Skills training requirements for research students: joint statement by the UK Research Councils

1. Research skills and techniques - to be able to demonstrate:
   1. The ability to recognise and validate problems.
   2. Original, independent and critical thinking, as well as the ability to develop theoretical concepts.
   3. Knowledge of recent advances within one's field and related areas.
   4. An understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within one's research field.
   5. The ability to critically analyse and evaluate one's findings and those of others.
   6. An ability to summarise, document, report and reflect on progress.
2. Research environment - to be able to:
   1. Show a broad understanding of the context, at the national and international level, in which research takes place.
   2. Demonstrate awareness of issues relating to the rights of other researchers, of research subjects, and of others who may be affected by the research, e.g. confidentiality, ethical issues, attribution, copyright, malpractice, ownership of data and the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
   3. Demonstrate appreciation of standard of good research practice in their institution and/or discipline.
   4. Understand relevant Health and Safety issues and demonstrate responsible working practices.
   5. Understand the processes for funding and evaluation of research.
   6. Justify the principles and experimental techniques used in one's own research.
   7. Understand the process of academic or commercial exploitation of research.
3. Research management - to be able to:
   1. Apply effective project management through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities.
   2. Design and execute systems for the acquisition and collation of information through the effective use of appropriate resources and equipment.
   3. Identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives, and other sources of relevant information.
   4. Use information technology appropriately for database management, recording and presenting information.
4. Personal effectiveness - to be able to:
   1. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn and acquire knowledge.
   2. Be creative, innovative and original in one's approach to research.
   3. Demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness.
   4. Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to identify one's own training need.
   5. Demonstrate self-discipline, motivation and thoroughness.
   6. Recognise boundaries and draw upon/use sources of support as appropriate.
   7. Show initiative, work independently and be self-reliant.
5. Communication skills - to be able to:
   1. Write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose, e.g. progress reports, published documents, theses.
   2. Construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally, through a variety of techniques.
   3. Constructively defend research outcomes at seminars and viva examination.
   4. Contribute to promoting the public understanding of one's research field.
   5. Effectively support the learning of others when involved in teaching, mentoring or demonstrating activities.
6. Networking and team working - to be able to:
   1. Develop and maintain co-operative networks and working relationships with supervisors, colleagues and peers, within the institution and the wider research community.
   2. Understand one's behaviour and impact on others while working, as well as contributing to the success of formal and informal teams.
   3. Provide and receive feedback, responding perceptively to others.
7. Career management - to be able to:
   1. Appreciate the need for, and show commitment to, continued professional development.
   2. Be responsible for career progression by setting realistic and achievable career goals, while identifying and developing ways to improve employability.
   3. Demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature of research skills to other work environments and of the range of career opportunities within and outside academia.
   4. Present one's skills, personal attributes and experiences through effective CVs, applications and interviews.