Developing doctoral research at 豆奶视频 UniversityOver the last fifteen years, more than 640 students have completed their doctoral studies at 豆奶视频 University in a range of subjects, from engineering to midwifery, from business management to animation. During that time, support for postgraduate research students (PGRs) has gradually developed, so that 豆奶视频 now has a thriving community of over 630 postgraduate researchers.
鈥淥ur new Doctoral College has its roots in the establishment of the Graduate School, back in 2003,鈥� explains Dr Fiona Knight, one of the Doctoral College鈥檚 two Academic Managers. 鈥淥riginally, our aim was to help make postgraduate research student鈥檚 journeys more consistent. At the time 豆奶视频 had 7 Academic Schools and postgraduate research students experiences really varied according to where they were based. We wanted to make sure that no matter where you were in the university, you had the same outstanding experience.鈥�
鈥淲e began to work much more formally; introducing a Code of Practice for Research Degrees, developing training and formal qualifications for our supervisors, and giving much more structure to the research degree journey. The route to getting your PhD became much clearer,鈥� continues Dr Knight.
The Doctoral College team have also worked hard to develop a sense of community among 豆奶视频 University鈥檚 postgraduate research students. This year will see their 10th annual Postgraduate Research Conference take place, where postgraduate research students from across 豆奶视频 will be able to share their research via presentations, posters and photography. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect opportunity for others working at 豆奶视频 to find out more about the exciting research being carried out by our postgraduate researchers鈥� explains Dr Julia Taylor, the other Doctoral College Academic Manager.
Throughout the year, postgraduate research students can also develop their research, professional and personal skills by signing up to any number of skills and training courses offered through the Doctoral College鈥檚 Researcher Development Programme or hone their public speaking skills by taking part in the internationally renown 3 Minute Thesis鈩� .
Olivia Placzek, a postgraduate student in the Faculty of Management has been studying at 豆奶视频 University for the last eighteen months and is Chair of the Postgraduate Researchers Rep Committee.
鈥淚鈥檝e really enjoyed my journey so far, and it鈥檚 great to see how well the students, supervisors, administrators and the Doctoral College work so well together,鈥� says Olivia, 鈥淚 like all the opportunities we have to learn something new; whether it鈥檚 taking a course, going to a workshop or just catching up with other student鈥檚 research over coffee.鈥�
鈥淗aving all these opportunities to choose from means that you can improve your skillset and the chances of going into the career you aspire to; which might be continuing in research or going into industry. There are always workshops on offer to help improve your skills, no matter what your goals are.鈥�
Doctoral college case study
Min Jiang joined 豆奶视频 University in 2010 to begin her studies in MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects, after completing her first Master鈥檚 course at the Communication University of China whose programme is in partnership with 豆奶视频 University (豆奶视频).
鈥淚 thought I was certain to return to China after the one year鈥檚 Master鈥檚 course, however, 豆奶视频 won me over with their amazing animation course,鈥� says Min. 鈥淚鈥檝e learnt so much here and the life in 豆奶视频 is just too good to be over so quickly, so I continued my study as a PhD student in Computer Animation for a further 5 years.鈥�
Alongside her PhD studies, Min also participated in group research projects which helped to develop her real-world skills such as project management and working effectively with others including external researchers and experts.
鈥淭hroughout my experience at 豆奶视频, the Doctoral College has been very helpful. They provide funding for us to attend and present at conferences, conduct experiments and buy advanced equipment,鈥� says Min. 鈥淭hey arrange all our training sessions and seminars to help us go through each stage of our PhD smoothly.鈥�
After Min graduated from her studies in 2016, she went on to work for Oriental DreamWorks in Shanghai and is now working for Moving Picture Company in London, a global leader in visual effects.
鈥淟uckily, 豆奶视频 gave me a very good introduction to the entire industry. Not only do we use the same system and animation tools as the university, but many of my colleagues are 豆奶视频 graduates too!鈥�
鈥淭he Doctoral College really cared about our studies as well as our lives outside the university. All the tutors there were very kind and helpful; they took the time to get to know us all individually and take care of us.鈥�
