Category / PG research

This part of the blog features news and information for postgraduate research students and supervisors

Doctoral College Postgraduate Research Summer Social – Tomorrow

PG research

Tickets on sale! Sunshine forecast for tomorrow! 

We are pleased to host a summer social for the Postgraduate Research community at the delightful Branksome Dene Room, right on the beach near Branksome Chine. We’ve booked this unique location for the exclusive use of PGRs and Supervisors for the afternoon to unwind and catch up with your fellow researchers and academics.

Access to the Venue

Access and toilet facilities are suitable for wheelchair users. Please indicate any special access needs when you register.

Getting there

Walking: Bournemouth Pier to Branksome Dene Room, Pinewood Road is a pleasant 25 minute walk along the promenade (map)

Bus: Bournemouth to Sandbanks/Swanage No 50, bus stop at the top of Pinewood Road (bus route map)

Driving: There is limited public car parking on site, 8am to 10pm £2.50 per hour, £15 for 6 hours (car park information). Parking is also available at Branksome Chine, and free on road parking in the area – a 5 minute walk to Branksome Dene Room along the promenade.

Food and Drink

As a sustainable alternative, we are pleased to offer a delicious vegetarian and vegan lunch menu including a halloumi wrap, falafel flatbread, fries, teas, coffees and mocktails! You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments to enjoy.

Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or related allergies when you register and we will do our best to cater for these.

Other

A Health and Safety Risk assessment will be undertaken by BU staff. The venue has a patio area, also used by members of the public, with access to the beach which we will use in anticipation of good weather.

Patio games will be available.

BOOK HERE – tickets sold via Eventbrite

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College 

Are You a PGR Supervisor?

PG research

If you supervise PGRs at BU, then please take a moment to complete our 2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey for Supervisors

The Doctoral College already collects data from PGRs via the annual PRES, and now for the first time, we are collecting data from supervisors so that we can understand your thoughts and views.

Please get involved and tell us what you think…

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

Congratulations to Heidi Singleton

PG research

Dr. Heidi Singleton, Programme Lead for Children’s and Young People’s Nursing  in the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences had a paper from her PhD ‘Accounting for complexity in critical realist trials: the promise of PLS-SEM’ accepted this month by the Journal of Critical Realism.   This journal is published by Taylor and Francis.

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health

The Value of the Integrated Thesis

PG research, student research

Bournemouth University offers students undertaking doctoral studies several options for how they might present their work for examination.  One increasingly popular, but sometimes misunderstood, option is the Integrated Thesis.  This thesis format allows students to incorporate papers into their thesis.  These can be published papers, papers accepted for publication, papers submitted, prepared but not submitted papers and other unpublished papers or reports.

Whilst the Integrated Thesis might look a little different, in all other ways the doctorate mirrors the processes and requirements of other doctorates.  Decisions about submitting an Integrated Thesis are usually made during the first half of a student’s doctorate, with the request to submit an Integrated Thesis being made at the point of Major Review.

When contemplating the submission of an Integrated Thesis, the student and the supervisory team need to ensure that this type of thesis will work for the student and the research being presented.  Import issues to consider might include:

  • It is important to reflect on how the published items will demonstrate a coherent body of knowledge that contributes to the thesis, rather than a collection of disjointed and disconnected papers.
  • The papers included in the Integrated Thesis will often be co-authored with supervisors and others, so it is important to demonstrate that the student has contributed most of the work towards the paper.

An Integrated Thesis is much more than simply replacing parts of the thesis with published papers.  For a more comprehensive overview of the requirements for submitting an Integrated Thesis refer to section 10.2 of the Code of Practice for Research Degrees.

The Integrated Thesis has several advantages over the traditional format for a doctoral thesis, including:

  • Getting research into practice as soon as possible is particularly important in the health and social science disciplines. The Integrated Thesis gives students the opportunity to begin publishing and sharing their work sooner.
  • Preparing an Integrated Thesis creates greater opportunities to develop a student’s doctoral work. Papers published and included in the thesis will have been exposed to external and independent peer review.  Reviewer feedback could help students develop their thinking around their research and thesis preparation.  Publishing can also build networking opportunities.
  • Publishing is an important part of the work of all academics so publishing during the doctoral journey will help students to build their CVs and develop their academic profiles. These publications will also have institutional benefits through REF submissions or otherwise contributing to the reputation of the University.
  • Publishing early in this way also puts students in a better position to start bidding for research funding soon after completing their studies.

If you are a PGR student and think an Integrated Thesis might work for you, please discuss with your supervisory team.  If you would like to know more about studying for a doctorate at BU, contact your Department PGR Lead (Professor Vanora Hundley, Dr Steve Trenoweth, Michael Lyne, Dr Liz Norton or Dr Fotini Tsofliou) or Dr Leslie Gelling (Head of the Doctoral School).

Below are examples of four Integrated Theses:

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve muscle weakness in hip osteoarthritis: A feasibility study.

Social media use by midwives: an untapped potential.

A model for managing the variability of care processes – A quality improvement method for introducing Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) within an orthopaedic elective care clinical microsystem.

The influence of pregnancy upon acute cardiovascular responses to slow and deep breathing.

This Blog has been prepared jointly by Professor Vanora Hundley and Dr Leslie Gelling.

PGR Supervisory Lunchbites | Chairing Vivas: The role of the Chair

PG research

This session is focused on expanding individuals’ knowledge on the processes and responsibilities involved in chairing research degree viva voce examinations. This discussion will be led by Professor Carol Clark, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

Staff attending this session will:

  • have gained additional knowledge of the role of viva voce examiners
  • have gained additional knowledge of the role of the viva voce Chair
  • be aware of the relevant sections of the Code of Practice for Research Degrees Staff attending this session will be able to:

Date: Thursday 1 June 2023

Time: 12:00 – 13:00

To book a place on this session please complete the booking form.

Further details and future sessions can also be found on the Supervisory Development Lunchbite Sessions staff intranet page.

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2023 – Closing today

PG research

Still time to have your say

Final call for PGRs to complete this year’s Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) which closes today!

Don’t miss the chance to tell us about your experience at Bournemouth University by taking part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey which closes on Monday 15 May 2023. We are keen to make sure our PGRs have the best possible experience while studying at Bournemouth University. To do this, we need to know what you think works well and what as a University we could do better.

Upon completing the survey, PGRs will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win one of four prizes of a £50 Love2shop gift voucher. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition and as a thank you for taking part, we will be making a £1 donation for every survey completed to the student mental health wellbeing charity, Student Minds.

How do I take part?

PGRs received an email from the University on Monday 17 April 2023 containing a unique link which allows you to access and complete the survey. If you can’t find this email, contact PRES@bournemouth.ac.uk and we’ll help you to get access.

What will I be asked?

The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your response is confidential and any reporting will be entirely anonymous. The survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a PGR at BU. It will ask you to share your views on supervision, resources, research culture, community, progress and assessment, responsibilities, support, research skills, profession development, opportunities, and overall experience.

Why should I take part?

Your feedback is important. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is the only national survey of PGRs and so is the only way for us to compare how we are doing with other institutions and to make changes that will improve your experience in the future.

More information

If you would like to know more about the survey, please visit: PRES 2023

We hope you take the opportunity to get involved this year and help us make improvements to your experience.

 

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

Applying for a PhD – Online Webinar

Info Days, PG research, student research

Applying for a PhD – Online Webinar

Are you thinking of starting a PhD?

Wish to encourage some current BU students to continue their academic journey with us?

If so, why not come along to this online webinar!

Understand the benefits of doing a PhD at BU and the process of applying including our application deadlines. Current PhD students will also give their real life views.

Hear directly from Doctoral College colleagues including the Head of Doctoral College, Programme Manager and Admissions Team, and from CareersBU.

Date: Tuesday 23rd May
Time: 9:30 to 10:30am (Online)
Sign up on MyCareerHub to receive the link book.

 

May Update for (PGR) Researcher Development, Culture and Community

PG research, student research

Desk set up with plant, light, note pad, mouse, keyboard and computer screen.

Check out the May e-newsletter.

All ‘monthly update for researcher development, culture and community’ e-newsletters are available in a dedicated content area on the Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme Brightspace unit.

If you have any questions about the e-newsletter or would like to feature content, please contact Natalie [Doctoral College Programme Manager].

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2023 – Deadline approaching

PG research

Have your say

Deadline approaching! This year’s Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) will close in *ten days*

Don’t miss the chance to tell us about your experience at Bournemouth University by taking part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey which closes on Monday 15 May 2023. We are keen to make sure our PGRs have the best possible experience while studying at Bournemouth University. To do this, we need to know what you think works well and what as a University we could do better.

Upon completing the survey, PGRs will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win one of four prizes of a £50 Love2shop voucher. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition and as a thank you for taking part, we will be making a £1 donation for every survey completed to the student mental health wellbeing charity, Student Minds.

How do I take part?

PGRs received an email from the University on Monday 17 April 2023 containing a unique link which allows you to access and complete the survey. If you can’t find this email, contact PRES@bournemouth.ac.uk and we’ll help you to get access.

What will I be asked?

The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your response is confidential and any reporting will be entirely anonymous. The survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a PGR at BU. It will ask you to share your views on supervision, resources, research culture, community, progress and assessment, responsibilities, support, research skills, profession development, opportunities, and overall experience.

Why should I take part?

Your feedback is important. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is the only national survey of PGRs and so is the only way for us to compare how we are doing with other institutions and to make changes that will improve your experience in the future.

More information

If you would like to know more about the survey, please visit: PRES 2023

We hope you take the opportunity to get involved this year and help us make improvements to your experience.

 

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

Doctoral College | Supervisory Development Sessions Coming Up

PG research

Book your place early to attend these popular bespoke supervisory development sessions coming up in the next month, facilitated by the Doctoral College and key academic colleagues. Bookings are arranged by Organisational Development.

The sessions are aimed at all staff who are new to, or experienced at, research degree supervision and are interested in expanding their knowledge of a specific aspect or process. Staff will benefit from discussions aimed at sharing best practice from across BU.

Full details of each session below can be found on the Supervisory Development Opportunities intranet page. Please use the booking form link below.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Supervisory Session

 Date Time Location
Supervisory Development Lunchbite | UKCGE Route to Recognition for Supervisory Practice Wednesday 10 May 12:00 – 13:00 Online
Supervisory Development Lunchbite | Benefits of a PhD by Publication Thursday 11 May 12:00 – 13:00 Online
Doctoral Supervision: New Supervisors Development Tuesday 16 May 10:00 – 14:30 Online

Supervisory Development Lunchbite | Chairing Vivas: The Role of the Chair

 Thursday 1 June 12:00 – 13:00 Online

 

Recruiting : University Rep to co-lead Research Staff Association

PG research, staff profile pages

Two vacancies have arisen for the posts of University Representative, the leaders of the Research Staff Association. This is not a faculty-specific post, any eligible person from any faculty can apply.

The BU Research Staff Association(RSA) is a forum to promote research culture at BU. Research staff from across BU are encouraged to attend to network with others researchers, disseminate their work, discuss career opportunities, hear updates on how BU is implementing the Research Concordat, and give feedback or raise concerns that will help to develop and support the research community at BU.

In addition to the two leaders, there are two reps from each faculty.

Eligible research staff are those on fixed-term or open-ended employment contracts (not PTHP/casual contracts) who have at least one year remaining on their contract at the time of recruitment.

If you are interested in this role, please supply a few words to demonstrate your suitability, interest, availability in relation to the position to Researchdev@bournemouth.ac.uk by the 02/05/2023.

Please contact your faculty RSA rep to chat about it if you have any queries.

PGR Supervisory Lunchbites | How to stay well dealing with emotionally demanding research

PG research

Ensuring the wellbeing of PGRs and supervisors can be challenging and this session will look at how to stay well when dealing with emotionally demanding research. This discussion will be led by Professor Lee-Ann Fenge, FHSS.

Staff attending this session will:

  • have gained additional knowledge of the challenges faced by those undertaking emotionally demanding research
  • have gained an understanding of the best practice for supporting PGRs – and looking after yourselves

Date: Thursday 27 April 2023

Time: 12:00 – 13:00

To book a place on this session please complete the booking form.

Further details and future sessions can also be found on the Supervisory Development Lunchbite Sessions staff intranet page.

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) now open

PG research

Have your say

The Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is now open

Share your feedback with us by taking part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey. We are keen to make sure our PGRs have the best possible experience while studying at Bournemouth University. To do this, we need to know what you think works well and what as a University we could do better.

Upon completing the survey, PGRs will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win one of four prizes of a £50 Love2shop gift voucher. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition and as a thank you for taking part, we will be making a £1 donation for every survey completed to the student mental health wellbeing charity, Student Minds.

How do I take part?

PGRs will receive an email from the University on Monday 17 April 2023 containing a unique link which will allow you to access and complete the survey. If you can’t find this email, contact PRES@bournemouth.ac.uk and we’ll help you to get access.

What will I be asked?

The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your response is confidential and any reporting will be entirely anonymous. The survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a PGR at BU. It will ask you to share your views on supervision, resources, research culture, community, progress and assessment, responsibilities, support, research skills, profession development, opportunities, and overall experience.

Why should I take part?

Your feedback is important. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is the only national survey of PGRs and so is the only way for us to compare how we are doing with other institutions and to make changes that will improve your experience in the future.

More information

If you would like to know more about the survey, please visit: PRES 2023

We hope you take the opportunity to get involved this year and help us make improvements to your experience.

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

ERASMUS+ exchange with Nepal

international, PG research

The first half of April I have been in Nepal on the ERASMUS+ exchange with Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences MMIHS).  Apart from teaching and running tutorial and workshops at the host institution the exchange can also include student supervision.  I had the pleasure of offering some support to one of the MMIHS Master of Public Health (MPH) students.  Ms. Binita Dawadi designed an interesting project under the title on factors associated with burnout among nurses in the district of Jhapa (Nepal). She recently complete her research project as part of her dissertation which she subsequently presented as a poster at last week’s Ninth National Summit of Health and Population Scientists in Nepal.  This annual research conference organised by the NHRC (Nepal Health Research Council)  was held in Kathmandu on 11-12 April.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery & Perinatal Health {CMMPH}

New Delphi study published

PG research

Congratulations to Bronwyn Sherriff, Carol Clark, Clare Killingback and Dave Newell.  Their manuscript titled “Musculoskeletal practitioners’ perceptions of contextual factors that may influence chronic low back pain outcomes: a modified Delphi study” was recently published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies.   The Delphi study provides initial insights regarding a panel of musculoskeletal practitioners’ attitudes towards contextual factors during chronic low-back pain (LBP) rehabilitation in the UK. If you are interested in their findings, click here: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-023-00482-4 or as a PDF: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12998-023-00482-4.pdf.   

 

Congratulations and well done!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen (CMMPH)