Developing your doctorate
Find out more about what is expected from doctoral candidates and learn about the research culture at NTU.
Managing your doctorate
As a doctoral candidate, you are the project manager of your own research process. This will include:
- keeping clear and effective filing systems
- keeping on top of training and development
- recording your supervision meetings
- making decisions on your research, reading and more.
It is important to realise that you will be expected to be the main project manager of the research process. This means your supervisors will expect you to manage your own research and have effective structures in place.
We offer training to all candidates through the Doctoral Training, Education and Development programme on how to manage this process. Getting to grips with these skills will save you time and stress over the course of your doctoral study, and make you a more effective researcher.
There are a range of services across NTU to help your manage your doctorate, including the NTU Library and
The University's Research Centres facilitate events and networks for their relevant areas and you will find a variety of discipline specific resources from your academic school, including subject-specific and specialised training. If you’re not sure what’s on offer within your school, contact your Director of Doctoral Programmes.
Research Culture for PGR
“Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated.”
The Royal Society's definition of research culture
At NTU, our research community supports a culture of curiosity, collaboration and transparency. It is highlighted in our everyday behaviours and aligns with our University, Reimagined strategy. We want to value ideas, enrich society and create opportunity.
Research culture operates on different levels within your discipline and across the wider University. Being part of this culture and challenging any aspects that you think could be more inclusive is a key part of your development and growth as a PGR. Being conscious of a need to learn the ways of your discipline or field, and to participate in building the research culture around you, especially if aspects of it need to be challenged and changed to become fairer and more inclusive, is part of doing a doctorate and getting the most out of the time and money you are investing in your own development, learning and growth.
Our programme of training, development and research sharing us designed in line with our research culture at NTU to help you realise your potential as a researcher and to explore your place within our research community. When planning your time and schedule, consider what type of training and development could benefit you and how you can be an active part of the research culture.