PGCert in Researcher Professional Development Assessment

Assessment

Once you have the necessary learning hours for a class, you will complete an assessment in the form of a reflective essay - you will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate that you have developed a range of skills, knowledge and attributes that meet the learning outcomes of that class. You will submit an essay for each of the five classes.

To help in this assessment, we recommend using the Training Needs Analysis tool to track your development and reflection.

Your assessment will be reviewed by your supervisor before being marked by a second marker. The marking cycle for 2021/22 is below - if your assessment is approved by your supervisor by the deadline given, the second marker feedback will be returned to you approximately three weeks later.

Supervisor approval deadlineFeedback returned
26 May 2022 Week commencing: 13 June 2022
23 June 2022 Week commencing: 11 July 2022
21 July 2022 Week commencing: 8 August 2022
18 August 2022 Week commencing: 5 September 2022
15 September 2022 Week commencing: 3 October 2022

Supervisor approval

Your supervisor needs to approve your assessment and will answer the following questions as part of the approval process:

  1. Did the student demonstrate that they met at least one of the learning outcomes?
  2. Did the student describe what aspects of each activity contributed to the learning outcomes?
  3. Did the student describe why they chose the activities listed in the form, and how the activities met their training needs?
  4. Did the student reflect on the new skills acquired during each activity, or how they applied existing skills to a new situation?
  5. Did the student reflect on how they can apply their new knowledge to their research, and to their overall professional development?
  6. Did the student reflect on their expectations of the activity, and if those expectations were met?