Training and Development course programme

An introduction to anti-racist allyship (online)

Thursday, 22 October 2026, 10.30am to 12pm

Viva preparation and practice (in-person)

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 10am to 1pm

This course provides doctoral students in the third year and above with information about the viva, guidance on planning a proactive approach to it, and opportunities to practice.

Academic Writing with AI (online)

Monday, 9 November 2026 to Monday, 30 November 2026, 10am - 12pm

Unlock the potential of AI to enhance your academic writing with this course offered by the University of Oxford's Language Centre. Designed specifically for Oxford MPLS students and staff, the Academic Writing with AI course provides a structured approach to effectively integrate AI tools at each stage of the writing process.

Scientific writing: core skills (in-person)

Dr David Jones

Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 9.30am to 5pm

This one day course provides a sound grounding in the core skills needed to produce accurate and effective scientific writing.

Why Every Research Group Needs a Handbook (online)

Maddie Mitchell

Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 12pm to 1pm

Explore how a lab handbook can support positive research culture, clarify expectations, and improve communication. Research groups will discuss shared values, working practices, and strategies for welcoming new members.

Difficult conversations: part one - the basics (online)

Amy Hinks

Monday, 16 November 2026, 11am to 12pm

Learn practical strategies for preparing to navigate and follow up on difficult conversations, helping you feel prepared to address challenging discussions.

Time Management (online)

Dr Catherine Seed & James Cunning

Monday, 16 November 2026, 2pm to 3.30pm

Being able to manage time effectively will help you to be more successful in all aspects of your life.

Scientific Writing: Getting Your Paper Published (in-person)

Dr David Jones

Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 9.30am to 5pm

This course will look at the aspects you need to consider when constructing your paper; demystify peer reviewed journals by giving insider insights from science journal editors and show you what they really want.

Being an effective bystander (online)

Hannah Ravenswood

Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 10.30am to 11.30am

Writing & Editing Skills for Researchers: using story to enhance your communication (in-person)

Robert Holtom

Thursday, 19 November 2026, 10am to 4pm

Learn how to enhance your writing and editing with skills from storytelling.

Research Data Management (in-person)

Oliver Bridle

Thursday, 19 November 2026, 12.30pm to 2pm

Research data is often at the heart of scientific projects, it’s what you spend hours in the lab generating or in the field collecting. It forms the basis of your analysis and underpins your arguments in papers and theses.

Introduction to Presentation Skills (in-person)

Dr Catherine Seed

Monday, 23 November 2026, 1pm to 4pm

If you have little or no experience of giving presentations, this course is for you.

Difficult conversations: part two - putting concepts into practice (in-person)

Amy Hinks

Tuesday, 24 November 2026, 11.30am to 12.30pm

Build on Part I in this practical, in-person session, with opportunities to practice and prepare for difficult conversations you are planning. You can also bring questions or Resolution and mediation issues for discussion and guidance from the MPLS Resolution Service.

Your Successful DPhil (in person)

Dr Catherine Seed

Tuesday, 24 November 2026, 1pm to 4pm

Start your DPhil confidently with practical tools, strategies and support.

Thesis and report writing (in-person)

Dr David Jones

Wednesday, 25 November 2026, 9.30am to 1pm

The thesis and report writing course is relevant for research students at any stage.

Podcast your science (in-person)

Emily Elias

Thursday, 26 November 2026, 9.30am to 4.30pm

From inception to publication this practical session delivered by Emily Elias, journalist and producer of the Oxford Sparks podcast series, is a whirlwind tour through the basics of how to share your research in an engaging manner through podcasting.