Tips for new research students at Leeds Met
From TheStudentWiki
How to find your way around the university as a new research student
This article has been written based on the experience of doing a PhD at the Faculty of Innovation North. However, most tips can be transferred to other courses.
Doing a research degree, such as an MPhil, MRes or PhD can be a lonely pursuit. Due to the individual programme of study, you won’t have a timetable or a specific class cohort you belong to. This makes it very important for you to set up a social network for project specific support but also to ensure that you are staying sane while doing your research project! It is important to take some time to out and experience some of Leeds’ fab social life. This is particularly important if you are one of the many international students embarking on a research degree at Leeds Met. See article Leeds Met for international studentsfor more advice for international students.
Whether you are studying for a Masters in research or a PhD, you will need to acquire the following sets of skills (amongst loads of other skills, of course!):
a) subject specific knowledge
b) learn about research methodologies
c) acquire computing skills, such as Microsoft Office applications and quantitative/qualitative analysis programmes
Depending on the research regulations of your programme of study, you will need to provide evidence that you have acquired these skills. In the Faculty of Innovation North, this will be part of your Research Training Programme (RTP). Tips for acquiring or improving each of these three sets of skills are given below:
a) Subject specific knowledge
One of the most important points of call throughout your studies will be the library [1] Leeds Met arranges trips to the British Library, which stocks a copy of all PhD theses written in Britain. Barbara Price is the contact person for the INN faculty. It is also advisable to attend Masters classes at Leeds Met that are related to your subject area.
b) Research methodologies
Again, your first point of call should be the library. Books related to research are stocked upstairs in the first floor of the Headingley library around the number 300.72. Staff development courses [2] related to research methodologies and data collection techniques are offered throughout the semester and are definitely worth attending.
c) Computing skills
Doing a research degree, as much as any other degree, requires you to be proficient in using the computer. The better you come to grips with using the specialised software packages related to your field, the easier it will be to organise and analyse the vast amounts of data that are required to conduct a good research project. The university’s Skills for Learning website [3] proves an invaluable source. There are also many short courses offered by the Learning Support services throughout the semester. And again, have a look at the courses offered especially for staff [4]. Particularly, sessions on ethics, quantitative or qualitative analysis might be of use to you. And don’t forget that it will be beneficial to attend these courses before you embark on your data collection, so that you have an idea about the analysis of data and what is feasible and what not.
In the Faculty of Innovation North, there is an annual Research & Practice Conference which gives staff and students the opportunity to present their research to peers in and outside of the Faculty. In addition the INN Seminar Series provides the opportunity to hear internal and external speakers discuss their research ideas, practices, experiences and passions.
