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• About the Researcher Development Programme
• • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Information for Undergraduate and Masters Students
  • All Researcher Development workshops
  • Scheduled RDP workshops and events

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about the Researcher Development Programme which isn't answered by the FAQs below, contact us at researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk

Who can attend RDP workshops and events?

Our workshops and events are designed for current postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. Early career researchers (ECRs) are welcome to attend many workshops if they feel they may be relevant, though are advised to read workshop outlines as some may not be pitched at the right level. Several sessions are restricted to PGRs only - check the target audience carefully before booking.

Unfortunately we cannot provide support to undergraduate or Masters students, who can find support through the Skills Hub.

What accessibility support is available?

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. We can support with accessible materials, online accessibility, campus accessibility and flexible interaction. You will have an opportunity to let us know if you have any accessibility needs when you register for a session.

The University's are there to support all »ÆÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ students and postgraduate researchers, and can help you with reasonable adjustments specific to PhD study, including the viva. The  website has up-to-date Access Guides for buildings around campus.

Email researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk if you have any questions about the accessibility of Researcher Development workshops.

How do I cancel my place?

Once you have booked a place on one of our workshops we expect you to make a commitment to attend. Events are often fully booked, and if you have a place booked but do not attend you may have stopped another researcher from taking advantage of the workshop.

Should you need to cancel your place we ask you to do so at the earliest possible moment, so your place can be offered to someone else. You can manage your bookings in Eventbrite. If you need to cancel with less that 24 hours' notice please email researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk.

Booking restrictions may be applied to researchers who consistently cancel workshops at a late stage or do not attend.

Do I have to attend for the whole workshop?

We expect participants to attend for the full duration of the workshop as coming in and out can be very disruptive to others, and it might not be possible to catch up on what you have missed.

I really need to attend a workshop which is full, what can I do?

Where a workshop is full, Eventbrite will ask if you want to join a waiting list. If someone cancels a place, those on the waiting list will be invited to register, in the order in which they joined the list.

Our Core workshops are repeated regularly, and many of our themed sessions run more than once. Keep an eye on the scheduled workshops page for alternative dates.

Do I need to prepare anything for the workshops?

You may be asked to prepare for some workshops. This might mean reading or watching a video before the session, preparing a sample of writing, or providing some information so activities can be tailored to your interests and stage of research. Prerequisites are mentioned in workshop listings and reminder emails.

Some workshops may require a certain level of knowledge or understanding of basic terms and concepts.

Do I need my supervisor's support to attend?

The University expects you to discuss your development needs with your supervisor at the start of your research degree, and continue to review these on a periodic basis as you progress. However, you are encouraged to take responsibility for your own professional development.

At your annual review towards the end of your first year you will be asked to complete a report outlining your progress. Within the report you are asked to provide details of any courses or training you have undertaken in the past year, and highlight any further development needs.

Where are the workshops held?

RDP workshops are delivered both in-person and online, depending on the needs of the specific workshop. Some sessions are offered in both formats on different dates. Please read the workshop description carefully to find out the format of each workshop when you register. 

If the workshop is online the link to join will be included in your Eventbrite booking page and in email reminders.

In-person workshops take place in the Library training and seminar rooms, or the Student Centre for Careers sessions. See the campus map for directions. The  website has up-to-date Access Guides for buildings around campus. 

Will the workshop be interactive?

In online workshops you may be invited to contribute via the chat, join breakout room discussions, or take part in group activities.

In in-person workshops you may be asked to engage in group discussions, practical exercises, or collaborative tasks.

Check the workshop description for details.

Do I have to pay a fee to attend?

There is no fee to attend Researcher Development Programme workshops or events.