'Getting Started': beginning the postgraduate research journey [presentation]

Abstract

If the postgraduate research experience is to be successful, attention to transition from undergraduate to postgraduate education may be worth consideration. Research shows many first year students who withdraw cite lack of preparation for study (Yorke and Longden, 2008). At Lincoln, experience of supporting students new to higher education through the Getting Started project shows pre-enrolment access to preparatory materials can ease the transition process and support the early development of the skills necessary for effective academic practice. This presentation will ask if lessons learned with undergraduate students are worth considering for postgraduate transition as well. Yorke, M & Longden B (2008) The first year experience of Higher Education in the UK: final report, York, Higher Education Academy http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/York/documents/ourwork/research/surveys/FYE/FYEFinalReport.pdf This poster accompanies the presentation Getting Started: Beginning the Postgraduate Research Journey. It recognises that the hindsight of existing students makes them the ‘experts’ in offering advice to anyone considering moving onto a higher degree. The poster has been designed to encourage interaction and the sharing of experiences of transition into postgraduate research. Using speech bubble post-it notes, delegates are asked to identify something they feel would have been useful to know prior to starting their research programme, to write it down and leave it behind providing a valuable source of preparatory knowledge for potential postgraduates in the futur