PhD induction

Welcome to the Graduate School - Important information for new PhD students

The Graduate School would like to extend a warm welcome to all new PhD students as members of our research community at Glasgow Caledonian University. One of the roles of the Graduate School is to coordinate and provide an induction for new research students. This event gives students important information and guidance on the key stages of the research student journey at GCU, and the services provided by the Graduate School and other departments in the University - please see below for more details.

Your research journey begins here!

The Graduate School runs an induction event for new PhD students at each intake point within the academic year (October, February and May). The induction usually takes place in the first or second week following each start date.

All new PhD students should attend our induction. New students will receive an email invitation from the Graduate School in the weeks leading up to their start date, with a link to register for the event via Eventbrite - students must register using this link.

Students attending the event will receive a comprehensive Welcome Pack, which contains useful information on studying at the university and leaflets on the Graduate School Researcher Development Programme and the Master of Research programme.

‌Why come to Induction?

The induction event includes a wide range of sessions, including an introduction to the research student journey framework at GCU and the key milestones that students work towards during their degree. It gives students an excellent opportunity to meet other research students, the Graduate School team as well as research staff from the Academic Schools. Students will find out about the range of workshops and events the Graduate School runs to equip students with the skills to develop as effective researchers.

To find the contact details of key staff involved in the research student programmes at GCU, please refer to our Contacts for Doctoral Studies page. Click here to download a flowchart if you are not sure who to contact.

Here is an example of a typical induction event programme, which includes an essential student workshop covering how to register on your programme of study and complete Registration (RDC1).

Induction sessions:

  • Milestones in the PhD Student Journey
  • Workshop: Getting Your Research Programme of Study Registered (RDC1)
  • Introduction to the Graduate School Researcher Development Programme, including Academic Writing
  • Introduction to the Master of Research programme opportunities at GCU
  • How to use the the Sir Alex Ferguson Library effectively for research study
  • Research Student Leads Top Tips
  • Social event for students and staff