Since masters-level research training programmes do not typically have space to deal comprehensively with broader aspects of research methodology or with the generic and transferable skills specified in the ESRC guidelines, this provision is supplemented on a cohort-wide basis by a central suite of training designed to ensure equivalent exposure for all students, regardless of programme structure. Core aspects of this are provided via an extended DTP induction programme that takes place over the first term of the funding period. 

The mandatory programme consists of 10 three-hour face-to-face sessions (i.e. equivalent to a full module), one a week, but repeated on Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening to facilitate management of numbers and timetabling fit to other aspects of students’ training and research activities, as well as part-time student access and management of child care responsibilities. Delivery involves staff from across DTP institutions, and all sessions involve preparatory work, substantial practical and discursive elements to promote debate. This programme serves as an important early focus for cohort building in the first term and cross-disciplinary exchange. 

The programme focuses on the four pillars of ESRC training: A: Project Management & Design; B: Data Collection; C: Data Analysis; D: Dissemination

The topics covered in “Foundations of Research in Practice” will be:

• Understanding alternative epistemological positions (A)
• Project Management (A)
• Information and Digital Literacies for Research (A)
• The application of good ethical practice across the research process, including handling of risk (A/B)
• Decolonizing your research (A/B)
• Reliability and validity: qualitative analysis (B/C)
• Reliability and validity: quantitative analysis (B/C)
• Science open or closed? Open Access vs. Intellectual Property Rights (C/D)
• Communicate & Engage (D)
• Personal development: PhD and beyond! (D)

1. Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network  
2. Advanced training via NCRM
3. SPERO via UCL Entrepreneurship Training (available to all UBEL students) 

UBEL will also circulate via email relevant training opportunities available for DTP funded students. 

If any training needs are identified that cannot met within an institution, the DTP will try to facilitate access to specialised training available within the partnership or beyond. If you have any queries, please contact the UBEL DTP Training Lead: Dr Yenn Lee. 

Whatever your career path will be eventually, it is a good idea to start thinking about your next steps early. There are various sources of support that will help you clarify your career choices, tailor your applications and develop transferable skills. 

The support available ranges from one-to-one consultations to workshops and employer events across the UBEL DTP institutions, some of which have a specialised provision for research students and postdoctoral researchers: 

• UCL Careers  
• LSHTM Careers  
• SOAS Careers  
• Birkbeck Careers  
• University of East London Careers 
• University of Greenwich Careers

For studentships starting from October 2024, Research in Practice has been introduced as a core component for all ESRC-funded students. One component of this is that all ESRC-funded students should have the opportunity to complete a high-quality placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations as part of their training. Students who do not undertake a placement will not receive the additional three months of funding. UBEL will provide further information about placements at the induction.

Students can arrange their own placement or apply to opportunities circulated by UBEL. 

You can find out more information about UBEL DTP placements here.