Training and development
The Graduate School works with colleagues across the University to provide a wide range of training and development opportunities to equip you for your studies and research here, and prepare you for your time beyond graduation.
PhD students can also access training opportunities nationally through our partnerships with other universities, including through the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) and the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences (SGSSS). In addition, St Andrews is home to several Doctoral Training Programmes and Partnerships in various scientific fields which offer cohort-based bespoke training.
Training directors and coordinators
Dr Philip Ireland
PGR Careers Provision Co-ordinator
Philip has a PhD from the University of St Andrews in experimental physics. As part of his role, he helps to oversee the careers provision for postgraduate research students of the University with academic career planning, exploring careers outside academia, and interview skills.
Claire Lavelle
PGT Careers Provision Co-ordinator
Claire graduated from the University of St Andrews and worked in Education. She holds an MSc in the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College, London, and is an accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Heather Curtis
PG Student Developer
Heather is Co-ordinator of MSkills and wider PG student development initiatives. Based in the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI), with specific interests in peer learning and transitions support.
Dr Mark Carver
GRADskills Director
Mark is based in IELLI, where his research and teaching interests are in doctoral assessment, academic writing, and teacher professional learning.
Career development and employability
- Book an appointment to speak to a Careers Adviser on any aspect of career planning beyond your studies and research.
- Alumni networking through the Coffee Connect scheme where you can have a relaxed chat over a virtual coffee.
Professional development
The Saints Skills Awards are recognised on graduate transcripts. Demonstrate your skills development and learn the best way to communicate your proficiencies in applications for graduate opportunities.
Postgraduate taught students
The Careers Centre has developed a Postgraduate taught career timeline outlining key steps and available opportunities, such as:
- Attend PGT sessions on considering a PhD.
- Network with postgraduate researchers and contact potential supervisors.
- Apply for further study such as a PhD or MPhil.
- Engage in work shadowing.
- Apply for a postgraduate internship.
Postgraduate research students
The Careers Centre offers tailored advice for postgraduate researchers of the University to support their career planning beyond their research degree, including:
- Targeted advice and bespoke resources on What can I do with my PhD?
- Group careers appointments specifically open to PGR students, with the aim of facilitating focused discussion on a range of career-related topics.
- Tailored career-planning workshops exclusively available to PGRs, for example on exploring options beyond academia or support for writing CVs, offered as part of the GRADskills suite of workshops.
- Other bespoke events open only to PGRs, including 'Professionalising your PhD', where current PhD students can hear from PhD graduates working in a variety of sectors.
PGT academic skills enhancement
Academic skills and development
The Learning and Writing Centre offers workshops, resources, and one-to-one sessions:
- One-to-one tutorials including PGT Academic Writing, Speaking Practice for Presentations, and Core Study Skills.
- Online course Postgraduate Academic Writing Skills: Foundations.
- Online course for students with English as an additional language English for Academic Purposes Toolkit.
- Dissertation Writing Retreats.
MSkills workshops
Training focused on core skills and the development areas relevant to Masters-level study and built around the University’s Graduate attributes.
MSkills workshops empower Masters students to build skills that support ambitions in St Andrews and beyond:
- PGT success: kickstart your degree with successful learning habits.
- Academic focus: enhance your skills to meet the demands of PG research and writing.
- Digital focus: develop confidence in key areas including AI and data.
- Next steps: build strategies for successful PhD and career applications.
GRADskills: develop research postgraduate students' skills and employability inside and outside of academia
GRADskills provides a broad coverage of doctoral skills, sitting alongside specialist training in the academic Schools of St Andrews and doctoral training partnerships such as SGSSS or SGSAH. Sessions run all year, mostly online, and can be booked 5 weeks in advance.
Themes for workshops and activities can include:
- Getting started: introducing you to good habits, tools and ways of working.
- Carrying out my research: funding resources, analysis software and writing labs.
- Dealing with my data: data management plans, storing data and publishing.
- Conferences, networking, and public engagement: writing abstracts and proposals, getting funding.
- Writing and publishing: advice and support for writing and publishing in various media.
- Teaching: assessment and misconduct, diversity and support for students and teachers.
- Finishing up: CVs and job applications, submitting your thesis, preparing for your Viva.
Partnerships and networks
- St Andrews Innovation Entrepreneurship Centre: provides opportunities for postgraduate students, including access to programmes such as Startup Skills Lab and Venture Creation, as well as funding and events.
- SGSAH: the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities is a national hub which provides training and skills development opportunities for all doctoral students in Scotland in the arts and humanities.
- SGSSS: the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences is a national hub providing funding, training, and support for all doctoral students in Scotland in the social sciences.
