Loughborough University
SKILLS MATRIX-
Transferable skills for PhD Students: Suggested
sources of training.
The reasons these skills are given such importance are
that they will assist you to carry out research and
complete your PhD effectively and also that they are
recognised as very valuable in enhancing your future
employability and career progression.
The aim, for each Postgraduate Research Student, is to
acquire a broad range of key skills. A training needs
analysis (TNA) should be undertaken to identify, for each
individual, which skills it would be most useful to develop.
This matrix can be used as the basis for a TNA, providing
a guide to deciding on the skills you need and to the
sources of training or types of activity that will support
you in developing these.
You are also advised to consult the Researcher
Development Framework (RDF) which this document
refers to, to ensure that you have an awareness of all of
the relevant skills areas. It is recommended that you
revisit this Skills Matrix and the RDF periodically, to ensure
that you are gaining the requisite skills.
A range of courses to support the development of these
skills is offered centrally, through the Graduate School
Last updated September 2013
course booking system. You are also encouraged to seek
other ways to develop your skills; for example, through
seminars and training offered within your School, or
through less formal activities such as volunteering and
taking active part in clubs and societies. What is important
for these “Other Activities” is that you recognise the value
of taking part and can demonstrate a link to your TNA.
A training record* should be kept of any activities
undertaken, which will be submitted as part of your annual
progress report. Researchers are recommended to spend
about 30 days during the course of their PhD on gaining
transferable skills. Time claimed should reflect the learning
time of the activity. Attendance at a workshop of 2-3
hours is generally treated as ½ day. 3 days attendance at
a full-time 3 day conference would be taken as 3 days.
Repeating familiar activities where no advance can be
shown should not be counted as skills development.
The most important issue is that, as a researcher, you are
aware of the transferable skills that will benefit your own
personal development and can evidence your progress on
these skills, rather than relying on time-sheets as
evidence.
*For details and downloadable copy of the Training Record see:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/graduateschool/resources/keyskills/
N.B. Time spent on “Other Activities” described in the final
column of this matrix, unless certificated courses, can only be
that time spent DEVELOPING the skills during the activity, not
the whole time spent participating.
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
The Researcher
Development Framework
(RDF)
Vitae®, © 2010 Careers Research and Advisory
Centre (CRAC) Limited
For Full Detail See:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/CMS/files/
upload/Vitae-ResearcherDevelopment-Framework.pdf
The RDF is a professional development framework for
planning, promoting and supporting the personal,
professional and career development of researchers in
higher education.
Lists of courses offered by Loughborough University,
mapped against the RDF Domains are found at the end
of this document.
Last updated September 2013
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU
Skill
code
RDF
Domains
1
Skill description
Training
need high,
medium,
low
Training provided in Schools
Centrally provided University
Training (including Graduate
School, Library, Careers, MEC
& other courses)
Demonstrate
core PhD skills
developed
through
interaction
with
supervisor
and research
group, and
progression
procedures
Apply for
research
funding
Participate in
conferences
Communicate
with
researchers
elsewhere
Understanding Conferences
Complete
departmentbased training
Discuss
ethical issues
with
Supervisor
Apply for
research
funding
Submit
articles to
peer reviewed
journals
Ethical Thinking in Research
Research Integrity
Induction Day
Suggested “Other activities”
(validated by Research
Supervisor)
RESEARCH CONTEXT – to be able to
demonstrate:
1A
C/D
Knowledge of the Research
Community
1B
C
Understanding Research Philosophy
and Rules
Last updated September 2013
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU
Skill
code
RDF Domains
Skill description
1C
C
Understanding Commercial
Exploitation
Training
need high,
medium,
low
Training provided in Schools
Consult the
Enterprise
office on
technology
transfer
Centrally provided University
Training (including Graduate
School, Library, Careers,
MEC & other courses)
Suggested “Other activities”
(validated by Research
Supervisor)
Working Effectively with
Outside Organisations for
PGR’s & RA’s
Involvement with University
spin-out companies for
example
Protecting Your Research
Ideas
The Enterprising Researcher Assessing and Exploiting the
Commercial Potential of
Academic Research Findings
1D
A
Knowledge of Recent
Advances
Record use of
technology in
research
1E
A
Understanding Research
Methods and Techniques
Complete
research
methods and
H&S training
modules
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Extensive targeted reading
Introduction to the Design of
Multifactor Experiments
Extensive targeted reading
Introduction to the Design of
Surveys and Experiments
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU Skill
code
RDF
Domains
2
Skill description
Training
need high,
medium,
low
Training provided in Schools
Centrally provided University
Training (including Graduate
School, Library, Careers,
MEC & other courses)
Suggested “Other activities”
(validated by Research
Supervisor)
Extensive targeted reading
RESEARCH PRACTICE –
demonstrate ability in:
2A
A
Gathering Information
Conduct regular bibliographic
searches
Record strategy for literature
search
Finding Information for your
Literature Review – Practice
Finding Information for your
Literature Review – Theory
2B
A
Identifying Topics for Research
Record strategy for literature
search
What is a Literature Review?
2C
A
Analysing Information
Write literature review
Introduction to Statistical
Methodology
Paired and unpaired t-tests
Systematic Review
2D
D
Recording & Presenting
Research Findings
Keep records of research
decisions
Provide regular reports to
supervisor etc.
Present at group, departmental
seminars & academic
conference level
2E
C
Managing & Planning the
Research Process
Record relevant discussions
with supervisor
Produce and review research
plans
Produce work schedules and
meet deadlines
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Making an Impact with
Posters
Research Matters
Conference
Report Writing
Plagiarism & citation
Copyright
Creating an effective
publication strategy
Managing Your Research as
a Project
Writing up your PhD Thesis
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU
Skill
code
RDF
Domains
3
3A
Skill description
Training need
high, medium,
low
Training provided in
Schools
Centrally provided University Training
(including Graduate School, Library,
Careers, MEC & other courses)
Suggested “Other activities”
(validated by Research
Supervisor)
Regularly attend
departmental training
Talk to supervisor and
other academics
Undergo mock viva
Introduction to the Job of Lecturer for
Postgraduates and Research Assistants
Teaching Skills 3 part course
Reflection on skills attained
by managing volunteer
projects
Complete external courses
Take active part in public
Awareness campaigns,
radio interviews, etc.
Reflect on warden/
subwarden duties
CAREER MANAGEMENT –
including:
B /C
Continuing Professional
Development
Networking for Careers
3B
3C
B
D
CV, Applications and
Interviews
Developing & Maintaining
Effective Working
Relationships
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Talk to supervisor and
other academics
Record any work with
outside organisations in
research
Academic Job Applications
Career Planning for Researchers
Industry / Commercial Sector Job
Applications
Marketing your research skills
Successful Interviews
Contact Careers Adviser
Getting the Most out of Supervision
Working Effectively with Outside
Organisations for PGR’s & RA’s
Understanding Conferences
Reflection on skills attained
by acting as: secretary to a
committee,
Working with colleagues,
Organising student,
networks for example
Take active part in public
awareness campaigns,
radio interviews, etc.
Radio interviews, School
projects etc.
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU
Skill
code
RDF
Domains
4
Skill description
Training need
high, medium,
low
Training provided in Schools
Centrally provided University
Training (including Graduate
School, Library, Careers, MEC &
other courses)
Suggested “Other
activities” (validated by
Research Supervisor)
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- competence in the
following:
4A
D
Writing & Visual
Produce end of year reports
Submit journal article or
conference abstract
Getting Articles Published for PGRs
Report Writing
Writing up your PhD Thesis
Write articles etc. for
outside projects
4B
D
Oral Presentations
Give presentations at group and
departmental level and external
conferences
Undertake mock viva
Participate in practice
presentations, both as presenter
and audience
Cafe Academique
VIVA - What Happens?
Teaching Skills - 3 parts
Record participation in
outside debate, e.g.
politics, selling
Participate in department open
days
Analyse performance as tutor or
demonstrator
Establish, maintain and analyse
collaborations with researchers
in other groups and institutions
Record relevant supervision and
group discussion
Getting the Most out of Supervision
Induction Day
Working Effectively with Outside
Organisations for PGR’s RA’s
4C
D
Interactions with others
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Communicating your research to a
non-academic audience
Collaboration: Tools to help you
share and communicate your
research
Reflection on skills
attained by working with
colleagues
Organising student
networks
Acting as student
representative
Analyse contribution to
work in external teams
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
LU
Skill
code
RDF
Domains
5
5A
Skill description
Training need
high, medium,
low
Training provided in Schools
Centrally provided University
Training (including Graduate
School, Library, Careers, MEC &
other courses)
Complete a learning log/
personal development plan
Identify own limitations and
analyse use of experts in
required and related skills
Keep records of
independent work
Getting the Most out of Supervision
Produce work schedules
and meet deadlines
Procrastination: Improving personal
effectiveness through self-reflection
Interviews
Successful Applications
Meeting the skills training
requirement - online course
Tools for Creative Thinking
Cafe Academique
Suggested “Other activities”
(validated by Research
Supervisor)
PERSONAL
EFFECTIVENESS – to be
able to demonstrate
B
Self Reliance & Initiative
5B
B
Commitment and
Motivation
5C
B
Flexibility & Adaptability
5D
B
Self Awareness
Complete a learning log/
personal development plan
5E
A
Creativity and Originality
Record relevant supervision
and group discussions
Last updated September 2013
`
Demonstrate involvement in
volunteer projects
Demonstrate involvement in
volunteer projects
Analyse contribution to work in
teams, e.g. sport, voluntary
work, other employment
Involvement in other activities
E.g. SU Rag
Reflect on skills attained
through participation in
academic activities in other
relevant disciplines
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
The next pages show the RDF Domain and sub-domains, with examples of centrally provided courses and workshops for postgraduate
research students to support development of these skills. Course availability is subject to change, to see the current list and to register
for a place, go to: http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/course/category.php?id=108.
Courses will be found under the domain listing given here.
Last updated September 2013
RDF
DOMAIN
COURSE TITLE
A
Creating an effective publication strategy
A
Finding Information for your Literature Review - Practice
A
Finding Information for your Literature Review - Theory
A
Keeping Alert to New Information
A
Reference Management
A
Systematic Review
A1
Chi-squared Tests (analysing two-way tables)
A1
Introduction to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
A1
Introduction to data analysis using SPSS
A1
Introduction to Linear Regression and Correlation
A1
Introduction to SPSS
A1
Introduction to Statistical Methodology
A1
Introduction to the Design of Multifactor Experiments
A1
Introduction to the Design of Surveys and Experiments
A1
Non-parametric Tests
A1
Paired and Unpaired t-tests
A1
Questionnaire Design
A2, A3
Tools for Creative Thinking
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
The next pages show the RDF Domain and sub-domains, with examples of centrally provided courses and workshops for postgraduate
research students to support development of these skills. Course availability is subject to change, to see the current list and to register
for a place, go to: http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/course/category.php?id=108.
Courses will be found under the domain listing given here.
RDF
DOMAIN
COURSE TITLE
B1, B2
Being Effective as a Researcher
B1, B2,
B3
B1, B2,
B3
B1, B2,
B3
B1, B3,
D2
Marketing your research skills
Networking for Careers
Successful Interviews
B1, D1
Getting the Most out of Supervision
B1, D2
Understanding Conferences
B1
Procrastination: Improving personal effectiveness through selfreflection
B2, B3
Postgraduate Research Students Induction
B2, D2
Writing up your PhD Thesis
B3
Academic Job Applications
B3
Industry / Commercial Sector Job Applications
B3, A3,
B1
B3, D3
Last updated September 2013
Career Planning for Researchers
VIVA - What Happens?
Introduction to the Job of Lecturer for Postgraduates and RAs
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
The next pages show the RDF Domain and sub-domains, with examples of centrally provided courses and workshops for postgraduate
research students to support development of these skills. Course availability is subject to change, to see the current list and to register
for a place, go to: http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/course/category.php?id=108.
Courses will be found under the domain listing given here.
Last updated September 2013
RDF
DOMAIN
COURSE TITLE
C1, D2
Copyright
C1, D2
Plagiarism & citations
C1, D2
What is a Literature Review?
C1, D3
Protecting Your Research Ideas
C2
Research data management
C2, B2
Managing Your Research as a Project
C1
Ethics in Research
C1
Research Integrity
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk
The next pages show the RDF Domain and sub-domains, with examples of centrally provided courses and workshops for postgraduate
research students to support development of these skills. Course availability is subject to change, to see the current list and to register
for a place, go to: http://learn.lboro.ac.uk/course/category.php?id=108.
Courses will be found under the domain listing given here.
RDF
DOMAIN
D1, C2,
C3,
Working Effectively with Outside Organisations for PGRs and RAs
D1, D2
Collaboration: Tools to Help you Share and Communicate your
Research
D2
D2, A3
D2, B3
D2, D3
D2, D3
D2, D3
D2, D3,
B3
D3, A3
D3, B1
D3, B1
D3, B1
D3, B1
D3, B1
Last updated September 2013
COURSE TITLE
Communicating your research to a non-academic audience
Making an Impact with Posters
Getting Articles Published for Researchers
Cafe Academique
Public Engagement and Research
Report Writing
Research Conference "Research That Matters"
The Enterprising Researcher - Assessing and Exploiting the
Commercial Potential of Academic Research Findings
STARS (Successful Teaching and Assessment for Researchers)
Teaching Skills A - Preparing to Teach
Teaching Skills B - Promoting Learning
Teaching Skills Option C - Supervising Practical Activities
Teaching Skills Options C - Working with Small Groups
For further information contact: pgrtraining@lboro.ac.uk