Take advantage of a range of other opportunities to develop yourself both personally and professionally.

Equipping you with the skills you require to successfully pass your doctoral programme is just one of the aims of the Graduate School; we also want to ensure that you are well placed to progress your career following graduation. That is why we have developed a range of training and development opportunities, designed to support you from the moment you join us.

Your induction

We have a comprehensive induction programme so that, when you join us as a new postgraduate researcher, you will quickly settle in to your new role.

Find out about our induction events 

Core training

To provide you with the skills you need to carry out your research professionally and effectively, we have created the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP).

Learn about the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) 

Academic language and writing support for international & EU doctoral researchers

The Graduate School, in conjunction with the University’s International Study and Language Institute (ISLI), has a range of courses designed to help doctoral researchers maintain, improve and develop their academic English. 

 Find out more about English Language support

Download an application form for Graduate School thesis writing programmes autumn 2018 for international and EU doctoral researchers.

Develop your leadership capabilities

The intensive, three-day Leadership Programme, run jointly between the Graduate School and Henley Business School, is designed specifically for you to experience and develop your skills in leadership.

Read more about the Leadership Programme 

Preparing to Teach programme

As a postgraduate researcher you may have the opportunity to support the teaching and learning of other students. Covering the essentials of teaching, marking and giving feedback, the Preparing to Teach programme will ensure you have the training you need.

Find out more about the Preparing to Teach programme 

PhD Plus

Our PhD Plus programme is designed to meet the specific needs of overseas lecturers who want to study for a PhD while also learning about higher education in the UK and improving their teaching skills.

Find out about our PhD Plus programme 

Statistical advisory service

The Graduate School Statistical Advisory Service (SAS) provides support to doctoral researchers needing help with statistics during the course of their doctoral studies.  Find out more about the service in the Statistical Advisory Service Brochure and download a Statistical Advisory Service Appointment Request Form.

Development for women

Aimed at women who are undertaking postgraduate research at Reading, our Sprint development programme aims to help you make best use of your talents, build your confidence and networking skills, become more career and goal orientated and achieve a better work-life balance.

Other development opportunities

Various other activities and resources are available that will enhance your personal and professional skills:

• Online training courses – you can access a range of courses via BlackBoard, the University's virtual learning environment.
• Career development – see all of the resources available to you that support your career aspirations.
• Volunteering and outreach activities – find out more about the opportunities to work as an ambassador for the University or as a student tutor in a local school.
• Other training – look out for other useful courses run by other University departments, including the Library, IT Services and the International Study and Language Institute.
• Travel funding schemes – if you need to make a research visit or attend a conference, you may be eligible to apply for funding to support your travel expenses. We run two schemes: University Research Travel Grants and the Graduate School Travel Bursary.