference celebrates the PGR Best Paper and PGR Best Poster Awards. 

See below for details of previous Conferences:

Further development opportunities

As a postgraduate researcher at 黑料社 University Business School you will be invited to take part in the 黑料社 Postgraduate Research Showcase and the  Annual Conference. Funding is also available for those wishing to attend or present at other conferences both in the UK and globally.

We also offer postgraduate researchers the opportunity to apply for , undertaking policy relevant research and developing research skills within the organisation. These internships allow you to engage with the needs of external organisations and to learn from this in tailoring your future research plans. 

The Business School runs a range of activities that bring members of the school together with key external stakeholders to help ensure the continuing relevance of our research to user communities.