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GRADschools

GRADschools have continually evolved since 1968 to become one of the flagship training and development programmes for postgraduate researchers, providing the foundation for approaches to programme and resource development undertaken by both Vitae and the sector.

 

'Our vision is to create an inspirational, challenging and experiential learning environment in which all participants will learn something new about themselves and take away skills, tools or information which will motivate them to complete their studies, further realise their potential, and enable them to make more informed choices about their future careers.'

 

 

 

 

Overview

GRADschools are designed to help you reflect upon and develop the skills you have as a postgraduate researcher. The courses encourage you to consider how you can apply your skills now and in the future and aim to help you make more informed choices about the next step of your career.

Many researchers who attend the course have a transformational experience - empowered to take charge of their own learning and career.

GRADschools are designed to enable you to:

  • develop your personal effectiveness
  • identify ways to communicate effectively
  • make more informed choices about your future and own and manage the next step of your career.

What’s involved?

Between 60-80 researchers (participants) from across the country are joined by a director and a team of tutors. The tutors have strong practical experience of team-building and facilitating learning in the workplace, are usually graduates and in many cases have PhDs. Tutors are recruited from a range of organisations, including research and academia and public, private and not-for-profit sectors. This network of people is an important opportunity for you to share your experiences with other researchers and to get honest insights into a range of career pathways and approaches.

Participants are split into groups (typically 7 - 8 people) who then work in a range of situations. These could include working in a simulated business or academic environment, practical team exercises or sessions about your personal motivations and career.  Each group is supported by a tutor who assists the group with reviewing the experiences of the day and helps you to make links between what you have experienced back to your PhD and your future career.

GRADschools are designed to take an ‘experiential' or ‘learning by doing' approach. Whilst there is some element of presentations and information giving, for the most part, you will be actively participating in the sessions and activities. 

GRADschools operate on the principle of 'challenge by choice' and aim to create a safe environment where everyone is encouraged to experiment and work in unfamiliar areas. Nobody has to take on any challenge with which they feel uncomfortable, although to get the most out of the course, we do ask you to come with an open mind and be prepared to contribute to the course. When registering for a course, you will be asked to commit to attending for the full duration.

What does a typical day look like?

Every course programme is unique, and some focus more strongly on particular elements.  Start and finish times will also vary, depending on whether the course is residential or non-residential. Each course will however provide plenty of opportunity for reflection and discussion.

For more information see the example programme provided.

What’s in it for me?

A GRADschool offers the opportunity to:

  • meet a whole host of postgraduate researchers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and ages
  • work with a range of experienced people from all over the country, or sometimes further afield, who are willing to openly share their career experiences
  • take a few days out from your research both physically and mentally, and have some space in which to consider yourself and your next steps

 For more reasons to get involved see the feedback and testimonials from other researchers.

What else do I need to know?

Liability

Researchers who attend GRADschoools enjoy the energy and informal approach of the courses. However they are intensive, and we ask you to consider this when applying. Whilst on course we also ask that you look after yourself, your energy levels and each other.

Register for a GRADschool

Vitae runs a small programme of National GRADschools each year.  Please see further Information on our 2010 programme of national GRADschools.

Vitae also supports a large number of institutions in the UK to run their own GRADschool. GRADschools run by institutions vary in length between three and four days, and can be residential or non-residential courses. Participants attend mainly from the host institution, but some places are available to researchers from further afield.

To find out if a GRADschool is being run at your institution or in your region please look at our events diary.

Some courses have facilities for disabled participants. Please see the course venue information, or, if you would like advice on the most suitable courses, contact us.