SOUTH WEST GRADSCHOOL7 10 July 2015

GUIDANCE NOTES TO ACCOMPANY APPLICATION FORM

About the ProgrammeThe training course aims to give you an opportunity to assess your personal transferable skills and attributes and to identify your strengths and areas for development. It will allow you to experience some of the techniques and processes that enable key skills to be used effectively when working in teams. It will also be an excellent opportunity to meet other research students from different disciplines and to compare experiences.

You will work in a group of between six and eight people. This group will be your base for the duration of the course and together you will work through a variety of activities. The course begins with a warm-up exercise to help you get to know each other. There will be career-oriented sessions and case studies to practice relevant skills and increase your awareness of a range of career options. Each group will be assigned a facilitator who is there to help you make the most of the opportunities available during the course. Some of the activities may feel more relevant to you than others.

The course is designed to be intensive and highly participatory, as well as enjoyable, with sessions starting fairly early in the morning (bring an alarm clock!) and continuing into the early evening. You will be asked to accept new challenges and try unfamiliar things in order to learn and develop but please note, you will NOT be forced to participate in anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

TimingsThe GRADschool will run from 11:30am on Tuesday 7th July until approximately 3:00pm on Friday 10th July with check in and registration at the Centre taking place from 11:00am on the Tuesday. The GRADschool is fully residential and it is important that participants are able to commit to all of the sessions, including the evening ones, and to staying overnight at the Centre.

Place AvailabilityPlaces on the course are limited. The course will benefit both full and part-time students and will be particularly relevant for those in the mid-term of their research degree registration who are starting to think about their future career direction.

If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place on the course this year there may be further opportunities in future years. We will operate a reserve list in case places become available at short notice.

Notification of successful applicationYou will be notified of the outcome of your application in writing and further information about the programme and the practical arrangements will be sent to you should you be successful. Once you have accepted the place and paid your 50 refundable deposit, you are committed. The deposit will be returned to participants on completion of the course. If you cancel less than four weeks before the course and are not able to give a reasonable explanation you will lose your deposit. Do not send any money now.

Location, accommodation, and about the Centre itselfBuckland Hall is a privately owned converted country mansion set in the spectacular countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park, surrounded by mountains with vistas along the Usk Valley. It is a sublime location for a residential course. The venue is just off the A40 near the village of Bwlch, midway between the towns of Abagavenny and Brecon. Comprehensive directions can be found on the website [www.bucklandhall.co.uk].

To relax, there is a TV room, full-size snooker table and a games room. A bar serving fresh juices or alcoholic beverages will be available. And, with over 60 acres of gardens, parkland and miles of country walks, you'll find plenty of space in which to roam and unwind. Some of the specimen trees in the arboretum are over 500 years old.

Accommodation is in twin-bedded rooms with en-suite facilities. Most of the bedrooms within Buckland Hall are twin bedded rooms so the majority of participants will be required to share. A small number of rooms will be offered as single occupancy and be made available according to individual need.

Outdoor ActivitiesOutdoor activities have been programmed for one of the afternoons, but nothing too strenuous you do not need to be fit! Please bring comfortable shoes, eg. trainers, some warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. The activities will take place whatever the weather.

Dietary RequirementsBuckland Hall offers an exclusively vegetarian menu using mostly organic ingredients. The food is excellent. Please indicate the nature of any specific requirements you have on the application form.

CostThe course cost will be covered by your institution if you are registered at Plymouth, Bath Spa or UWE with the exception of any refreshments that you may purchase from the trust bar*. A refundable deposit of 50.00 will be required once a place has been offered and accepted in order to secure the place. This will be returned to you on completion of the 4 day course. If you are registered at another institution, then the cost of the course will be 595 + VAT.

*The venue operates a self service bar on a trust basis. Participants will be expected to settle payment at the end of the course

Support of Director of StudiesWe advise research students to seek the support of your Director of Studies or main supervisor as a matter of courtesy as you will be away from your studies for the best part of a week.

Closing dates for applications

The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms for the GRADschool is Sunday 31st May 2015.