Information for new Science and Engineering doctoral students

We have an exciting schedule of welcome events for all new doctoral students joining us in April 2024 – here is a list of our upcoming events which you can book via the link provided.

Welcome Coffee Chat: What’s Coming up in the Doctoral College, Spring 2024

Friday 5 April, 11:00am - 12:00pm, Microsoft Teams.

Our welcome programme of coffee chats are an informal opportunity to network online with other doctoral students and meet with the Doctoral Student Development team and special guests.   

This week, we will be launching your welcome programme with a chat about everything that is coming up in the Doctoral College this spring. You’ll be hosted by members of the Doctoral Student Experience team and we’ll let you know about all the upcoming welcome events and online resources, as well as some other great opportunities, like getting involved with the Conference on Wednesday 24 April and watching Three Minute Thesis presentations by other members of the doctoral student community. We look forward to meeting you! 

Welcome Coffee Chat: Discover Your Library

Wednesday 10 April, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Microsoft Teams. 

This week, we are pleased to be introducing you to members of your Manchester Met Library team. Come along to find out about the Library’s resources, accessing their collections through their website, researcher support and development sessions in their open programme. Whatever your question, we’ll be delighted to help. 

Welcome Coffee Chat: Support for International Doctoral Students

Tuesday 16 April, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, Microsoft Teams. 

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Marcus Bridle from the Language Centre and Nicola Ross from the International Office to focus on all areas of support for international doctoral students. Whether you are a brand new starter at Manchester Met or a more established student with questions about what support is available, come along and we’ll be delighted to share some tips and links to resources, and to hear about your experience so far. 

Analysing Your Training Needs Workshop 

Friday 26 April, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Microsoft Teams.

This workshop takes you through the process of analysing your training needs. You’ll establish your current skill level, identify any gaps in your knowledge and how you can address these. You’ll be introduced to the Researcher Development Framework (RDF), a renowned professional development tool for researchers. Whether you are just starting out and completing your first training needs analysis, or further in your doctoral journey and want to refresh your knowledge of the RDF, this interactive session is for you. 

Welcome Coffee Chat: Thinking About Your Development and Support from Academic and Study Skills

Tuesday 30 April, 10:00am - 11:00am, Microsoft Teams.

This week, we are pleased to be introducing you to members of your Manchester Met Academic & Study Skills team. Come along to find out about their fantastic range of online and Moodle resources, their workshop sessions and longer courses on themes like writing skills and criticality. Members of the Doctoral Student Experience team will be in the session too and can signpost to other development opportunities to suit you. 

We’re delighted to invite you to the upcoming Induction Day on Wednesday 17 April 2024, which will take place in the Business School, room BS 7.03 (N Atrium), 11:00am – 3:45pm.

Please see the schedule below:

• 11:00am – 11:15am: Welcome to the Faculty and Doctoral Study in Science and Engineering from Drs Kirstie Andrews and Fiona Wilkinson (Doctoral College Faculty Head and Deputy Head).   
• 11:15am – 12:00pm: Meet and Greet with the Doctoral College Department Leads. Here you will have the opportunity to meet your academic contacts from your department. You will be able to introduce your projects and get to know your colleagues.
• 12:00pm –  12:10pm: Research culture in Science and Engineering. Professor Neil Reeves (Faculty Director of Research) will welcome you and explain our research culture and the range of opportunities and support available to you.
• 12:10pm –  1:10pm: Networking lunch.
• 1:10pm –  2:00pm: Faculty research; flash presentations. An overview of the cutting-edge research taking place across the Faculty and how doctoral students are embedded in this work.
• 2:00pm –  2:15pm: Break. 
• 2:15pm –  2:25pm: Technical support services. Dr Claudio Dos Santos (Technical Manager) will introduce the support available, their teams and contact points. 
• 2:25pm –  3:05pm: Doctoral study in the Faculty. Dr Fiona Wilkinson will discuss supervision, training and development, expectations, responsibilities and what to expect in the 1^st year of a doctoral degree.
• 3:05pm –  3:15pm: Introduction from Doctoral Services – meet Doctoral Services representatives and learn about their role in your research journey.
• 3:15pm –  3:30pm: Introduction from Alex Wheeler from Library Services. Hear how the Library supports you in your doctoral degrees. 
• 3:30pm –  3:45pm: Introduction from the Student Union and Q&A from Kathryn Cribbin. Find out about the Student Union and have a chance to ask any questions.