Keeping on track

These are the sorts of actions you will need to consider taking during the main research phase of your PhD.

Progressing your research:

• meetings with supervisor(s), make sure that your approach to meetings is working
• assess research results achieved and what realistically still needs doing
• keep writing chapters, reports, etc

Develop your research profile:

• present your research at a conference or seminar, get feedback
• interact with other researchers in your field

Improve your skills:

• revisit your skills audit to identify gaps and consider how to fill these
• look for continued training and development opportunities
• meet with a careers advisor to talk about your career plans
• start researching academic and non-academic job markets

Managing your time:

• ensure you don’t let the PhD take over your whole life
• find a balance, and find time for other activities.

Remember to add your own additional actions that relate to your own personal circumstances and project.

A Development Needs Analysis (DNA) is a framework that enables postgraduate researchers to reflect in a holistic way on their research-specific training needs; their professional development needs; and their career ambitions. 

This DNA has been co-created by a cross-University group, taking into account the views and experiences of postgraduate researchers and supervisors. 

The result is a two page form which uses visual prompts to encourage and support self-reflection and planning. It is accompanied by a handbook for postgraduate researchers and a guide for supervisors. These contain further information and prompt questions. 

Keeping on track during your research can be challenging. It is important to take time to reflect on your progress regularly and discuss any concerns or issues you have with your supervisor.

If you are having any problems with your project or your relationship with your supervisor it is important to seek help and advice quickly. The first point of contact for issues which you feel you can’t discuss with your supervisor is usually your second supervisor, your PhD Advisor or the School.

Remember that your peers, and in particular fellow Postgraduate Researchers who are further on in their research, are a great source of advice and support. Take the time to learn from each other.

The Students’ Union Advice Place is also an excellent resource for students. They can provide independent advice to University of Edinburgh students on a range of matters, including academic advice, health and wellbeing, money issues, and much more.

To help you in the main research stages of your research programme, we recommend exploring some of the following themes and workshops we offer for further development. 

• Presentation Skills
• Second year PhD Skills 
• Preparing for Conferences 
• Responsible Research and Innovation 
• Academic Writing 
• Career planning

link to workshops