PhD Yearly Learning
Progressions
Year 1 Building Foundations
Build a strong foundation in your field
Develop skills to conduct deep, reflective, and
constructive reviews of current work
Practice writing in-depth reviews and seek frank structured feedback for improvement (e.g. during RPR cycle)
Adopt a growth mindset
Find out more about Digital Scholarship E.g. Attend RISE (Resources, Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment) Induction Programme
Cultivate curiosity and innovative thinking
Attend interdisciplinary lectures or workshops outside
your main research area
Develop clear academic writing and presentation skills
Attend academic writing courses/workshops offered
by University
E.g. NG5001, Graduate communication support space
Establish a habit of reflecting on academic and personal progress
Create a structured schedule to balance coursework,
research, and personal time.
Learn more about University’s wellness support & resources
Establish Foundation
Begin engaging with academic and public communities
Attend public talks to understand the broader impact of research on society
Begin learning how to mentor junior students
Take up Teaching Assistants (TAs) training programme TAP-Foundation (TAP-F)
Year 2 Deepening Skills & Expanding Expertise
Become highly proficient in your research domain
Apply knowledge across similar yet slightly varied contexts, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility
Strengthen the ability to synthesize insights from multiple areas/ interdisciplinary perspectives to enhance
research depth and for broader impact
Master information retrieval and analysis
Explore diverse sources of knowledge (e.g. books, seminars and workshops, networking)
Uses a range of specialist print and on-line resources, as appropriate.
Apply creative problem- solving to research
Experiment with new methodologies or approaches in your work
Explore interdisciplinary collaborations to foster innovative ideas
Strengthen academic, public and personal communication
Attend workshops on: 1) Communicating research
to non-specialists (e.g. 3MT), 2) Improving personal communication
Deepen self-awareness in
research and life goals
Have a research journal to document your thoughts, challenges, and achievements to track growth and challenges
Explore work-life balance practices (hobbies, exercise, meditation) and attend personal development workshops
Begin exploring long-term career possibilities
Consider your preferred sector: e.g. academic, industry, entrepreneurship
Research the job roles in the preferred sector and analyze the job requirements
Start connecting research with real-world applications
Join public engagement activities related to your discipline (e.g., festivals, exhibitions, talks) to communicate your research to a broader audience.
Apply Innovation Intelligence to achieve translational impact and entrepreneurship
Actively mentor junior students
Join Graduate Peer Student Supporter Programme
Take up Teaching Assistants (TAs) training programme TAP-Intermediate (TAP-I)
Year 3 Taking Ownership & Building Leadership
Attain subject matter expertise
Apply expertise to entirely different contexts, demonstrating adaptability and transferability of knowledge
Link research to real-world challenges within a global context, recognizing international implications and contributing to practical solutions
Learn how to measure your
research impact as an early career researcher
Achieve mastery in information management and dissemination
Shows highly developed awareness of appropriate
sources for research
Educates others in information/data seeking, accessing, evaluating and verifying techniques
Learn about best practices in Scholarly Communication, academic publishing and Research Data Management
Pioneer innovative contributions in your field
Innovate new methodologies or theoretical frameworks in your research
Master both academic and professional communication
Lead seminars, journal clubs, or discussion groups within your department
Prepare a conference presentation
Reflect on your progress and future aspirations
Seek regular feedback from peers, thesis advisors and mentors (SAGE) on your personal and academic development
Reassess priorities to ensure long-term well- being and career satisfaction
Build career readiness skills
Determine the gap between your skills and traits, and those required in the job roles Decide on how to realistically bridge the gap
Increase the societal impact of your research
Engage in public outreach in your area of expertise
Join or initiate collaborations with industry, policymakers, or community organizations
Develops skills as mentor
Participate in SAGE Development Programme Supervise undergraduate or master’s research projects
Year 4 Refinement & Transition
Attain subject matter expertise
Contribute to your field of knowledge through intellectual rigour
Recognize the strategic research direction and contribute – taking into consideration technological, social, economic and other factors
Cultivate life long learning practices
Practice self-directed learning and cross- disciplinary leaning Connect with academics and industries (e.g. via
networking opportunities, conference)
Drives and delivers innovative research outcomes
Goes beyond recognizing to realize the potential of ideas
Engage with, influence and impact on the academic, social, cultural and economic context.
Varies approach and presents research to professional peers/expert and non-expert audience in an inspirational way (Vitae)
Achieve a heightened level of self-awareness, managing personal well- being and productivity
Reflect on your PhD journey; review your personal and professional growth Set personal and professional goals for post- PhD—so that you can align your actions and mindset toward these goals
Enhance personal branding
Leverage your personal and professional networks for referrals
Maximize the societal and academic impact of your research
Actively engage with relevant stakeholders, translating your findings for diverse audiences, and contributing to broader societal challenges
Plan for long-term research impact
Contribute as a peer mentor
Helps peers & juniors to see opportunities and take up new challenges (SAGE)
