Graduate School Strategy 2024-2027
Postgraduate Research at Queen Margaret University
The Graduate School鈥檚 purpose is to provide leadership and operational stability to postgraduate research education across the University in order to develop and nurture excellent researchers ready to meet the challenges of future research and the changing research landscape.
The new vision and strategy for the Graduate School 2024-27 is set in the context of strategic developments both within the University and the wider UK research environment. The vision responds to the principles set out in 草莓社区鈥檚 Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy 2022-27, as well as the strategic and operational aims identified in the Graduate School Review completed in August 2023.
The wider context relevant to postgraduate research is shaped by the review process conducted currently by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), , and supported by the supervisory expertise curated and developed by UK Graduate Education Council (view in particular the ).
Strategic Vision
The Graduate School鈥檚 vision is to provide a transformative postgraduate research education experience that fosters intellectual growth, creativity, and innovation while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community of scholars, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting ethical and responsible conduct of research, with a focus on addressing global challenges.
Objectives
In order to deliver on the ambition articulated in our strategic vision and align with RKE Research Strategy Delivery Plan 2022-27 where it applies directly to doctoral candidates (points 4.1; 4.2; 7.2), the Graduate School will aim to achieve the following objectives:
- Attract strong candidates and nurture high-quality doctoral research.
- Ensure high quality of postgraduate research education and environment.
- Develop and embed best practice in research supervision across its portfolio of four PhD routes: PhD; PhD by Creative Practice, PhD by Publication prospective and PhD by Publication retrospective, and the Master of Research Programme.
- Promote an inclusive, diverse, impactful and interdisciplinary research culture.
- Foster sustainable collaboration with external partners and stakeholders delivered through postgraduate research education.
Attract strong candidates and nurture high-quality doctoral research
We aim to be more strategic in our recruitment processes by a combination of improved promotional materials on the University鈥檚 website to attract new applicants and careful decision-making on matching our supervisory capacity to best quality applicants.
Ensure high quality of postgraduate research education and environment
We aim to create an environment conducive to academic and professional excellence. Through strategic supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and platforms for scholarly dissemination, our graduate strategy endeavours to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become impactful researchers and leaders in their respective fields.
Develop and embed best practice in research supervision
In our Graduate School Strategy, we are dedicated to developing and integrating best practices in research supervision. Utilising the Researcher Development Framework as our guide, we aim to cultivate a supportive and effective environment for supervising graduate research. By providing comprehensive training for supervisors, implementing robust support mechanisms, and fostering open communication channels, we ensure that students receive the guidance and mentorship they need to excel in their research endeavours. Through continuous evaluation and refinement of our supervisory processes, we strive to empower both students and supervisors to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their fields of study.
Promote an inclusive, diverse, impactful and interdisciplinary research culture
We advocate for the advancement of an inclusive, diverse, impactful, and interdisciplinary research ethos. Our goal is to create a space where every voice is respected and embraced, leveraging the rich diversity of our community. Through targeted programems like mentorship schemes and collaborative research endeavours, we seek to dismantle disciplinary barriers and foster novel problem-solving approaches. By championing inclusivity, diversity, and interdisciplinary cooperation, we aspire to establish a dynamic research environment where each student can flourish and contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
Foster sustainable collaboration with external partners and stakeholders delivered through postgraduate research education
Through establishing lasting relationships with industry, government bodies, non-profits, and other stakeholders, we offer students opportunities to participate in real-world research endeavours, acquire practical skills, and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. By implementing targeted initiatives like joint research ventures, industry internships, and collaborative projects, we facilitate knowledge transfer, innovation, and the joint development of solutions to complex issues. By nurturing these collaborative relationships, we aim to equip our students with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to thrive in their future careers and drive positive change in their respective fields.
