Workshops

The PhD viva is a crucial milestone that determines your doctoral success, yet many candidates approach it with a lot of anxiety and not enough preparation. This comprehensive workshop demystifies the viva process and equips you with practical strategies to perform confidently on the day. You’ll learn how to prepare systematically in the months leading up to your viva, from re-reading your thesis strategically to anticipating examiner questions. Through interactive discussions and proven techniques, you’ll develop the skills to articulate your research clearly and defend your work without becoming defensive. ...

Are you constantly overwhelmed by requests, struggling to protect time for your most important work? Or do you feel guilty every time you decline an opportunity? Academic culture often rewards saying “yes” to everything, but this approach can lead to burnout, compromised work quality, and misaligned priorities. This interactive workshop provides practical strategies for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in academic life. You’ll explore why saying “no” feels so difficult, examine the beliefs that drive overcommitment, and learn to distinguish between opportunities that enhance your goals and those that derail them. ...

The supervisor-student relationship is one of the most important factors in PhD success, yet many researchers struggle to make it work effectively. This interactive workshop helps you build a productive professional relationship with your supervisors. You’ll explore how to establish clear expectations, communicate your needs effectively, and adapt your working relationship as you develop greater autonomy throughout your PhD journey. Through practical frameworks and group discussions, you’ll learn to navigate the transition from dependent student to independent researcher. ...

Academic writing is hard at the best of times. It’s especially challenging when there’s so much going on. With many competing priorities, we struggle to consistently make time for writing. In this interactive session, you’ll discover tools, strategies, and techniques for making writing more manageable (and even enjoyable). Whether you’re tackling a journal article, a book, or a thesis, you’ll get insights and practical tips on getting started and maintaining your momentum. ...

You’ve passed your viva and got your life back. Now everyone keeps asking, “When are you going to publish your PhD?” You’re vaguely aware of what’s involved in writing a monograph, but you’re not sure where to start. There are so many options, decisions, and conflicting experiences. What’s right for you? And, more importantly, how long will it take? This interactive workshop demystifies the process so you know exactly what’s involved at every stage. ...

Are you struggling to turn your research or thesis into journal articles? You have lots of ideas, but it’s hard converting them into a structured piece of writing. You’re so focused on the details, you can’t see the bigger picture. In this interactive and supportive session, you’ll discover essential strategies and tips to conquer writer’s block, break free from perfectionism, and unleash your creativity. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll follow a 5-step plan for transforming those ideas into finished articles. ...

In this interactive session, you’ll discover how AI-powered tools can help you write faster, improve clarity, and streamline your process. From grammar and style enhancements to structural organisation, you’ll explore a wealth of possibilities. Here’s what we’ll cover: Evaluating AI-powered writing tools. Overcoming writer’s block. Capturing your ideas quickly. Improving clarity, coherence, and flow. Retaining your academic voice. You’ll also get the opportunity to try out the tools in a supportive environment. ...

Are you ready to share your research with a wider audience but unsure how to move beyond traditional academic publishing? Your work deserves to reach people who can benefit from it, but navigating the digital landscape can feel daunting. This interactive workshop focuses on sustainable, long-form approaches to digital scholarship that can amplify your impact and build your reputation in your field and beyond. You’ll explore how to maximise the discoverability of your publications through Open Access communities, transform complex academic concepts into compelling blog posts, and bring your research to life through storytelling on podcasts and videos. ...

Are you ready to take control of your research? As an academic, you’re probably juggling multiple projects, requiring effective planning and execution. As an academic, you probably also lack the time to devise a proper strategy. In this interactive session, you’ll discover the core elements of project management and how to apply them in your research projects. There’s no complicated methodology, just practical tips and templates you can apply right away. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll establish an approach that’s right for you. ...

There’s so much to fit into your final year, and it’s hard to plan without a clear direction. This interactive workshop provides a clear roadmap and guidance so you can create an action plan. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll understand the challenges ahead and how you can confront them. We’ll cover topics including: Finishing your thesis Choosing examiners Getting your thesis ready for submission Preparing for your viva What happens after your viva? Please note, there are separate sessions that go into much more detail on preparing for the viva and editing your thesis. ...