Key Forms |
| ARIES Initial TNA Form | ARIES TNA Domains |
| ARIES Continuing TNA |
| Request For Non Participation In Mandatory Training |
Training
Within ARIES, all of the Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) that start their PhDs in a given academic year are described as a cohort. ARIES training is delivered in a series of multi-day events where a whole cohort is brought together at a selected venue to train together. We call this cohort training. All travel, food and accommodation costs are covered. These events are compulsory for all ARIES-funded and ARIES-associated PGRs. PGRs will only be excused under exceptional circumstances and you must complete and submit the Request For Non Participation In Mandatory Training at least one calendar month prior to the event.
The dates of the ARIES cohort training events are advertised well in advance, and PGRs and supervisors are expected, as far as possible, to arrange the work of the PhD project (and PGRs’ personal commitments) around these dates. Unauthorised non-attendance at ARIES training events (or non-engagement with the ARIES reporting mechanisms) can lead to sanctions against PGR and supervisor.
Please note that while there may be some changes to the training programme due to unforeseen circumstances, it is important that you consult the ARIES Handbook when making choices of other training options to take – otherwise you may duplicate training that will be delivered through our cohort events.
Reporting and the TNA
You will identify your own training needs using the ARIES Training Needs Analysis (TNA) system. The TNA gives you a useful framework to reflect on your skills as a researcher, set your goals and build a portfolio of evidence that you can draw on in the future.
You will be responsible for tracking your training and development, and we encourage you to discuss your TNAs with your supervisor(s), both informally and as part of your formal progress review meetings. The TNA is your tool and will help you think carefully about where you want to be at the end of your PhD (and beyond), and how you can get there. The TNA is based on the Vitae RDF Planner:
TNAs are an essential part of an ARIES PhD and offer the chance to stop, take stock and make plans for the coming year and beyond. We expect that ARIES PGRs will make this assessment five times during their studentship:
| Year 1 | You should complete the ARIES Initial TNA Form early during your PhD and discuss at your Initial Supervisory Meeting/Board (usually in first 6 weeks). Revise your TNA according to their comments and ask your supervisor to sign and comment. | |
| Submission to ARIES: 15 June | ARIES Continuing TNA | |
| Year 2–Year 4 | Submission to ARIES: 15 June each year | Annual Report & ARIES Continuing TNA |
The TNA should be undertaken as an integral part of formal progress review meetings, which usually take place within this time-frame.
If you are away on fieldwork, or your supervisor will be away, you will need to submit your TNA in advance of the given deadline.