Through our training framework we aim to equip our students with the skills, outlook, purpose and holistic understanding to lead, communicate and translate innovative cross-disciplinary research that meets the challenges associated with the effective management of the natural environment; and position our graduates as the next generation of scientific leaders in academia, industry and policy development.
QUADRAT has practical field skills training at its foundation, reflecting employer needs for graduates who have first-hand skills and experience honed through empirical field data collection and analyses, and providing a focus that is in response to the UK Industrial Strategy.
We train our researchers to operate in a fluid research landscape, and to effectively interact and communicate with a range of end-users and stakeholders to translate research and deliver impact.
Below is an outline of the core training you can expect when you join the QUADRAT DTP:
YEAR 1
| QUADRAT DTP Induction | This covers the basics: introductions, cohort building, finance, what the studentship covers, studentship terms and conditions, expectations, institutional review and monitoring processes, support services and key contacts, CASE studentships, what you can spend your RTSG on, QUADRAT training… |
| Introduction to R (quantitative training) | R is a free software environment for data manipulation, statistical analysis and data visualization. This 3-day, hands-on course will teach you the basics of the R programming language for: manipulating and exploring different types of data, importing and summarising your own data in R, producing useful exploratory and publication quality graphics, and much more. |
| Chartered Management Institute (CMI) | Strategic Management Task 1.
Two modules are split over years 1, 2 and 3. This is professional development training & an accredited qualification. |
| Field course | Cromarty Lighthouse Field Station, Scotland
The focus of the course is fieldwork planning and logistics such as managing unexpected problems, and getting the most from your budget. First aid training, experimental design, and a media/communications workshop are delivered. This is a cross-disciplinary course. |
YEAR 2
| Annual Science Meeting | Year 2 students give live poster presentations at this scientific showcase. Training includes: science communication, public engagement, intellectual independence training. There is also opportunity for networking. |
| Introduction to statistical modelling using R (quantitative training) | This course will introduce you to analysing real data, like your own, by fitting statistical models to help you answer your research questions. It aims to promote a structured approach to statistical data analysis to give you the confidence you need to get started with analysing your own data. |
| Chartered Management Institute (CMI) | Strategic Leadership
Two modules are split over years 1, 2 and 3. This is professional development training & an accredited qualification. |
| Field course | Courmayeur, Valle D’Aosta, Italy
The core learning objective of this course is to understand how the landscape evolves as a reaction to climate change and how that affects people, economy, tourism etc. Understanding and managing the changing environment. This is a cross-disciplinary course. |
| Internship | Internships are encouraged and supported as a professional development opportunity. This should take place between months 12-36 of your PhD and should be used to help clarify future career aspirations. A financial contribution is available where needed. |
YEAR 3
| Annual Science Meeting | Year 3 students are asked to participate in the science meeting by delivering an ‘impact in 60 seconds’ pitch. Academic writing and publishing workshops. |
| Chartered Management Institute (CMI) | Strategic Management Task 2
Two modules are split over years 1, 2 and 3. This is professional development training & an accredited qualification. |
| Internship | Internships are encouraged and supported as a professional development opportunity. This should take place between months 12-36 of your PhD and should be used to help clarify future career aspirations. A financial contribution is available where needed. |
YEAR 4
| Annual Science Meeting | Students entering their final year are asked to deliver a PowerPoint presentation on their research. A networking and stakeholder careers session also takes place. |
The above is the core training programme which all QUADRAT students are expected to complete in addition to any institutional requirements. The content may be subject to change as we receive feedback; and it may be supplemented by extra optional training as required. Some of the additional courses we have run in the past include:
- The Productive Researcher – delivered by Fast Track Impact;
- The Health Resilient Researcher – delivered by Fast Track Impact;
- Active Bystander training;
- ‘Talking Race’ at University – Diversity and Belonging – delivered by ChangeMakers Unltd
- Higher Education Teaching Qualification – this is an optional qualification provided through each institution to anyone interested;
- Writing retreats – offered locally at institutional level;
We ask students to share training suggestions with us, and to let us know if they have attended anything particularly helpful which we do not currently offer. These suggestions are considered by the Management Board and progressed where there is sufficient interest from the wider cohort, and where there is budget available.
