Graduate School
The Graduate School at AIT supports the postgraduate research community in the institute. It helps ensure that they have a world-class experience in Athlone, while studying for their Master’s or doctorate degree. This support extends from providing the appropriate facilities and resources, to cultivating networks to support genuine collaboration and partnerships.
Workshops organised by the Graduate School range from team-building for new researchers to CV preparation for those who are finishing their projects. A research seminar programme which runs throughout the academic year is also facilitated, with experts from industry and academia presenting.
A structured postgraduate programme has been introduced recently in line with best practice throughout Europe. This structured research programme incorporates a research and personal development plan (RPDP) where postgraduate candidates can plan and record their personal development during the course of their research. Delivery of the structured programme has also seen the AIT Graduate School become the first institute in Ireland to embrace the training programmes on offer from the Research Alliance Graduate Education Programme.
Induction
Induction for new postgraduate research candidates is conducted by the Graduate School, supported by the relevant faculty or research institute. This process enables new students to begin productive work as soon as possible, and also provides a formal setting to present students with the regulations concerning their studies.
It also affords an opportunity to discuss the challenges that will typically face research students during the course of their studies and where guidance may be sought in the event of difficulties.
Graduate Education Programme
Postgraduate researchers at AIT can undertake a series of taught modules in research skills (through the Research Alliance Graduate Education Programme), which build to a stand-alone postgraduate award, culminating in a Level 9 Diploma in Research Practice. The modules currently include research methods, research management, personal development for researchers, data handling and analysis, creativity and entrepreneurship, and communication for researchers.
The modules were developed by the Institute of Technology Research Alliance, which is a SIF 1-funded project, involving a collaboration between all of the institutes of technology, four universities, the IUA, HETAC and IBEC. Further information is available at www.researchalliance.ie.
