As a condition of being a PGR student at the University of Aberdeen, there are some mandatory training courses that must be completed within your first six months of study. The Information Security and Data Protection training must be complete within the first month of your study.
All mandatory training courses can be accessed via PORTAL
- Research Integrity (Responsible and Ethical Practice in Research and Publication)
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Discover the principles of good and ethical practice in research and its publication and raise your awareness of the problems that can arise and how to avoid them.
- Research Ethics and Governance
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We are committed to ensuring that all research students receive appropriate training in relation to research ethics and governance. these modules contain information on the key issues which underpin research ethics and governance and are applicable to all disciplines.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclussion
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This course covers the legislative framework to ensure that your knowledge on equality and diversity matters and their practical implications is up-to-date. This will help to ensure that the university creates a learning and working environment which is accessible and inclusive.
- Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
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Key information to ensure you are safe whilst working at the University.
- Information Security and Data Protection
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This training is mandatory for all postgraduate research students and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It emphasises the importance of information security and data protection, outlining your responsibilities in safeguarding the University from online threats. The training also provides practical guidance on how you can protect both yourself and others from potential risks.
Development Opportunities
As a Postgraduate researchers you have access to a wide range of development opportunities designed to enhance your their academic and professional skills. Engaging with these opportunities can help you build valuable transferable skills, broaden you experience, and prepare you for your future career.
- PGR Training and Development Fund
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PGR Training and Development Fund supports activities which benefit postgraduate researchers (PGRs) of the University of Aberdeen.
The competition is open to all PGRs, including distance students and Masters of Science (Research).
Applications can be submitted any time between the 31st of October 2025 and 17:00 Monday 18th May 2026. All projects must be completed by 31 July 2026.
Application Form Submit your application: pgrs-training@abdn.ac.uk
We aim for a two-week turnaround on decisions after receiving an application.
What is the fund for?
The PGR Training and Development Fund offers financial support to help postgraduate researchers (PGRs) host activities that build transferable skills and foster personal, professional, and career growth. The fund can be used to support:
- Professional Development Opportunities - Organise workshops focused on enhancing skills such as leadership, project management, and effective communication, helping PGRs prepare for diverse career paths.
- Career Development Support - Set up networking sessions or conversation panels, that connect PGRs with professionals and alumni for insights into career options and skill requirements.
- Encourage Interdisciplinary Learning - Organise collaborative research opportunities that bring together PGRs from various disciplines, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and innovation across fields.
Applications should not go beyond £250. All activities should have a clear benefit to postgraduate researchers within the University.
Who can apply?
University of Aberdeen postgraduate research students, including distance students and Masters of Research, are eligible to apply. The application should be made by a team of at least two people.
You can apply for funding for:
- Event catering
- Expenses for a speaker
- Workshop materials
- Promotional materials
- Small prizes for competitions or thank you gifts
What we don't fund:
- Direct financial assistance to individuals
- Hardware, software or other technical materials that your School would normally be expected to purchase as part of their ongoing budgets
- Reimbursement of University of Aberdeen student/staff time For any questions and to submit your application: pgrs-training@abdn.ac.uk
- Optional Courses
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We offer a mixture of live courses and on-demand resources for independent learning.
Live courses are booked on the course booking system. Be sure to check regularly for new courses!