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Welcome to Cambridge! This day-long workshop will provide incoming doctoral students with essential information and resources that will help them navigate the complexities of doctoral research, foster productive relationships, and take advantage of the educational and developmental opportunities available to them during their studies. You will have the opportunity to hear from Postgraduate Researcher Development team, Careers, Public Engagement, Research Integrity, Wellbeing, and the University Library.

This is also an excellent opportunity to meet fellow PhD students from outside their Department/Faculty. By the end of this session, students should feel more settled and confident in taking their first steps into doctoral research.

Please note, this event is intended to complement local Departmental and Faculty inductions and also RD workshops such as ‘Starting your PhD’ or ‘Working with your Supervisor’.

This session brings together ‘Writing your first-year report’ with a dedicated time and space for getting started with actually writing that report.

The first two hours will focus on equipping you with the essential skills to excel in preparing your First Year Report, specifically by looking at:

• Mastering Report Composition: Learn how to structure and present your First Year Report effectively, adhering to the University's guidelines and ensuring clarity in conveying your research objectives and initial findings.

• Enhancing Writing Skills: Develop strong academic writing abilities, ensuring coherence, and demonstrating the significance of your research in your chosen field of study.

• Engaging with Research Methodologies: Explore diverse research methodologies relevant to your discipline, and research positionality in enabling you to select the most suitable approach for your study.

• Navigating the Upgrading Process: Gain valuable insights into the requirements for successful upgrading to a full PhD candidate and receive guidance on how to meet these criteria.

The second half of the session will run as a writing retreat, wrapping up at 4pm. The retreat half will be structured according to your ‘writing objectives’ which you will develop with the course lead.

Getting off to a strong start in your PhD is vital, and at the University of Cambridge, we recognize the significance of your First Year Report in shaping your academic progress. This course is designed exclusively for PhD students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, focusing on equipping you with the essential skills to excel in preparing your First Year Report - a pivotal step toward upgrading to a full PhD candidate.

Don't Miss This Opportunity:

Preparing your First Year Report is a crucial milestone in your academic career. Enrol in this course to receive expert guidance and support that will set you on the path to excellence. Secure your spot now and equip yourself with the skills to navigate this essential phase of your PhD journey at the University of Cambridge.