Postgraduate Research Students, NUI Galway

National Student Survey

School of English and Creative Arts

2022 Action Plan

 

 

Actions

Responsible

Status*

1

Research Infrastructure and Facilities

The provision of individual desk space in the Hardiman Research Building is an important and positive part of the infrastructure, but the perceived deficiencies in computer and library services is a cause of concern. Research students will be consulted during this spring’s GRC meetings about this issue in order to better understand the needs.

HoS, GRCs, Library, ISS

Complete

2

Supervision

Some students feel their training and development needs are not being met, so supervisors will be advised to familiarise themselves with the generic skills modules offered by the structured PhD programme, and the University’s Researcher Development Centre (RDC) in order to provide better guidance to students.

HoS, PhD supervisors, GRCs, RDC

In progress

3

Research Culture

The survey suggests the need for improvement in research ambiance, and in accessing researchers beyond the School. The School has been running a research seminar series that features both staff and PGR students with talks every 2 weeks throughout both teaching semesters. These talks have been online but now that COVID 19 restrictions are lifting we plan to have these talks in-person allowing for a more social gathering which should further foster a shared research culture amongst staff and PGR students. A PhD speaker series beginning this spring has also been organised by the School PGR Rep and members of staff. Researchers beyond the School will be invited to contribute to these seminars in the future.

HoS, School Research Committee

Complete

4

Progress and Assessment

Some students in the survey expressed dissatisfaction with research induction. Supervisors of new students will be advised to give particular attention to this matter and GRCs will be asked to monitor needs of incoming students. The School will also organise a general induction event for incoming PhD students at the start of each academic year.

PhD supervisors, GRCs

In progress (ongoing year to year)

5

Development Opportunities 

The School will seek to provide more development guidance and opportunity for researchers with the assistance of the Career’s Office and the Researcher Development Centre.

HoS, School Research Committee, RDC

In progress

(ongoing year to year)

6

Research Skills

Any perceived deficiencies in training in research skills will be an item for discussion in all GRCs this spring.

HoS, GRCs

Complete

7

Personal Outlook

All supervisors to be briefed on the scope and availability of University support services to assist students with  personal and worklife issues.

HoS, PhD supervisors, School Research Committee

Complete

8

Other Transferable Skills

The Survey suggested that students would value more training in project management, communication skills, etc. This will be included in actions relating to “Development Opportunities” above.

HoS, School Research Committee, RDC

In progress

9

Responsibilities and Supports

Some students felt the University does not respond adequately to researcher concerns; this will be addressed through actions under “Research Culture” above.

 

 

10

Overall Experience

Overall satisfaction with research experience was reported as high.