Development Needs Analysis (DNA)

An important part of doing a postgraduate research degree is to spend time reflecting on your progress, skills and experiences and to plan your development, in relation to both your project and your career. One way to do this is through using a Development Needs Analysis (DNA).

What is a Development Needs Analysis (DNA)?

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. 

Development Needs Analysis (DNA) form

Download the Development Needs Analysis (DNA) form by clicking on the link below. You can write directly into the form and save your notes. 

Handbook for postgraduate researchers

Click on the link below to download Creating your Development Needs Analysis, a handbook for postgraduate researchers. 

Guide for supervisors

If you are a supervisor, you may find the Guide for supervisors to support the use of the Development Needs Analysis (DNA) for postgraduate students useful. 

Some frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can use the DNA form at anytime throughout your research degree, but it is particularly recommended at the start of each year and at annual review. 


It is strongly recommended that you discuss your DNA responses and plans with your supervisors. There is a guide for supervisors available.


It is great that you are already using an DNA form, you do not need to change the form you use. The most important thing is that you are reflecting on and planning your development.  


There are many different ways you can keep a record of your development and planning. As you can write directly into the DNA form, you may simply want to save different versions of this for future reference. However, you may also prefer to use other methods, it depends on what works for you. 


No, you do not have to complete all the activities in one sitting. They are designed so you can complete them in any order and it is recommended to take your time. 


You can find out more about the project to create the DNA by visiting the Institute of Academic Development project pages. 

Co-creation of a Development Needs Analysis project pages 


Yes, the DNA form is available as a Microsoft Word file and a Powerpoint file. The Student and Supervisor Guides are available as Word files. 

You can download these here. 

 


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