Provision of Researcher Development Programme - 5 Lots

The University of Strathclyde seeks suppliers to design and deliver a comprehensive suite of training courses to support skills development for postgraduate researchers. Suppliers will be required to create courses that collectively address the full range of skills outlined within the defined Lots. Suppliers will be able to submit bids for one, multiple, or all Lots. Part‑Lot submissions will not be accepted; however, partnership arrangements between bidders to enable a full Lot submission will be permitted.

Lot 1 – Communicating: General

Courses in this Lot should support researchers to develop broad communication capabilities suitable for public and professional contexts. Areas that should be covered:

- Public engagement and outreach

- Developing and communicating a personal voice or brand

- Effective use of social media

- Building and engaging with professional networks

Lot 2 – Communicating: Academic

Courses within this Lot should strengthen researchers’ communication and presentation skills within academic environments. Areas that should be covered:

- Presentation skills (beginner and advanced)

- Poster design and presentation

- Viva preparation

- Three Minute Thesis training

Lot 3 – Thriving in Your Research

This Lot focuses on developing researchers’ personal effectiveness and capacity to thrive throughout the research journey. Areas that should be covered:

- Understanding and navigating the PhD journey

Time and project management

- Imposter syndrome and confidence building

- Resilience and wellbeing

- General professional skills for researchers

Lot 4 – Writing – Academic

Courses in this Lot should support researchers in developing writing skills for academic publication and research outputs. Areas that should be covered:

- Writing for and publishing in STEAM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business journals

- Conducting and writing literature reviews

- Thesis structuring and writing

- Grant writing

Lot 5 – Writing – General

This Lot encompasses broader writing skills applicable across disciplines and contexts. Areas that should be covered:

- Writing styles and techniques

- Reflective and narrative writing

- Editing strategies, tools, and techniques

Courses provided under any Lot must:

- be a blended format of online – and in-person on the University of Strathclyde campus;

- be held at least twice during the period October-May, inclusive, depending on participant demand; be held on dates agreed prior to October each year;

- be delivered by trainers with experience delivering practical training in the Higher Education sector, with a breadth of knowledge from a range of disciplines and sectors;

- use a blended format of course materials, and individual and group-based activities;

- use practical exercises to reinforce and enhance the skills learned.

- the University of Strathclyde will provide suitable space for in-person courses, refreshment for participants, and printing of materials.