(A) Research Skills and Techniques - to be able to demonstrate:
- the ability to recognise and validate problems
- original, independent and critical thinking, and the ability to develop theoretical concepts
- a knowledge of recent advances within one's field and in related areas
- an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within one's research field
- the ability to analyse critically and evaluate one's findings and those of others
- an ability to summarise, document, report and reflect on progress
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(B) Research Environment - to be able to:
- show a broad understanding of the context in which research takes place
- demonstrate awareness of issues relating to the rights of other researchers, of research subjects, and of others who may be affected by the research, eg: confidentiality, ethical issues, attribution, copyright, malpractice, ownership of data and the requirements of the Data Protection Act
- understand relevant health and safety issues and demonstrate responsible working practices
- understand the processes for funding and evaluation of research
- justify one's own research to the funding bodies and contribute to promoting the public understanding of one's research field
- understand the process of academic or commercial exploitation of research results
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(C) Research Management - to be able to:
- apply effective project management through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities
- design and execute systems for the acquisition and collation of information through the effective use of appropriate resources and equipment
- identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives and other sources of relevant information
- use information technology appropriately for database management, recording and presenting information
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(D) Personal Effectiveness - to be able to:
- demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn and acquire knowledge
- be creative, innovative and original in one's approach to research
- demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness
- demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to identify own training needs
- demonstrate self-discipline, motivation and thoroughness
- recognise boundaries and draw upon/use sources of support as appropriate
- show initiative, work independently and be self-reliant
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(E) Communication Skills - to be able to:
- write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose, eg: progress reports, published documents, thesis
- construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally through a variety of techniques
- constructively defend research outcomes at seminars and viva examination
- effectively support the learning of others when involved in teaching, mentoring or demonstrating activities
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(F) Networking and Teamworking - to be able to:
- develop and maintain co-operative networks and working relationships with supervisors, colleagues and peers, within the institution and the wider research community
- understand one's behaviour and impact on others when working in, and contributing to, the success of formal and informal teams
- listen, give and receive feedback, and respond perceptively to others
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(G) Career Management - to be able to:
- appreciate the need for, and show commitment to, continued professional development
- take ownership for and manage one's career progression, set realistic and achievable career goals, and identify and develop ways to improve employability
- demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature of research skills to other work environments and the range of career opportunities within and outside academia
- present one's skills, personal attributes and experiences through effective CVs, applications and interviews
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