Progression and Development through a full-time PhD

This infographic shows an overview of the typical Progression and Development through a full-time PhD – including milestones, research activities and personal development.

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The Typical full-time PhD Progression & Development infographic

Text-only version of 'The typical full-time PhD: progression and development' infographic

Key:

M denotes a milestone

R denotes Research activities

P denotes Professional development

 

Note: Monthly supervisor meetings are mandatory and logged throughout

 

Year 1

Foundations and Planning

  • Induction (M)
  • Development Needs Assessment (DNA), reviewed and adapted each year, with a focus on transition in the final year (this runs across all years shown on the infographic) (M)
  • Complete ethical approval (M)
  • Attend and engage in workshops, conferences and seminars (P)
  • Scope research context and establish detailed research plan (R)
  • Present initial ideas at departmental conferences (P)
  • Develop research tools and techniques for data collection (R)
  • Submit mid-year Independent Progress Assessment Panel (IPAP) by month 9 (M)
  • Submit Annual Progress Review (APR) by 30June to progress (M)
  • Establish and confirm research methods with development needs (R)
  • Register annually by 1 October via RDA, upon sign-off of IPAP and APR (M)

 

Year 2

Enhancing Research and looking at impact

  • Development Needs Assessment (DNA), reviewed and adapted each year, with a focus on transition in the final year (this runs across all years shown on the infographic) (M)
  • Start to organise, collect and analyse data (M)
  • Detailed data collection using established methods (R)
  • Engage in exploratory or preliminary analysis to identify trends or challenges (R)
  • Experiment with alternative data collection techniques (R)
  • Present research at external conferences and network with external collaborators (P)
  • Submit mid-year Independent Progress Assessment Panel (IPAP) by month 9 (M)
  • Submit Annual Progress Review (APR) by 30June to progress (M)
  • Undertake research visits and field trips for collaboration data collection etc (R)
  • Register annually by 1 October via RDA, upon sign-off of IPAP and APR (M)

 

Year 3

Refinement and Submission Pending

  • Development Needs Assessment (DNA), reviewed and adapted each year, with a focus on transition in the final year (this runs across all years shown on the infographic) (M)
  • Attend advanced thesis and Viva workshops (P)
  • Finalise comprehensive, accurate data collection, addressing gaps (R)
  • Complete data analysis and finalise major thesis chapters (M)
  • Engage in journal submissions and peer review. Present at conferences (P)
  • Amalgamate findings into clear arguments (R)
  • Submit mid-year Independent Progress Assessment Panel (IPAP) by month 9 (M)
  • Submit Annual Progress Review (APR) by 30June to progress (M)
  • Apply for submission pending status by Year 3 end (M)
  • Register annually by 1 October via RDA, upon sign-off of IPAP and APR (M)

 

Year 4

Completion and Thesis Submission

  • Development Needs Assessment (DNA), reviewed and adapted each year, with a focus on transition in the final year (this runs across all years shown on the infographic) (M)
  • Appraise findings and integrate into a coherent thesis narrative (R)
  • Attend career development, coaching sessions tailored to academia, industry, or alternative career paths (P)
  • ‘Intention to Submit’ Form (M)
  • Disseminate research through publications and public engagement (P)
  • Prepare for viva voce through mock sessions and workshops (R)
  • Defend thesis at viva voce (M)
  • Address viva outcomes: No Corrections, Minor Corrections (3 months), Major Revisions (6 months), Resubmission (1 year) (M)
  • Upload completed thesis to Library (M)

 

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