Career development
Many of our doctoral students continue into academic careers. However, nearly half of UK doctoral graduates move into careers outside of higher education. We equip our postgraduate researchers with the skills and acumen they need to achieve their career aspirations.
Whether you'd like to develop personally or choose a career in the corporate or public sector, you will receive a package of support that is designed for you to help you plan and prepare for the future while you study.
Personal development programme
Working with your academic supervisor and the University’s dedicated PGR Development professionals, you will design a personal development programme. This will prepare you to be an effective researcher as well as providing you with the tools to build the knowledge and attributes that employers demand.
Our professional partnerships ensure we can offer high-profile placements in international, national and local companies. We offer networking opportunities with industrial, public sector and charitable partners, alumni and fellow postgraduate researchers beyond your discipline. Postgraduate researchers can also benefit from training opportunities within the Universitys research community.
I have attended many of the workshops and training sessions offered by the Liverpool Doctoral College, including sessions on writing, presentation, time-management, and careers. The sessions are tremendously beneficial, and they complement the advice and support that I receive from my supervisors. They are also a great platform for networking with researchers from across the University.
Rachel Heah, PhD student, School of Law and Social Justice
Skills for professional development
Our in-house development programmes develop the skills essential for your future via on-campus events and workshops, online options and self-selected activities. Our development aims link closely with those of VITAE, the dedicated organisation that works to realise the potential of researchers through transforming their professional and career development.
Your induction
Your induction will advise you on what opportunities you can expect at the University of Liverpool such as your personal Development Needs Analysis.
Induction will help by fostering a supportive environment and giving you opportunities to meet a range of contacts, which can include other postgraduate researchers, supervisors and professional services staff.
Your induction will take many forms. It will consist of an introduction to the research environment by your supervisor, or supervisory team. Schools, Institutes and Faculties will introduce you to their research themes and let you know what opportunities are available within your department.
LDC Postgraduate Researcher Week
The Liverpool Doctoral College Postgraduate Researcher Week will enhance your induction by delivering a range of events designed to help you settle into the University and research life. LDC Postgraduate Researcher Week is repeated across the academic year so that all students, regardless of their start date are able to benefit.
LDC Postgraduate Researcher Week is not just for first year students; sessions are available to established PGR students with opportunities to network, receive information on university services and be supported through the initial stages of completing a Development Needs Analysis.
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