UWE Graduate School Office

A level M 30 credit module

Research In Contemporary Context (RCC)

Module Leader: Neil Willey Neil.Willey@uwe.ac.uk 0117 32 83974

Researcher Development at UWE 2012/13

Choice of 30-120 M credits from Faculty Modules
Skills Dev Workshops

Research In Contemporary Context (30 M credits)

Prof Dev Workshops

RD Students do 60-120 M credits of research development

Grad School Residential Skills Development Course (optional)

- AL/AEL against RDF possible if appropriate

Why might RCC be useful?

UWE PGR constituency provides an excellent opportunity to enable PGR students to develop together At UWE there is no overall framework currently being used for researcher development There are new challenges for researcher development UWE has significant experience of innovative delivery to draw on We can do something to enhance PGR experience that is different to training. It will be fully available on remote access via Visimeet.

The Framework

Vitae Researcher Development Framework Credible with RCs and QAA Quality Code UWE Skills Development workshops already within this framework A clear scheme of assessable outcomes

Vitae RDF

Vitae RDF

The RCC Module

Developed with Vitaes RDF in mind for Oct 2012 on It is a Research-Based Learning module that embeds
development in research. It uses the pedagogy of WorkBased Learning modules It will provide inter-disciplinary and cohort learning opportunities PGR students develop most of the RDF attributes by doing research RCC will complement this and help PGR students evidence and recognise their development RCC will evolve focus from credit requirement towards researcher development

RCC Content
Aims: 1. To engage doctoral students from across UWE with the philosophical underpinnings and contemporary contexts of research 2. To aid the development of skills required of contemporary researchers
RD1 Training needs analysis recommend using RDF as framework. Perhaps RCC plus complementary module (s) or AL/AEL? Workshops 6+6 Workshops attended as appropriate during the research degree Delivered by staff of all faculties with interactive remote availability. Flexible delivery patterns to fit P/T students will include block every 2nd yr For example Professional Researcher Skills Development Professional Researcher Workshops (possible topics currently being developed) 1. Epistemology I (RDF Domain A) 2. Epistemology II (A) 3. Research & Research Impact (D) 4. Public Engagement (D) 5. Creativity in Research (A) 6. Research Governance (A) Researcher Skills Development Workshops (e.g.s chosen from the range on offer) 1. Art & Sci of Communication (D) 2. Digital Researcher 3. Academic Publishing 4. Project Management (B) 5. How to Win Funds 6. Social Enterprise 7. Thesis writing

RCC Format
It is a Research-Based Learning module Summative assessment by reflective portfolio of
evidence focussing on Prof Dev workshops in action Summative assessment by a personal case study of chosen aspect of RDF in action in the research (format: presentation, demonstration, report etc) The Module Leader and 2nd marker (from supervisory team) mark portfolio Assessment of case study by module team and peergroup

Why Choose the Module?

Evidence development against a credible framework Excellent opportunity to learn with a cohort Innovative approach to focusing on researcher
development Activity can be focused flexibly to complement research Some thought provoking workshops delivered by experienced and innovative UWE staff Complements discipline specific modules or AL Full remote access via Visimeet