Teaching and Learning > PROJECTS
Arts and Humanities Research Council Funded Doctoral Research Training Programme
AHRC Framework of Research Training Requirements
The AHRC has introduced a new element to its Doctoral Awards scheme, with effect from the 2004 competition - namely, a framework of research training requirements for its funded PhD students. The aim of this scheme is to ensure that AHRC-funded doctoral students are receiving appropriate support to develop their (research and transferable) skills, enabling them to complete their doctoral studies successfully and progress to future employment.
What is the AHRC's research training framework? What does it mean for departments?
AHRC requires host departments (or equivalent) to demonstrate that they meet a minimum threshold of research training provision for their funded doctoral students. (In the first 'trial' year of its implementation, AHRC seeks to ensure that, as far as possible, all departments meet this threshold of provision.)
To this effect, departments were be asked to complete a new departmental statement which outlines the provision available. (Only one departmental statement is required; a copy of this single statement will be attached to each individual application submitted via the department.) Departments is asked (as in previous years) to contribute to each individual student's statement of application, with an individual assessment of the student's training needs and the department's ability to meet them.
There is no prescriptive model to which research training provision must conform. It is expected that provision will be needs-based, and thus relevant to the skill development needs of the individual student. For example, departments will be asked to describe how they assess and review the skills of their students on an annual basis, and how they (will) address any development or training needs identified - e.g. through formal courses and/or mentoring, etc.
The research training framework is intended to encompass both generic and discipline-specific skill development. In the case of specialist skills, it is expected that these may sometimes most effectively be developed through training provided in collaboration with other institutions. AHRC has made funds available to support the development of collaborative provision.
Institutions are provided with funds to support this research training provision - £450 per student, per annum (or - for part-time students - £450 p.a. for the first three years). NB funding will be provided both for new and continuing AHRB/C-funded doctoral students. These funds will be paid directly to institutions - intended primarily to underwrite provision for AHRB/C-funded students, but with the expectation that such provision should also be available, as appropriate, to other doctoral students.
Sources of further information
For full details of the AHRC research training framework, please consult their website.
Here you will find detailed information and resources on various aspects of the scheme, including:
- The full text of the AHRC's Research Training Framework - including some examples of current good practices
- 'Frequently asked questions' (updated on a regular basis)
- The form for the Departmental Statement on Research Training Provision
- The AHRB and Research Councils' Joint Statement of the Skills Training Requirements for Research Students
- For subject-specific advice and support on implementing the framework, please consult us:
How the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies Can Help ...
The Subject Centre can provide access to a wealth of expertise and information about how to meet the requirements of the AHRC's research training framework. Please contact us to request an individual consultancy on how your department might best approach this matter.
We are also able to assist with the development of collaborative research training provision - e.g. providing advice, assisting departments in finding appropriate collaborative partners - and supporting you in preparing bids for AHRB funding in this regard (see above).
For example, you may wish to consider an approach linked to progress files - the Subject Centre has a portfolio of subject-specific templates which you may wish to adapt (these will be available on our website shortly). NB the requirement to introduce student progress files by 2005/6 applies to research, as well as taught, degree programmes.
This page was originally on the website of The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies. It was transfered here following the closure of the Subject Centre at the end of 2011.
