Domain A: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities
The first domain of the RDF consists of knowledge base (A1), cognitive abilities (A2), and creativity (A3).
Together, these sub-domains help to identify core knowledge, intellectual abilities, and techniques that will assist you in your postgraduate research and beyond.
Vitae have highlighted particular skills within the sub-domains that may be relevant including: subject knowledge and information seeking (A1); critical thinking and problem solving (A2); argument construction and innovation (A3).
To learn more about the RDF domains, visit the Vitae website.
GRADskills offers a suite of workshops that are tailored specifically to postgraduate students and are organised according to each domain of the RDF.
In addition to these workshops, as a postgraduate you are entitled to participate in the Professional Skills Curriculum (PSC) which is a programme of workshops designed to build students’ employability skills. Particular skills within the RDF will be addressed in the PSC workshops.
Knowledge Base (A1)
Within Knowledge Base (A1), the RDF highlights five key skills: Subject knowledge
- Research methods: theoretical knowledge
- Research methods: practical application
- Information seeking
- Information literacy and management
For subject specific guidance with your postgraduate research, visit the University Library’s subject guidance page.
If you are looking to develop in this area, you may consider some of the following workshops:
Academic writing:
- How to be your own best editor
- Is my writing ‘academic’ enough?
- The writing process: getting started
- Writing a literature review
- Writing well: coherence, structure and argumentation
Bibliographic software:
- Endnote & Endnote Web: an introduction
- Part One - All About Data
- Part Two - Probability and Statistical Distributions
- Part Three - Hypothesis Tests
- Part Four - Regression and Linear Models
Presenting data:
- Posters and Graphical Abstracts: How to present your science visually
Thesis submission:
- E-thesis Submission: What you need to know
A full list of workshops can be found in the GRADskills programme in PDMS.
Cognitive Abilities (A2)
Within Cognitive Abilities (A2), the RDF highlights five key skills: Analysing
- Synthesising
- Critical thinking
- Evaluating
- Problem solving
If you are looking to develop in this area, you may consider some of the following workshops:
Critical thinking:
- Rapid, critical, and strategic reading
- Part One - All About Data
- Part Two - Probability and Statistical Distributions
- Part Three - Hypothesis Tests
- Part Four - Regression and Linear Models
A full list of workshops can be found in the GRADskills programme in PDMS.
Creativity (A3)
Within Creativity (A3), the RDF highlights five key skills: Inquiring mind
- Intellectual insight
- Innovation
- Argument construction
- Intellectual construction
If you are looking to develop in this area, you may consider some of the following workshops:
Academic writing:
- Writing well: coherence, structure and argumentation
Presenting research:
- Posters and Graphical Abstracts: How to present your science visually
- Build a research website in under three hours
A full list of workshops can be found in the GRADskills programme in PDMS.
To learn more about the other domains:
- Domain A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities
- Domain B: Personal effectiveness
- Domain C: Research knowledge and organisation
- Domain D: Engagement, influence and impact
Return to GRADskills’ RDF homepage