Simon Watts Skills Sessions

Every year, the NWSSDTP commissions a series of online research and professional skill sessions – selected in response to the information provided in our students’ Development Needs Analysis surveys – which are organised by Dr Simon Watts from the University of East Anglia.

2026/27 Programme

Academic Writing

Thursday 26th November 2026: What should a Literature Review do?

Every thesis must include a review of relevant literature. Indeed, conducting a literature review is often the first thing a PGR student is asked to do. This session discusses the purpose of this literature review and the importance of summarising, analysing and synthesising the arguments of others as a means of providing a context for your own research. It also considers some alternative models for writing and structuring a literature review chapter. Understanding your research ‘field’, and being able to guide your reader around it, are very important first steps on the road to doctoral success. This session is designed to facilitate that process.

Tuesday 1st December 2026: Writing Effectively

This session will consider the basic elements of effective academic writing and how they can be combined to ensure the best chance of success. Issues covered will include preparation (targeted literature reviewing, taking a ‘position’ as an author, and the creation of a preliminary draft), the task of writing (having clear aims, order and structure, signposting, and guiding the reader), writing style (the achievement of clarity and simplicity) and the need for a clear, logical and straightforward conclusion or ‘take-home’ message. Approaches to editing will also be considered. This session represents almost two decades of academic writing experience packed into two hours, so come along and take advantage!

Thursday 3rd December 2026: Academic Publishing

This session will introduce and discuss the practicalities of academic journal publishing. Various means for choosing a target journal will be considered, as will the mechanics of writing an effective paper (including a summary of the aims of each section of an academic report). Strategies for dealing with reviewer comments will also be considered at some length and opportunity will be provided to look at the response-to-reviewer letters of experienced academics. Time will also be made available for questions.

Research Methods

Tuesday 8th December 2026: Quantitative Research: A Basic Guide

This session will provide a conceptual and methodological introduction to quantitative research, which may be of particular use to PGR students considering quantitative methods and analyses for the first time, or who feel in need of a ‘friendly’ and straightforward refresher session. Important quantitative concepts such as variables, hypotheses, probability (and p values), reliability, validity, and Type 1 and 2 errors will be defined and a tour will subsequently be taken through a range of statistical tests that can be used to examine both significant associations (correlation and regression) and significant differences (including the t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and MANOVA) in your data set. Each statistical test will be mapped against the kind of research questions/hypotheses it is designed to answer and attendees will be shown how to run each test in principle, to interpret their results/output and to report the findings of each test in an appropriate format. If you’re intending to employ quantitative research techniques in your thesis but currently feel uncertain about the correct procedure or method of data analysis, this session comes highly recommended.

Tuesday 2nd February 2027: Analysing Qualitative Data

This session will consider and discuss a range of issues relative to the micro-analysis of qualitative data. Using example data throughout, issues covered will include the analyst’s perspective (the aims and nature of their engagement with the data), coding systems, how to choose extracts for analysis in a systematic fashion, the meaning and importance of interpretation, generalizing from qualitative findings and various write-up issues, including the relationship between the analysis and discussion sections of a qualitative report and the creation of impact.

Thursday 4th February 2027: Using NVivo for Qualitative Research

This session will introduce students to the NVivo software package, which is designed to help in the organisation, management, and analysis of qualitative data. All the basic functions of NVivo will be covered, including the importation, storage, and organisation of various data sources, the potential for transcription, the creation of cases and codes, classifications and attributes, and the meanings of these terms will be explained. The process of coding and data analysis will be demonstrated and the use of ‘queries’ explored as a ‘top down’ means of data access. The pros and cons of using software to conduct qualitative research will also be considered.

Finishing Your PhD

Wednesday 10th February 2027: Securing a First Academic Post

In a highly competitive world, securing any academic post is difficult. Getting a foot on the ladder in this context can seem especially daunting. Excellent subject knowledge, research and teaching skills are a good place to start, but a lack of know-how and experience in the application process often leads to ‘all being lost’ in the paperwork. Followed carefully, the advice given in this session will stop that happening. Delivered by an academic of 25 years standing – eight of which were spent (very successfully) advising PGT/R relative to academic job applications – the session will focus on a number of relevant issues, including the need to establish an academic identity, how to recognise a ‘gettable’ post, and particularly the generation of effective and job-tailored application paperwork (including CV’s, personal statements, and covering letters). The structure and nature of academic interviews will also be discussed. Will attending this session secure you a first academic post? No. But it should improve your chances of being interviewed, and that’s a very big step in the right direction.

Tuesday 23rd February 2027: Preparing Impactful Research Proposals and Grant Applications

This session will consider the writing of effective research proposals and the best ways to create a compelling ‘case for support’. Coverage will include the generation of a clear rationale, the statement of a defined and delimited set of research aims and questions, the proposal of a study (or series of studies) – as well as appropriate methods and analyses – that will clearly deliver on the stated research aims. Emphasis will be placed throughout on the overriding importance of articulating a relevant and impactful list of outcomes and contributions for the proposed research. The relationship of the basic research proposal or case for support with other sections/elements of a grant application, of the type usually demanded by major funders, will also be considered.

Tuesday 2nd March 2027: Preparing for your Viva

The session aims to increase PGR students’ understanding of the oral examination process, to understand how an examiner will assess their thesis, to provide practical advice on how to prepare effectively and to build confidence in the student’s ability to perform well at the viva. The session may be of most benefit to students who are within a few months of being examined, but it can also help to increase the knowledge and confidence of students at earlier stages of their PhD journey.