Learning and development
Researcher Development Support (RDS)
Facilitated by the Graduate Research School, the UTS Library and numerous UTS faculties, these courses and workshops can help you build fundamental research skills, including an understanding of research principles, methodologies, communication, and career pathways, at every stage of your candidature.
The Researcher Development and Support program supports you through the following five main aspects of your HDR study.
Integrating into a culture of research excellence
You’ve joined a community of scholars who are committed to high-quality, globally respected research that makes a significant impact, and you’ll soon be working at the forefront of your field. Our workshops will prepare you to take your place in that community and help you lay solid foundations for success from the beginning.
Download an overview of the Researcher Development and Support Program available to HDR students, or browse all upcoming GRS events on Research Futures, the new HDR student and HDR supervisor professional development hub.
If you've just started your journey as an HDR, don't miss our in person Induction:
HDR Induction: Being a research student at UTS, Research Session 1, 2025 on 12 March, Data Arena Foyer, Level 2 Building 11, 2:00-5:00pm.Please book via Research Futures, the new HDR student and HDR supervisor professional development hub. If it's your first time using Research Futures, make sure to log in using SSO (Single Sign On) with your UTS student email address. If you encounter problems with signing in, please email GRS@uts.edu.au for assistance. |
For new Distance Mode Students starting their Higher Degree Research (HDR) at UTS, we have lined up a series of online Induction sessions throughout the year.
These sessions are an informal introduction to the Graduate Research School (GRS) at UTS, and provide new distance mode students with an opportunity to network with other HDR students.
Things you can find out in these sessions include:
- How to contact GRS
- Where to find resources within UTS
- Ways to connect with GRS, other students and support units within UTS
Upcoming Online Inductions in 2025:
- GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 29 April, 3:00 - 4:00pm Register here
- GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 26 June, 1:00 - 2:00pm Register here
- GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 29 July, 300 - 4:00pm Register here
- GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 18 September, 1:00 - 2:00pm Register here
- GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 21 October, 10:00 - 11:00am Register here
GRS HDR Induction - Distance Mode Students - 27 November, 11:00 - 12:00pm Register here
If you missed the Distance Mode Induction in February, you can watch the replay here
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Demonstrating integrity and respect
UTS is committed to fostering a culture of responsible research conduct in accordance with the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, respect and accountability. These mandatory modules cover the basics of research integrity, research data management, and respectful behaviour towards a safe and inclusive community.
Development opportunities and support
Consent MattersAll UTS staff and students are required to complete Consent Matters, a compulsory online training module about appropriate behaviour and positive intervention. This training is one part of our program to reduce unwanted sexual behaviour and encourage healthy relationships. This online training must be completed in order to pass your Stage 1 assessment. | Access the module here (login with your student email and password) |
Research IntegrityUTS is committed to fostering a culture of integrity in research in accordance with the principles of honesty, trustworthiness, respect and accountability, as outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. All staff and students are required to complete the online Research Integrity Module on Canvas. This online training must be completed in order to pass your Stage 1 assessment. | Access the module here (login with your student email and password) |
Research data management planAll researchers at UTS are required to create a research data management plan (RDMP). You can find out more about this requirement here. You must have a RDMP in order to pass your Stage 1 assessment. | Access the online resource here |
Designing your research degree journey
Download this guide to learn how to Engage with the Graduate Research Study Plan
UTS encourages our HDRs to understand and take ownership of their own unique research journey from beginning to end, through the GRSP, guided by the HDR Capability Framework. You’ll choose your own development and training opportunities that ensure you’re progressing toward a meaningful conclusion, even as your research and aspirations evolve.
Research knowledge and skills
Disciplinary knowledge capabilities: the development of research questions, and competency in research methods. This is the traditional focus of research study, now recognised as needing to be complemented by a range of other areas of capability.
Finding and organising information
Literature Searching: Crafting your strategyThis workshop will cover, refining your research topic through background searches, using Boolean operators, running a basic search in key databases like Scopus and Google Scholar, keeping track of your search journey using documentation and ways to locate key papers | 6 MAY 2025, 1:00-2:30PM |
Creating your Research Data Management Plan
| 7 MAY, 1:00-2:30PM |
Introduction to Systematic Reviews
| 8 MAY, 10:00-11:30AM |
Literature Searching: Executing your strategyThis workshop is aimed at those with basic database searching experience who want to take their search skills to the next level and will cover: | 14 MAY, 10:00-11:30AM |
Storing your research data: where and how?
| 15 MAY, 1:00-2:30PM |
EndNote for Systematic Reviews
| 27 MAY. 10:00-11:00AM |
GenAI in Research
Join GRS’s Dr Ivan Smirnov for workshopsexploring how to use GenAI as a research tool.
What is GenAI?Join us for a workshop designed for graduate research students, where we will explore the technologies underpinning Generative AI. This workshop offers a high-level understanding of these technologies, which will be beneficial before engaging with the graphical interfaces of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. Developing a solid conceptual foundation will improve your skills as a user and help you critically evaluate the potential and limitations of Generative AI. | 13 May, 2:00-4:00pm |
How to talk to GenAI | 27 May, 2:00-4:00pm |
How GenAI can support your researchThis workshop examines research-specific applications of Generative AI, covering the entire process from idea generation to presenting your research results. We also explore how Generative AI can support you throughout your PhD journey, with practical examples and specific use cases relevant to researchers. | 10 June, 2:00 - 4:00pm |
Why you should be carefulGenerative AI offers numerous exciting opportunities for researchers. However, it's crucial to consider potential risks, especially given the lack of established practices for using Generative AI. This workshop focuses on the ethical implications that researchers should keep in mind, building on the technical limitations and weaknesses discussed in previous chapters. | 24 June, 2:00 - 4:00pm |
Social Justice in Research
Australia in Social Justice ContextJoin us for a workshop designed for graduate research students, where we will explore the technologies underpinning Generative AI. This workshop offers a high-level understanding of these technologies, which will be beneficial before engaging with the graphical interfaces of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. Developing a solid conceptual foundation will improve your skills as a user and help you critically evaluate the potential and limitations of Generative AI. | 8 April, 10:00am-2:300pm and follow up on 12 August, 12:00 - 1:00pm |
Cultural Humility | 6May, 12:00-1:00pm |
Qualitative research methods
In four intensive short online courses, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to design and conduct qualitative research. You will be introduced to a range of research designs, methods of data collection and data analysis, and standards of validation.
These courses are delivered on Canvas, self-paced with a Certificate of Completion at the end for inclusion in students' GRSP.
Foundational Issues in Qualitative ResearchLearn about fundamental aspects of qualitative research and learn to identify and address the philosophical issues underpinning your research | Access the online course here |
Common Methods in Qualitative ResearchGet an overview of three common qualitative methods: interview, focus group, and observation | Access the online course here |
Approaches to Qualitative Data AnalysisGain a fundamental understanding of thematic and discourse analysis as tools to explore qualitative data | Access the online course here |
Developing a Qualitative Research DesignLearn to develop a qualitative research design, including developing the research question, methods of data collection and analysis, sampling, data quality and evaluation standards, and ethical issues | Access the online course here |
Participatory Action ResearchLearn about some powerful approaches to research that engage communities, stakeholders, and researchers in a collaborative process of inquiry, reflection, and action. Participatory Action Research (PAR) is particularly relevant for addressing complex, real-world problems and promoting social justice, equity, and sustainability. | Access the online course here |
Quantitative research methods
In three intensive short online courses, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to design and conduct quantitative research.
These courses are delivered on Canvas, self-paced with a Certificate of Completion at the end for inclusion in students' GRSP.
Design and Analysis of ExperimentsEnhance your skills in the planning and analysis phases of the research lifecycle, including the development of quantifiable research questions, the basics of statistical inference, randomisation and considerations in the design of experiments | Access the online course here |
Design and Analysis of Questionnaire SurveysEnhance your skills in the planning phase of the research lifecycle, including the statistical considerations in planning, developing and implementing questionnaire surveys, and the basics of statistical analysis using SPSS | Access the online course here |
Statistical Analysis and Data ModellingEnhance your skills in the analysis phase of the research lifecycle, including an introduction to the basics of statistical modelling using R, progressing to more complex concepts and models | Access the online course here |
eResearch training for researchers
UTS eResearch and Intersect offer a wide range of specialised courses for researchers, from beginner through to advanced levels in High-Performance Computing (HPC), Programming with R/Python/Matlab, Excel, data management, data cleaning and visualisation, databases and SQL, and more. Delivered by Intersect's team of experts, training courses provide practical and research-relevant hands-on exercises.
Courses include:
Access the full list of eResearch training courses here
- Unix Shell and Command Line Basics: In this introductory course, we teach how to run commands within the Bash Shell.
- Learn to Program: R: Learn about the fundamental concepts in programming using R and apply them to analyse a sample research dataset.
- Data Manipulation and Visualisation in R: Learn about Data Manipulation, Data Transformation and Data Visualisation in R using the dplyr, tidyr and ggplot2 packages.
- Learn to Program: Python: Learn about the fundamental concepts in programming using Python and apply them to analyse a sample research dataset.
- Data Manipulation and Visualisation in Python: Explore DataFrames in depth, and learn about Data Manipulation and Data Visualisation in Python using the pandas, matplotlib and seaborn libraries.
- Data Capture and Surveys with REDCap: This course will introduce you to REDCap, a rapidly evolving web tool developed by researchers for researchers.
- Longitudinal Trials with REDCap: Learn how to run longitudinal data collection, such as surveys with post-intervention and follow-up questionnaires, using REDCap's powerful features.
- Learn to Program: MATLAB: Learn about the fundamental concepts in programming using MATLAB and apply them to analyse a sample research dataset.
- Excel for Researchers: Learn to use of the most widespread data wrangling tools, Microsoft Excel, to import, sort, filter, copy, protect, transform, summarise, merge, and visualise research data.
- Unix Shell and Command Line Basics: In this introductory course, we teach how to run commands within the Bash Shell.
As you reach the end of your PhD, find out what you need to know from policies to copyright to proofreading.
Finalising and submitting your thesisYou're so close to the end. This practice-based workshop covers the 'nuts and bolts' of dissertation submission, including official procedures, proofing and editing your final draft, and other guidelines and tips. | 12 November 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm Watch the replay here (Passcode: UF!0b$=r) |
Research communication
Researchers need to be able to communicate their research and its implications to a diversity of audiences, using a range of media, from the thesis and journal articles for academics and scholars, to presentations, broadcasts, videos and social media aimed at audiences in the community, including journalists and funders.
Writing
The Research Literacies program has been designed to help you produce coherent texts that respond to question-based, project based or creative research outputs. Each workshop series has a corresponding Canvas module with additional information, exercises, and resources. Register on Research Futures for upcoming workshops.
Writing EffectivelyEffective writing is critical to the clear communication of your research ideas. Developed specifically for HDR students, these five workshops will help you build fundamental academic writing skills, including the ability to write succinct and cohesive content. | 1 July, 10:00am-3:00pm |
The Literature ReviewThis series of four workshops will help you understand and navigate the review of existing scholarly literature that forms one of the first stages of research. Workshops cover topics such as reading strategies for published research, how to map and organise your reading, conceptualising your critique of the literature, and writing an effective literature review. |
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Your Dissertation in Your DisciplineDeveloped specifically for HDR students, this is a series of two workshops that will help you write a dissertation that is successful in its field. These workshops will help you understand the overall structure of a successful dissertation and how the individual parts fit together. You will learn how to produce an extended, coherent text that satisfies the expectations of your discipline. |
Publishing
Developing Your Personal Publishing Strategy
| 13 May, 10:00 - 11:00am |
Navigating Open Access Publishing at UTSAre you curious about Open Access and are wondering where to start? It's never too early or late to start thinking about Open Access, whether you are a research student or a seasoned researcher. This session will provide an overview of how Open Access publishing is supported and facilitated at UTS. | |
Copyright for researchers
| 29 May, 1:00 – 2:00pm |
Research governance and management
Researchers have a responsibility to act with integrity, engage in ethical research practices, and understand the policies that govern the management of research projects and programs.
Research data management
Creating your Research Data Management Plan
| 7 May, 1:00-2:30pm |
Storing your research data: where and how?
| 15 May, 1:00-2:30pm |
Project management
Project management for HDRsLearn the the concepts of project management and explore a range of practical tools and strategies to identifying your project's needs, timelines, stakeholders and how to effective plan for a successful research project. | Access the online course here → |
Developing your career
A diverse range of industries and organisations rely on research or research skills to solve real-world problems (including but not limited to academia, business, government, community and cultural organisations). These learning and development opportunities prepare you to be ‘world ready’ and in a position to make an impact in whatever professional path you choose.
Development opportunities and support
Career and Life DesignLearn how to apply design thinking to your life and career. This session, based on the Life Design program at Stanford University, will encourage you to consider how to create and use opportunities on your HDR student journey to design your learning and future career. | 7 May, 2:30-4:00pm |
Job Applications and InternshipsExplore ways to translate your HDR experiences into demonstrated skills and capabilities on your resume/CV. In this session we’ll look at how to prepare a resume for non-academic roles and learn ways to successfully address selection criteria. Bring along your most recent resume (no need for it to be up to date) and we will conduct a peer review. | 4 June, 2:30-4:00pm |
Building My Online Presence (LInkedin)Having a strong online brand is essential to advancing your career and sharing your research. There are so many tools available to help share your profile and message (LinkedIn, Google Scholar, personal website, and social media) and this workshop, led by Candy Jenkins, UTS Careers Consultant, will focus on how to best represent your professional brand. | 20 August, 2:30-4:00pm |
Panel - What direction can I take with my PhD?Join us for an inspiring afternoon where you will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of PhD alumni and industry guests who have successfully transitioned into a diverse range of professions and industries. Our esteemed panellists will share their unique career journeys, the valuable experiences they have gained, and the challenges they have faced while navigating their careers both inside and outside academia. Check back later to find the speakers here. | 5 November, 2:30 – 4:00pm |
Connect, engage, impact: using HDR work-integrated learning to build your research careerIn this panel discussion, UTS HDRs who have undertaken professional placements explain what motivated them, how they balanced their research with an external placement, and the professional doors their experiences opened for them. | Watch the replay (opens external site) |
ATN FrontiersATN Frontiers is an innovative professional development program designed specifically for HDR students. These online modules and workshops emphasise practical, hands-on strategies to shape the future. | Register to receive updates about upcoming offerings. Click here for more information. |
HDR Careers online modulesLearn to design your career, make informed decisions, and navigate the job search and application process. These modules will help you understand your skills, values, and career interests. You'll also learn more about the foundations of a successful job search for both academic and non-academic roles, writing a compelling job application, and nailing the job interview. Understand the benefits of professional placements in relation to your career. | Check out online"Career Design and Decision Making" module
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Professional placementsSince 2017, UTS has partnered with APR.Intern to connect research students with industry partners through paid 3-5 month internships. Drop into the online Professional Placements for HDRs module to find out more about when and why professional placements can support HDR career development. | Check out online "Professional Placements for HDRs" module |
IMNISUTS participates in the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) program, an initiative of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). IMNIS connects motivated, commercially aware industry mentors with PhD students. Mentors and mentees are matched for one year and commit to meeting 1 hour per month. Networking events allow mentors and mentees to connect more broadly. In 2016, the program was recognised with a prestigious B/HERT Award. IMNIS runs annually and participants are chosen through a selective EOI process. | Access the program here |
UTS CareersUTS Careers has a number of career resources available for HDRs, including:
| Visit UTS Careers here |
Cultivating your wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central component of the HDR student experience at UTS. From social events to formal workshops to online toolkits, these opportunities help you develop resilience, strategies of self-care and a strong peer community, so that both you and your research are thriving.
Development opportunities and support
- Be social
Check out the upcoming HDR Social schedule on Research Futures, or join a UTS club. All HDRs are welcome at the biweekly UTS Research Cafe, which brings together students and staff from across UTS who are passionate about, engage in, coordinate, and conduct research.
HDR Happy Friday Dates in 2025:
- Stay active
Join the UTS community of social sports teams or the UTS world of dance. - Design your wellbeing
Use these resources to manage your mindset, set healthy boundaries, and balance your time. - UTS Counselling
UTS Counselling offers a wide range of resources, including individual and group sessions and self-help resources. Most of their services are free to students. - Student Assistance Program
International students overseas can access 24/7 counselling from their home country. Book a confidential phone or online session, using the code "UTS." When you have reached the website, please click on “Contacting Your Student Assistance Program” for the phone number for your location.
RES Hub
The Research Excellence and Support Hub (RES Hub) supports research practice, projects and collaborations across UTS.
RES Hub
RES Hub consists of a digital platform (reshub.uts.edu.au) that hosts researcher development resources and events, access to systems and support, and a range of other tools. The physical space (CB02.05.250) facilitates events and training, collaborative working and hosts research activities.
For more events that are relevant to researchers and research students, please visit RES Hub.
ATN Frontiers
ATN Frontiers is an innovative professional development program for Australia’s next generation of PhD and research masters students.
ATN Frontiers
Focusing on the future of research and work, ATN Frontiers develops HDR students’ knowledge, skills, and ability to shape the future of innovation and productivity in industry. The program supports students to become the work-creators of the future, fostering their ambitions and providing them the skills to take their research further into their careers and industry. ATN Frontiers is free of charge to PhD and research masters students from ATN member universities.
Register to receive updates about upcoming offerings
The program consists of three levels of modules, each open to students from all disciplines and emphasising practical, hands-on strategies to develop your professional capabilities and future success:
- Level 1: Foundations of the Future (Available now)
- Level 2: My Future Master Classes (Available now)
- Level 3: TBC (Coming soon)
What does Level 1 look like?
Level 1 of ATN Frontiers consists of core learning modules studied online within a 4-week learning period. These modules consist of self-paced and directed learning about the potential changes in societal needs, research capabilities and technological advances, along with the possible influencers and disruptions that may impact on our futures. Level 1 modules are interdisciplinary and contain 6-8 hours of online material, along with 2 hours of live online facilitated workshops with content experts.
Students who successfully complete a level 1 module will receive a digital certificate, digital credential (which can be added to LinkedIn) and will be invited to join the ATN Frontiers Alumni Community. Students who have successfully completed a level 1 module will have:
- achieved 85% or more of the online learning activities; and
- attended the live online workshop(s).
Current topics:
- The Future Professional
- The Future of Work and Innovation
- The Future of Collaboration
- The Future of Leadership
- The Future of Communication
- The Future of Data
- The Future of Technology
- The Future of Project Management (coming soon)
Modules will run multiple times a year; places in each cohort are limited. For more information including delivery dates, visit ATN Frontiers website.
What does Level 2 look like?
Level 2 of ATN Frontiers provides more in-depth investigations and engagement with specialised issues and skillsets through intensive workshop-based master classes. Each masterclass will focus on specific skills and strategies needed to shape the future, featuring cohort experiences and expert facilitators.
Level 2 modules are designed to provide a deep dive into an area of specialised interest and create opportunity for engagement with knowledge experts and peers. Modules consist of a total of 15 hours learning, including 6 hours of masterclass workshops. Students will be required to submit an assessment task at the conclusion of the module.
Students who successfully complete a Level 2 module will receive a digital certificate (which can be added to LinkedIn) and will be invited to join the ATN Frontiers Alumni Community. Students who have successfully completed a Level 2 module will have:
- achieved 85% or more of the online learning activities; and
- attended the live masterclasses; and
- completed and passed the assessment task.
Level 2 of ATN Frontiers:
- Policy and Impact Futures
- Sustainability Futures
- Digital Futures
- Knowledge Futures
What does Level 3 look like?
The program will culminate in a final level building upon prior learning throughout the program, currently being designed.
