Facilitator: Claire Pike         

A1 –  B3 – C2 – D2

This session offers an overview of the current range of options for publishing academic work. Specific topics covered include: the journal environment and selecting a journal for your work; Open Access publication and Plan S; publication of monographs, including developments in OA options. Additionally, this session will consider publication formats for non-traditional publication. The publishing process is varied, and this session will adapt to the concerns of the participants.

This workshop will help participants consider the rapidly changing landscape of publishing, appreciate how to disseminate their research work. It will also expand their knowledge of Open Access considerations.

Facilitator:

Dr Malgorzata Drewniok 

A1-A2-A3-D1

In this session we will look at how literature reviews are written in English. This will include useful vocabulary, reporting verbs, and other phrases. We will look at extracts from real-life doctoral literature reviews, and discuss what you need to do in yours. You will have a chance to ask questions and bring your own work.

Facilitator:

Dr Malgorzata Drewniok       

A1 – C2 – D2

This session will focus on writing the methodology chapter. We will look at the language used to present and discuss your chosen methods, including useful vocabulary and grammar. Extracts from real-life PhD methodologies will be used. You will also be able to ask questions and bring your own work.

Facilitator:

Dr Malgorzata Drewniok       

A1-A2-B2

In this session we will focus on the Results / Findings chapter of the thesis. We will look at the best ways of representing your findings and how to refer to them in your writing. You will learn useful vocabulary and grammar, and analyse extracts from real-life thesis chapters. You will be able to ask questions and bring your own work.

Facilitator:

Dr Malgorzata Drewniok           

A1 – A2 – B1 – D2

This session will focus on the Discussions and Conclusion chapters. We will look at useful vocabulary and grammar to express your analysis and conclusions. We will also consider how to refer to previous chapters. Extracts from real-life theses will be used as examples. You will be able to ask questions about your own work.

Facilitator: Dr Anne Rixom

A1 – A2 – A3

This seminar covers some general principles of effective writing for the Thesis or Dissertation, then builds on this framework by suggesting techniques to manage detailed academic content.  In particular discussion will focus on how to structure academic text, and approaches to organise information within and between paragraphs.  Practical tips will enable you to evaluate fundamental aspects of your research and then construct your argument to convey a concise yet persuasive narrative.  There will be a focus on the key purpose of each chapter of your Thesis or Dissertation to ensure that every element contributes to the overall aim of your work, and how you can avoid ambiguity as an author.  

Aims of the Session 

• To increase your understanding of how a Thesis or Dissertation is structured, and its primary purpose in supporting your argument 
• To outline the academic criteria the examiners will use to judge the Thesis or Dissertation, specifically in terms of its core research question, structure and logical narrative
• To offer guidance on how you might develop strategies for ‘Writing Up’ and how you can draft chapters in the most effective way 

Facilitator: Dr Neil Raven       

A1 – A3 – C2 – D2

The writing of a literature review can seem a daunting prospect. This workshop aims to overcome such fears. The session begins by exploring the concept and purpose of the
literature review and where it fits into the PhD thesis. The key question of what makes a good review will also be addressed. Attention will then be given to the development of a research plan for undertaking a successful review. This will include a consideration of information sources and search strategies.

The second part of the workshop will explore approaches for effective note taking and referencing, with consideration also given to the critical analysis of secondary sources. The structuring of a literature review and the integration of material will also be examined. The workshop will conclude with a look at writing styles and strategies for overcoming the challenge of starting the writing process.

Facilitator: Dr Neil Raven             

A1 – A3 – C2 – D2

Whilst much academic writing, including the PhD itself, is associated with long pieces of work comprising many thousands of words, there is value in being able to complement this skill with more concise writing. This ability is required in preparing abstracts, providing a concise overview of a larger study. Whilst they often accompany articles, abstracts are increasingly used in the selection of conference and seminar papers. Consequently, there is much value in being able to master the skill of writing abstracts.

This workshop begins by identifying the characteristics that distinguish a conference abstract from one that would accompany an article, and the purposes it serves. It then considers the typical format and key components of a conference abstract, before exploring what makes a great abstract, and providing a range of tips for writing a successful conference abstract. In the final part of the workshop, focus will turn to supporting participants in planning and preparing their own abstract.

Facilitator:

Dr Malgorzata Drewniok       

A2 – A3 – B3 – D3

In this workshop you will learn how to write conference papers and what language to use to make your work accessible to a wider audience. Useful vocabulary and practical tips will be given. You will be expected to bring your notes or drafts of your own conference papers to this session.