PhD Learning Objectives,
by Themes
Knowledge Mastery & Domain Expertise
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)
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
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
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
Information Seeking
Adopt a growth mindset
Find out more about Digital Scholarship E.g. Attend RISE (Resources, Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment) Induction Programme
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
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
Cultivate life long
learning practices
Practice self-directed learning and cross- disciplinary leaning Connect with academics and industries (e.g. via
networking opportunities, conference)
Creativity &
Innovation
Cultivate curiosity and
innovative thinking
Attend interdisciplinary lectures or workshops outside your main research area
Apply creative problem- solving to research
Experiment with new methodologies or approaches in your work
Explore interdisciplinary collaborations to foster innovative
Pioneer innovative
contributions in your field
Innovate new methodologies or theoretical frameworks in your research
Drives and delivers
innovative research outcomes
Goes beyond recognizing to realize the potential of ideas
Communication
Develop clear academic writing and presentation skills
Attend academic writing courses/workshops offered by University
E.g. NG5001, Graduate communication support space
Strengthen academic, public and personal communication
Attend workshops on: 1) Communicating research to non-specialists (e.g. 3MT), 2) Improving personal communication
Master both academic
and professional communication
Lead seminars, journal clubs, or discussion groups within your department
Prepare a conference presentation
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)
Self Awareness &
Management
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
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
Reflect on your progress and future aspiration
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
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
Career Development
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
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
Enhance personal branding
Leverage your personal and professional networks for referrals
Engagement &
Impact
Begin engaging with
academic and public
communities
Attend public talks to understand the broader impact of research on society
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
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
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
Teaching & Mentoring
Begin learning how to mentor junior students
Take up Teaching Assistants (TAs) training programme
TAP-Foundation (TAP-F)
Actively mentor junior students
Join Graduate Peer Student Supporter Programme
Take up Teaching Assistants (TAs) training
programme TAP-Intermediate (TAP-I)
Develops skills as mentor
Participate in SAGE Development Programme Supervise undergraduate or master’s research projects
Contribute as a peer mentor
Helps peers & juniors to see opportunities and take up new challenges (SAGE)
