[skip to content]

Courses and Workshops for MPhil and PhD Students

The ADD offers a number of generic skills workshops throughout the Academic year for MPhil and PhD students. The purpose of these workshops is to supplement and build upon the core research skills training offered by departments and faculties at SOAS. Please note that these workshops are not discipline specific. 

Below is the schedule of Research Student workshops for the Term Two. 

  1. Core Chapter Writing for MPhil/PhD
  2. Writing and Editing a PhD Thesis
  3. Literature Review
  4. Qualitative Methods

1. MPhil Core Chapter Writing Skills (4 sessions) 

This course is designed to support students who are working towards upgrading from MPhil to PhD level. All subject areas at SOAS require MPhil students to produce a significant sample of written work in the first 12 months of study, as part of the upgrading process. This usually entails 1 or 2 ‘core chapters’. This course helps you to engage effectively with the range of methods of writing and drafting involved in the various stages of this process.

The course will evolve over 4 weeks and will cover topics including developing a research topic and generating research questions; conducting a literature review; developing key concepts through your writing; developing a structural framework; and writing a 1st draft of core chapters. Students should attend all 4 sessions of the same course.

1-3pm, Room 4421, Main Building 
  • Session 1: Tuesday 26 February
  • Session 2: Tuesday 5 March
  • Session 3: Tuesday 12 March
  • Session 4: Tuesday 19 March

 

2. Writing and Editing a PhD Thesis (3 Sessions) 

This course is designed to support upgraded PhD students in the later stages of their research project who are in the process of writing and editing their thesis. The course covers 3 main areas, which are planning and managing the final stages of a PhD research project; writing first draft chapters; and revising and editing draft PhD chapters. The course also examines issues of clarity, coherence and style, structuring and analysis. 

1-3pm, Room 4421, Main Building 
  • Session 1: Monday 25 February
  • Session 2: Monday 4 March
  • Session 3: Monday 11 March

 

3. Literature Review

Monday 11 February, 11AM-1PM, Room FG01, Faber Building

This two-hour workshop is intended to create an informal and interactive space where we discuss what the purposes of a literature review are, what you are expected to demonstrate in yours and how we can approach it strategically

4. Qualitative Methods

This series provides students with a synoptic view of methods widely used to collect qualitative data and theoretical and practical considerations while analysing such data. Assisted by stimulating questions and hands-on advice, participants will be able to identify suitable approaches for their enquiries and to develop strategies for their own data collection and analysis. 

  • Introduction to Qualitative Research: Monday 21 January, 1-3PM, Room 401, 30 Russell Square
  • Interviews and Focus Groups: Monday 28 January, 1-3PM, Room 4421, Main Building
  • Participant Observation: Monday 4 February, 1-3PM, Room 4421, Main Building
  • Use of Qualitative Analysis Software (NVivo): Group A: 3-5PM, Mon 4 Feb, L62, Main Building
  • Use of Qualitative Analysis Software (NVivo): Group B: 1-3PM, Wed 6 Feb, L62, Main Building

 

To attend any of these workshops or you must register by selecting and completing the relevant booking form on the right-hand side. If you have any queries please contact the ADD.