The Graduate Schools' Training programme provides training support for research students through an induction programme for new students, annual 'block training' events and frequent short courses from which appropriate training sessions can be selected. The training provided covers the following areas: Research Techniques, the Research Environment, Research Management, Personal Effectiveness, Communication Skills, Networking and Team working, and Career Management. More detailed information about the training, including descriptions of each session, can be viewed at the research training website:

http://www.ulster.ac.uk/staffdev/Research_Training

The programme is supported by the Research Councils UK, which largely funds the programme. It has been designed to support the research candidate through important events including the 100-days seminar and examination process, including the viva. Training events provide great opportunities for networking with other researchers, and are often very enjoyable - in addition to being very useful. Training is provided by academics from across the university's faculties, trainers from the Staff Development Unit, and some external facilitators . Students are asked to evidence their developing research skills competence in the PDSystem, a web-based application, accessible from any computer which encourages reflection and is organised to help researchers take control of their learning experience.

PhD by Published Work
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Published Work is awarded in recognition of research which, as the title suggests, has already been published in book form or in academic journals.  Applicants must have a record of publication in a particular area. The works to be considered must be based on original research and must constitute a significant and coherent contribution to knowledge. Candidates will also be required to submit a thesis of 10-20,000 words demonstrating that the published work fulfils the requirements noted above.  Full details of this degree including eligibility criteria, regulations, rules and guidelines, are available from the Research Office.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
This programme is available to applicants who have held a qualification registrable with the General Medical Council for at least three years.