Sussex Researcher School

What to expect in the first six months

Here’s a general outline of what you might be doing in the early months of your research degree.

Of course, your day-to-day activities and schedule will vary according to your academic discipline, and also whether you’re full-time or part-time. This should give you an idea and also a basis for discussions with your supervisor.

1st Month

FIND OUT ABOUT AND ATTEND INDUCTION EVENTS

  • Your Department/School
  • Sussex Researcher School (SRS)
  • Students' Union
  • Central University induction
  • Library tour

MAKE CONTACT WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR(S)

BOOK WORKSHOPS

SETTLE DOWN IN THE UK / BRIGHTON / UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX


2nd Month

READ THE GUIDANCE AND REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHERS

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR RESEARCH

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY


3rd Month

START PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST PROGRESSION REVIEW

  • Draft your research proposal
  • Design your presentation (if applicable)

MEET YOUR RESEARCH COMMUNITIES

DECIDE HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR RESEARCH


4th, 5th and 6th Months

DO YOUR RESEARCH

  • Get going with your research and keep a log
  • Continue and modify your daily/weekly/monthly schedule

PREPARE FOR FIELDWORK / RESEARCH TRIPS

ATTEND A CONFERENCE

TEACHING

Sussex Researcher School

E: researcher-school@sussex.ac.uk