For many years, IALS has run a very collegiate series of lunchtime seminars to support MPhil/ PhD students – both within IALS and outwith. These Masterclass sessions provide an opportunity for PGR students to discuss their research, methodologies, challenges, aspirations, and more with fellow students and academics. Discussion is usually informal and roundtable.
The rationale for these Masterclass seminars is to offer support, advice and guidance for PGR students. We know that PGR research can sometimes be an isolating experience. But you are not alone. The challenges that you are facing now are ones that others have previously faced in the past (indeed some of your fellow students might be experiencing the same challenges right now). We hope that these Masterclasses will help to alleviate some of the isolation or to overcome challenges that you are facing, and to reinforce the sense of community and camaraderie amongst PGR students and academics.
Even hearing that others are having, or have had, the same difficulties can diminish those problems in our own minds. We can also hear about how others have overcome challenges or problems that they faced in the past, which might prove useful for our own situation.
During the current COVID-19 academic, IALS has had to cancel the current series of Masterclass events. To make up for this, though, we are making available short podcasts (approx. 10-15 minutes) with advice on specific topics from a variety of different perspectives. These podcasts will be made available over the coming weeks – a list of topics to be covered is below.
Topics are inspired by PGR students, who have flagged up issues that they are facing or would like to hear more about. Following requests for insight into post-PhD issues, the podcasts here also include some advice on issues that early career researchers (ECRs) might face.
Please let us know if there are any other topics that you would like to see covered in future podcasts.