Research training and professional development

For students wishing, or needing, to learn a new language, or to improve their language skills, training courses are available.

You should discuss with your supervisors which option is best suited to your needs.

The Centre for Open Learning

The Centre for Open Learning offers a range of language courses through Languages for All.

A fee is charged but a student discount is offered and you can apply to our Training Fund for support.

Latin and Greek

Latin and Greek language training is available in the School.

German Reading Course

A German language reading course will usually be offered to research students in HCA in Semester 2 in an academic year. The PGR Office will send out details in advance in order that students can sign up to the course if the course will be running. 

Field schools

Various archaeological field schools are offered by academic members of staff in both Archaeology and Classics.

These fields schools are optional and not part of any postgraduate programme. Opportunities on field schools will be advertised throughout the year by those members of staff directing active projects. The majority of field schools charge a fee to cover the cost of training and this fee varies between project. In some cases, supervisory or specialist positions might be available on these projects for students with extensive previous experience. Students interested in attending a field school should discuss these opportunities with the individual directors of these projects. PGR students need to make sure that all of their supervisors are aware of any time they are to spend on a field school and give their approval; they should also fill out the HCA Leave of Absence Form. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure they have the correct visa for staying in whichever country the field school is located and that they have insurance, which can be arranged through the University in discussion with the project director.

The Institute for Academic Development

The IAD provides training opportunities for doctoral candidates, including bookable courses on research communication, research planning and career development.

For more information about IAD resources for doctoral researchers, please visit the IAD website.

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

The SGSAH and the SGSSS offer a range of training opportunities available to PhD students within the School.

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science offer a range of training opportunities open to all doctoral candidates studying at member institutions:

• Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities
• Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

Training skills programmes will help you become a more effective scholar.

All our PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of training agreed with their supervisors. 

Our students have access to a full range of research and professional skills training delivered by the School and the Institute for Academic Development.

You will discuss your training needs with your supervisors at the start of your programme and review them every year as part of the annual review process.

Your individual training programme may include language training or training in specialist skills required for your project, such as palaeography or digital techniques. Discipline-specific training is provided by each subject area, either through a formal course or more informal seminars.

The PGR Director runs a cross-school training programme which covers a range of themes from research ethics; managing your supervisor and academic networking to organizing academic conferences; academic publishing and preparing for the viva. These workshops provide an opportunity for you to reflect on the wider context of your research, especially societal and ethical issues.

Doctoral candidates should explore opportunities to work with academic and non-academic institutions abroad or to study overseas during their doctoral studies. Of particular interest in this regard are the School’s Erasmus links across Europe and the instrument of Erasmus+ traineeships, which may not only facilitate travel and work abroad, but which may also carry a modest stipend. Interested students should direct their inquiries to the School’s International Director, Dr Justin Stover.​