Doctoral Development Programme (DDP)

The University of Sheffield offers a Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) to all of its postgraduate students. For students in Politics, this is delivered through the Graduate School.

The DDP is a programme of training and support which you design to fit your needs, with advice from your supervisory team. Your DDP will provide you with the skills needed to carry out research, as well as to enhance your employability after completing your PhD.

Your DDP is tailored to your needs and designed to complement your individual research project. Activities are carried out in agreement between you and your supervisory team.

Aims of the DDP

• To provide personal development for postgraduate research students
• To offer training that complements postgraduate research students’ individual research projects
• To provide generic skills, subject specific advanced training, subject-specific craft skills, experience of broad scholarship and wider engagement
• To facilitate employability after the PhD

How is the DDP delivered in Politics?

Courses and modules

• Students undertaking the MA in Research Methods will begin their DDP at MA level, as this course is designed to form part of your postgraduate research training.
• The Department offers a range of research training modules through the Graduate School.
• The University’s Doctoral Training Centre also offers a range of modules to build your skills and experience.
• Other short courses and modules can be taken from specialist services around the University, e.g. the Library or Careers Services.

Support and experience

• You will receive regular supervision and support throughout your DDP.
• The Graduate School runs biannual research students’ colloquia to give you experience of giving papers and professional research activities. Postgraduate Colloquium 2012

Resources

• Self-guided learning can also contribute to your DDP. The University’s Virtual Graduate School offers extensive video- and text-based resources to help you to build your skills and enhance your employability.