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PGR Development Programme 2024-2025

The table below displays all of the sessions on the Academy’s central PGR programme by month. Use the links contained in the table to book onto a session.

Sessions are a mix of in-person and online, delivered via a range of formats including online modules and resources, workshops, masterclasses, bootcamps, webinars, Faculty Forums and practical applications.

The Academy’s PGR Offering will help you plan, promote and progress your personal and professional development, and build your community by connecting with your fellow PGRs across the University. Whether you are an early, mid or late stage PGR, you will find development activities tailored to your needs. All sessions are open to all University of Liverpool PGRs, regardless of your stage. Please do use our PGR Development Programme Brochure 2024-25 for more information.

Events by month

September 2024

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
16 September 2024	Developing Effective Research Practices for Mid Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those at the mid stage of their postgraduate research programme. PGRs Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	In-Person 10:00-12:00	Mid Stage	Effectve Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, WriteFest Activities, Intro to Project Planning, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
18 September 2024	Project Planning & Completion for Late Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those in the final year of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domains A, B & C	In-Person 10:00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage, Academic Writing for Late-Stage, Intro to Project Planning, Having Difficult Conversations
26 September 2024	Project Planning & Completion for Late Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those in the final year of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domains A, B & C	Online 13.00 – 16.30	Late Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage, Academic Writing for Late-Stage, Intro to Project Planning, Having Difficult Conversations

October 2024

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
02 October 2024	Articulating your research skills - Elizabeth Adams An online session to help you identify the unique skills you have built up during your research Roadmap Theme – Thrive RDF Domain B	Online 14.00 – 15.30	Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting without Fear, Networking for Researchers, Effective Writing Techniques, Developing Research Collaborations
03 October 2024	Developing Effective Research Practises for Mid Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those at the mid stage of their postgraduate research programme. PGRs Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	Online 14.00:16.00	Mid Stage	Effectve Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, WriteFest Activities, Intro to Project Planning, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
04 October 2024	Viva Preparation in Science & Engineering Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Doamin A, B & C	In-person 10.00- 12.30	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
10 October 2024	LinkedIn Masterclass An online session to help you get the most out of LinkedIn and your profile Roadmap Theme Advance RDF Domain B	Online 14:00 – 15:00	Mid Stage, Late Stage	Networking for Researchers, Developing Research Collaborations
11 October 2024	Presenting without fear – Daniela Bultoc How do you deliver an impactful presentation whilst overcoming fear of presenting? Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain D	Online 11.00 – 13.00	Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presentation Practice, Networking for Researchers, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to 3MT, Powerful Posters
14 October 2024	Viva Preparation in Health & Life Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
16 October 2024	Viva Preparation in Humanities & Social Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
22 October 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Science & Engineering A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-person 14:00 – 16.00	Early Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
24 October 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Health & Life Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Early Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
31 October 2024	Working Together – the PGR Supervisor Relationship Learn how to work effectively with your supervisor Roadmap Theme - Advance RDF Domains C & D	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Early Stage Mid Stage	Having Difficult Conversations, Handling Rejection, Imposter Syndrome, Developing Research Collaborations, Self Sabotage, Intro to Project Planning
29 October 2024	Stretch & Pose (Sport Liverpool) This session is being hosted by Sport Liverpool. To book your place, email m.ferrari@liverpool.ac.uk	In-Person 15:00-16:00	All Stages	Relaxation & Meditation
30 October 2024	Viva Preparation in Health & Life Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear

November 2024

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
05 November 2024	CV Masterclass An interactive CV Workshop for PGR students that will help you to build a tailored CV to match your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B	In-Person 14:00-16:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Developing Research Collaborations, Networking for Researchers
06 November 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Humanities & Social Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-Person 14.00 – 16.00	Early Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
07 November 2024	Academic Writing for Late Stage PGRs – Dr Jo Young Explore the practicalities of thesis writing, including planning techniques, appropriate writing style, and writing to completion. Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain A	Online 09.30 – 12.30	Late Stage	Writing Retreat, Effective Writing Techniques, Imposter Syndrome, Project Planning, Intro to Project Management, Viva Prep
11 November 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Science & Engineering A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Early Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
12 November 2024	Academic Writing for Mid Stage PGRs Deepen your understanding of academic writing and develop good writing practices Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain A	Online 09.30 – 12.30	Mid Stage	Writing Retreat, Effective Writing Techniques, Imposter Syndrome, Project Planning, Intro to Project Management, Effective Research Practices
13 November 2024	An Introduction to Public Engagement This workshop will give you an overview of the stages needed to create a brilliant public engagement activity linked to your research and highlight opportunities to get involved Roadmap Theme: Thrive RDF Domain D	In-Person 10:00-12:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Powerful Posters, Presenting without Fear, Presentation Practise
18 November 2024	Viva Preparation in Humanities and Social Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
19 November 2024	Introduction to Project Planning Dr Katy Mahoney Introduction to essential project planning techniques and how to use them Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain B & C	Online 10.00 – 12.30	Early Stage, Mid Stage	Effective Research Practice, Effective Writing Practices
20 November 2024	Viva Preparation in Science & Engineering Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
21 November 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Health & Life Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-Person 14:00 - 16:00	Early Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
26 November 2024	Developing Research Collaborations – Dr Elizabeth Adams Having the right conversations to ensure you build trust and create lasting collaborations, which are greater than the sum of their parts. Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain B	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Mid Stage, Late Stage	LinkedIn Masterclass, Handling Rejection, Presenting without Fear, Imposter Feelings
27 November 2024	Developing Effective Writing Practices Writing exercises to boost your productivity. Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain A	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Mid Stage, Late Stage	Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest Activities
28 November 2024	PGR Writing Retreat This session offers participants time and space in a writing retreat to concentrate on and complete their own research writing tasks. Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domian A, B & D	In-Person 09:00-17:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest Activities

December 2024

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
02 December 2024	Starting Postgraduate Research in Humanities & Social Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10.00-12.30	Early Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
03 December 2024	PGR Presentation Practice An opportunity to book a 30-minute slot to practice your presentation and receive feedback RoadMap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	In-Person 10:00-15:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting without Fear, Intro to Public Engagement, Powerful Posters
11 December 2024	Developing Effective Research Practises for Mid Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those at the mid stage of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	In-Person 13.00 – 15.00	Mid Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Writing Retreat, WriteFest Activities, Intro to Project Planning, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
12 December 2024	PGR Lunch & Learn: Managing Uncertainty PhDs can be stressful! This Lunch and Learn session focuses on psychoeducational aspects of managing uncertainty.	Online 14:00-15:00	All Stages	Having Difficult Conversations
13 December 2024	Project Planning & Completion for Late Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those in the final year of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage, Academic Writing for Late-Stage, Intro to Project Planning, Having Difficult Conversations

January 2025

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
21 January 2025	Starting Postgraduate Research in Science & Engineering A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14:00-15:45	Early Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
23 January 2025	Working Together – PGR Supervisor Relationship Learn to work effectively with your supervisor Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain C & D	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Having Difficult Conversations, Handling Rejection, Imposter Syndrome, Developing Research Collaborations, Self Sabotage, Intro to Project Planning
28 January 2025	Starting Postgraduate Research in Humanities & Social Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14:00-15:45	Early Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning
30 January 2025	Starting Postgraduate Research in Health & Life Sciences A strongly recommended session for all those at the start of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 14.00 – 15.45	Early Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Having Difficult Conversations, Supervisor Relationship, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning

February 2025

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
05 February 2025	PGR Lunch & Learn: Relaxation & Meditation Join the Wellbeing Team to learn more about the benefits of Relaxation for PGRs and join in a Body-Scanning workshop	Online 13:00-14:00	All Stages
06 February 2025	Introduction to Project Planning An introduction to the basics of project planning. Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain B & C	Online 10.00 – 12.30	Early Stage, Mid Stage	Developing Effective Research Practices, Effective Writing Practices
10 February 2025	PGR Writing Retreat This session offers participants time and space in a writing retreat to concentrate on and complete their own research writing tasks.	In-Person 09:00-17:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest Activities
11 February 2025	Developing Effective Writing Practices Writing exercises to boost your productivity. Roadmap Theme: Advance RDF Domain A	Online 10.00 – 11:45	Mid Stage, Late Stage	Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest activities
12 February 2025	An Introduction to 3MT Competition An Introduction to the 3MT Competition for those who are considering entering this prestige competition.	Online 14:00-15:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Introduction to the 3MT Competition
13 February 2025	Developing Effective Research Practise for Mid Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those at the mid stage of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	In-person 13.00 – 15.00	Mid Stage	Effective Writing Practices, Writing Retreat, WriteFest Activities, Intro to Project Planning, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
18 February 2025	Academic Writing for Mid Stage PGRs Deepen your understanding of academic writing styles and practices. Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain A	Online 09.30 – 12.30	Mid Stage	Writing Retreat, Effective Writing Practices, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning, Developing Effective Research Practices
19 February 2025	Academic Writing for Late Stage PGRs Explore the practicalities of thesis writing, including planning techniques, appropriate writing style, and writing to completion. Roadmap Theme – Progress RDF Domain A	Online 09.30 – 12.30	Late Stage	Writing Retreat, Effective Writing Practices, Imposter Syndrome, Intro to Project Planning, Developing Effective Research Practices
25 February 2025	Developing Effective Research Practises for Mid Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those at the mid stage of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Mid Stage	Writing Retreat, Effective Writing Practices, Intro to Project Planning, Developing Effective Research Practices Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
27 February 2025	Networking for Researchers Learn how to effectively network with other researchers Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain A	In-person 13.30 – 16.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting Without Fear, 3MT, Powerful Posters

March 2025

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
04 March 2025	Viva Preparation in Health & Life Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10:00 – 11:45	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
05 March 2025	CV Masterclass An interactive CV Workshop for PGR students that will help you to build a tailored CV to match your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B	Online 14:00-16:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Developing Research Collaborations, Networking for Researchers
06 March 2025	Viva Preparation in Humanities & Social Sciences Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10.00 – 11:45	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
11 March 2025	Viva Preparation in Science & Engineering Prepare for your viva with confidence Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B & C	Online 10.00 – 11:45	Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear
12 March 2025	Demystifying the Recruitment Process for Postgraduate Researchers	Online 10:00-11:00	Late Stage	CV Masterclass, Articulating Your Research Skills, Imposter Feelings & Self Confidence
13 March 2025	Stopping Self Sabotage A workshop to help identify common self-sabotaging behaviours offer practical ideas and strategies to overcome them. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A & B	Online 10:00-12:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Imposter Syndrome, Developing Effective Research Practises for Mid Stage PGRs
17 March 2025	Help! They're asking for a Narrative CV This session is aimed at PGRs who are in the process of applying for postdoctoral fellowships or any research funding calls that require a narrative CV.	In-Person 14:00-15:30	Late Stage	Articulating your Research
18 March 2025	Using creativity for problem-solving Learn how to use your own creativity to come up with solutions to problems you face. Roadmap Theme – Reflect RDF Domain A	Online 14.30 – 16.30	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Difficult Conversations, Developing Research Collaborations, Imposter Syndrome, Project Planning for Late Stage, Networking for PGRs
19 March 2025	Publishing in High Impact Journal for Postgraduate Researchers: a nature case study The session will cover what editors of high-profile journals are looking for when deciding whether to send a paper out to review or not.	Online 14:00-15:00	Early, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Effective Writing Practises, Academic Writing for Late Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Mid Stage PGRs, Writing Retreat
20 March 2025	An Introduction to Public Engagement This workshop will give you an overview of the stages needed to create a brilliant public engagement activity linked to your research and highlight opportunities to get involved Roadmap Theme: Thrive RDF Domain D	In-Person 10:00-12:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Powerful Posters, Presenting without Fear, Presentation Practise
25 March 2025	3MT Presentation – Jamie Gallagher Three minutes to explain your thesis. Learn from a former winner. Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain A	In-Person 9.30 – 12.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting without Fear, Presentation Practice, Imposter Syndrome, Handling Rejection, Articulating your Research
25 March 2025	Powerful Posters – Jamie Gallagher Academic posters are an excellent opportunity to get your research to a wider audience. Learn how to make best use of them. Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain A	In-Person 14.00 – 16.30	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting without Fear, Networking for Researchers, Handling Rejection, Having Difficult Conversations, Developing Research Collaborations

April 2025

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
02 April 2025	Imposter Feelings and Self Confidence – Elizabeth Adams Recognising and tackling your inner critic and feelings of self-doubt Roadmap Theme – Reflect RDF Domain – B	Online 14.00 – 16.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Having Difficult Conversations, Networking for Researchers, Handling Rejection, Presentation Practice, Presenting without Fear
03 April 2025	Having Difficult Conversations Equipping you with tools to prepare for and conduct the types of ‘challenging’ conversations you come across in a research context. Roadmap Theme – Reflect RDF Domain D	Online 10.00 – 11.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Presenting without Fear, Handling Rejection, Networking for Researchers, Imposter Feelings
08 April 2025	Deep Work: How to Focus in a World of Distraction A strongly recommended session for all stages of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain B & C	In-Person 10.00 – 12.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, WriteFest Activities, Intro to Project Planning, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs
10 April 2025	Project Planning & Completion for Late Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those in the final year of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B, C	In-person 10.00 – 12.30	Late Stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage, Academic Writing for Late-Stage, Intro to Project Planning, Having Difficult Conversations
29 April 2025	Project Planning & Completion for Late Stage PGRs A strongly recommended session for all those in the final year of their postgraduate research programme. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domain A, B, C	Online 13.00 – 16.30	Late stage	Effective Writing Techniques, Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage, Academic Writing for Late-Stage, Intro to Project Planning, Having Difficult Conversations

May 2025

Date & time	Session Title	Format	PGR Stage	Linked Sessions
02 May 2025	Developing Effective Writing Practices Learn how to make best use of your writing time. Roadmap Theme – Advance RDF Domain A	In-Person 10:00 – 11:45	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Writing Retreat, Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest activities
06 May 2025	Handling Rejection – Elizabeth Adams This session looks at how to build yourself back up and move forward in the face of rejection. Roadmap Theme – Thrive RDF Domain B	Online 10.00 – 11.00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Networking for Researchers, Presenting without Fear, Having Difficult Conversations, Imposter Feelings
08 May 2025	PGR Writing Retreat This session offers participants time and space in a writing retreat to concentrate on and complete their own research writing tasks. Roadmap Theme: Progress RDF Domian A, B & D	In-Person 09:00-17:00	Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage	Academic Writing for Mid-Stage PGRs, Academic Writing for Late-Stage PGRs, Articulating your Research Skills, WriteFest activities

The Academy, Researcher Development & Culture, University of Liverpool
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United Kingdom