PhD Students

Support for PhD Students

Make full use of our services from the start of your PhD.

The PhD Careers Research Training Programme

The courses cover a variety of topics including: Career Options in HE; Career Options Outside Academia; How to Write an Academic CV; Preparing for an Academic Interview; From Postgraduate Research Student To Consultant; Building Research Networks. 

These courses are incorporated into Research Training Programmes for each Faculty. You are free to attend Careers courses in any of the faculties.

Book your place

Vitae

Vitae has recently developed a new online course to cover all the stages in the professional development planning (PDP) process.

PDP is a key component of career progression and this course has been designed and developed using resources specifically for researchers who want to make the most of their opportunities, and create new ones!

PDP Course

Tab Content: Advice and guidance

We offer a range of options if you want to contact Careers staff for advice and guidance. 

If you would like to find out what other researchers have gone on to do see What do Researchers Do? first destinations of doctoral graduates by subject.

If you choose to book online to see a Careers Consultant, please look for the specialist careers interviews listed within TARGETconnect which we offer for PhD students

Alternatively, you can always use our online query service - Ask Careers. 

The Lancaster Award - Lancaster’s own employability award has helped many students to progress and attain their career goals. The Lancaster Award is open to all students.

Tab Content: Your first lecturing job

If this is your aim, this PDF could help - Getting the First Lecturing Job

It is based on the latest survey of 172 academic staff from 22 UK universities, into the steps applicants should take to increase their chances of securing their first lecturing post

Tab Content: General Information

This eBook  provides useful information on career planning for PhD students.

Beyond the PhD offers thought provoking personal and professional insights into life after a PhD for arts and humanities students

The free resources section on jobs.ac.uk includes other eBooks, toolkits and careers videos to help you if you are currently looking for a new job or need advice for planning and developing your career.

Researchers in Schools (RIS)  is the world’s only teacher training programme exclusively for participants who have, or are completing, a doctorate in their subject.

The Careers section of the Vitae website will help you think about your career choices, navigate recruitment processes and manage your career over the long term.

Vitae provide a range of resources and information regarding your Professional Development.

The UK Regional Hub of the Vitae program organises free postgraduate conferences and events that are a great opportunity to present your work to other postgraduates and to find out more about the career opportunities available.

Register with Vitae to receive regular e-bulletins.

Tab Content: Support for Researchers

Concordat is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK and aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK. It offers a range of support and information services for PhD students.

Tab Content: Useful links - job search

  • Find-a-Post-Doc -  is a specialist job board for opportunities in the UK and globally.
  • PhD Jobs - a job board from jobs.ac.uk of vacancies for PhD candidates.
  • Academic Jobs Vacancies - features on Jobs.ac.uk also has links to useful careers-related articles written by current academics.
  • Research Gate - share your research.