Post Doc Research Training

Build the knowledge and skills to become a Research Fellow

At Doctoral College UK, we provide structured post doctoral research training to support every area of academic research. Our focused, flexible course is designed to develop the critical skills needed for successful post doctoral academic research, publication, grant applications and PhD supervision.

Award: Postnominal Letters – RFDCUK
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Part-time/Flexible
Structure: Supervised & Milestone-Based

Programme aims:

The Post Doctoral Training leads to Fellowship status and provides postdoctoral researchers with a structured, mentored opportunity to:

Advance independent and collaborative research.
Publish and present high-quality academic work.
Contribute to doctoral education through peer mentorship.
Develop academic citizenship and leadership.
Build a professional identity as a postdoctoral scholar.

Entry requirements:

A completed doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, EdD or equivalent).
A commitment to academic and professional development.
A defined research focus or interest aligned with Doctoral College UK themes.
Capacity to commit 6–8 hours per week to the Fellowship.

Programme Structure and Monthly Milestones

Each month includes supervision, mentoring, and peer collaboration. Fellows submit a milestone portfolio entry for review and feedback.

Month 1: Fellowship Onboarding and Research Planning

Induction meeting with supervisor.
Define research area, objectives, and intended outputs.
Submit: Personal Research Fellowship Plan (2,000 words).

Month 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framing

Develop a critical review of recent literature in the chosen field.
Participate in one community research seminar.
Submit: Extended Literature Review (3,000–4,000 words).

Month 3: Research Methodology and Ethics

Outline methodological approach and ethical considerations.
Engage in peer feedback on proposed methods.
Submit: Methodological Framework & Ethics Statement (2,500–3,000 words).

Month 4: Data Collection or Secondary Data Preparation

Begin or plan for data collection (or select secondary datasets).
Attend workshop on responsible data management.
Submit: Data Collection Plan or Dataset Critique Report.

Month 5: Mentoring Doctoral Researchers

Support at least one doctoral researcher through mentoring/coaching.
Reflect on supervision practice and leadership.
Submit: Mentorship Reflective Log and Impact Statement.

Month 6: Writing for Publication I – Drafting a Research Article

Begin drafting a publishable academic article.
Attend workshop on academic publishing strategies.
Submit: Draft Journal Article (1st Version).

Month 7: Peer Review and Dissemination Preparation

Receive supervisor and peer feedback on draft.
Plan for presentation at a relevant academic conference or webinar.
Submit: Revised Journal Article + Conference Abstract.

Month 8: Research Impact and Knowledge Exchange

Identify the impact potential of your research.
Design a brief for industry/community knowledge exchange.
Submit: Research Impact Plan + Engagement Material (e.g. blog post, podcast outline, explainer).

Month 9: Grant Writing and Research Funding

Explore research funding sources relevant to your area.
Attend grant proposal writing workshop.
Submit: Mini Grant Proposal (max 1,500 words).

Month 10: Research Leadership and Academic Citizenship

Contribute to a Doctoral College UK workshop or event.
Engage in a collaborative supervision or co-authoring opportunity.
Submit: Academic Leadership Reflective Portfolio.

Month 11: Finalise Research Outputs

Finalise journal article(s), knowledge exchange product(s), and contribution to research culture.
Submit: Portfolio of Final Outputs.

Month 12: Fellowship Reflection and Viva Presentation

Deliver a 30-minute viva-style presentation to a review panel.
Reflect on personal and academic development during the year.
Submit: Fellowship Reflective Report (2,000 words) + Presentation Slides.

Training is Not an Event - It is a Habit.

True professional development isn’t achieved in a single course or seminar. It’s a mindset—a commitment to lifelong learning. Successful career managers make continuous improvement part of their routine. Whether it’s a monthly workshop, a formal qualification, or an online leadership module, each learning experience compounds into lasting growth.

Your Next Step: Invest in Your Future

Whether you’re an aspiring researcher, a seasoned academic expert, or somewhere in between, ask yourself: What are you doing today to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow?

Explore our tailored post doctoral research training programme designed to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to research with impact.

Gain research fellowship status recognised across industries
Access real-world learning and experienced tutors
Flexible learning – online or in-person
Supportive community of research-minded professionals

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin