Transferable Skills and Leadership (‘TSEL’) Programme

The WISE CDT provides an extensive and structured programme of transferable and leadership skills throughout the four years of study.  Each year’s content is designed to be distinct, build on earlier learning and align itself to students’ PhD progression.  All the partner universities deliver an annual transferable skills module. 

 

Year 1 (Exeter): Acquisition of a deeper understanding of the research process and methodology.  The module covers communication, including supervisory relationships, science communication and public engagement, and overseas collaboration.  It also focuses on patenting and intellectual property, negotiating and influencing skills, and developing a business model.  This module has been conducted jointly with Stream IDC students to widen the mix of participants’ backgrounds and experiences.

 

Year 2 (Bristol): Maintaining motivation and independence; visualising your data; preparation and delivery of conference papers and posters; writing and refereeing of journal articles and grant applications.

 

Year 3 (Cardiff): Developing resilience; reducing stress; excelling as a researcher; leadership, management and team skills; professional etiquette; planning and writing a thesis; thinking of one’s career; entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

 

Year 4 (Bath): PhD thesis writing and completion; Viva preparation; career opportunities and career development.