Studying and researching part-time

Embarking on a Master's level course or a research degree is an exciting and challenging experience.

In addition to getting to grips with your subject and getting to know your tutors and fellow students, you will need to learn how to plan and organise your research and how to present your research findings effectively and according to academic convention. It is also important that you establish ways of managing your time effectively and of achieving a workable balance between study, career, family, friends and other commitments.

Studying at postgraduate level often requires the development of new study and research skills, and if you have not studied for some time, you may also need to revisit and refresh skills you acquired at undergraduate level or on other postgraduate courses.

Key research skills required:

• Time management
• Using online search engines (and particularly SOLO, the main library search engine for Oxford University)
• Managing computer files and data bases
• Managing and presenting references and bibliographies
• Reading critically and effectively
• Taking notes effectively
• Using statistical and modelling techniques
• Planning a research project
• Writing a research proposal
• Planning and conducting a survey
• Planning and writing a dissertation or thesis
• Developing an academic writing style
• Giving presentations (including the use of PowerPoint)
• Preparing for a Doctoral or Master's viva

Developing the study and research skills needed at postgraduate level takes time and effort. Some need to be acquired at the start of your programme while others are best developed over a longer period. Guidance and assistance will be supplied on your course programme, by your tutors or your supervisor, and in your course handbook. Other Faculties or Departments may also provide guidance on their websites or run training courses and workshops that could be of use to you.