Early Stage - Graduate School Career Development Framework

Early candidature is the time to lay the groundwork for successful completion of your degree. It is important that you take the time to think about where you are headed after graduation, and what steps you may need to take to get there. It is also your chance to develop skills that will help you manage your time and avoid procrastination.

Upcoming sessions
Past sessions

Introduction to SPSS (DSCRP) [St Lucia]

27 February 2026 9:00am–5:00pm

in Research software and programming

This hands-on workshop provides a practical introduction to SPSS, guiding beginners or those looking to build confidence through the essentials of data import, management, and basic statistical analysis. It will be delivered in person at the St Lucia campus. Registrations close 20 February.

Presenting your research [webinar]

3 March 2026 1:00pm–3:00pm

in Communication

This session provides an introduction to the secrets of great research presentations. Learn how to craft a message that targets your audience. (Formerly known as Introduction to Presentation Skills as well as Planning and Presenting Persuasive Research).

Advanced literature searching [webinar]

4 March 2026 12:00pm–1:30pm

in eResearch and data management

Learn how to use and navigate the UQ Library search engine. Learn strategies to find and identify what you’re looking for, and like a skilled investigator, identify and track down promising additional material. This session is targeted at new HDR students who have little experience with Library searching.

Making the most of the advisor/student relationship [webinar]

10 March 2026 9:00am–10:30am

in Candidature management

Learn how to develop a close working relationship with your advisors.

Introduction to systematic reviews [webinar]

10 March 2026 1:00pm–2:30pm

in Writing skills

This workshop covers systematic reviews that can be used in both qualitative and quantitative studies.

Structuring your writing [webinar]

12 March 2026 1:00pm–3:00pm

in Writing skills

This workshop explores planning and structuring research writing. (formerly called Planning to Write). Consider attending Refining Your Writing after attending this workshop.

Research Ethics: Ethical Research and Teaching with animals [webinar]

16 March 2026 2:00pm–3:00pm

in Integrity and ethics

At UQ, animals are used for various scientific purposes in both research and teaching, including; laboratory research, teaching, veterinary science, companion and production animal settings, and in the wild (be it terrestrial or marine).

Pondering procrastination productively [webinar]

17 March 2026 11:00am–12:30pm

in Candidature management

Are you plagued by procrastination? Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today? Learn tools and strategies to get you started in making change, feeling in control and creating new, more productive habits.

Research ethics: Human [webinar]

18 March 2026 10:00am–11:30am

in Integrity and ethics

At UQ, you MUST have Ethics approval BEFORE conducting Human research! Human Research is research conducted with or about people, or their data or tissue.

Statistical comparisons using SPSS (DSCRP) [St Lucia]

20 March 2026 9:00am–5:00pm

in Statistics and modelling

This hands-on workshop introduces core concepts of inferential statistics and guides participants in using SPSS to apply and interpret common statistical tests such as correlation, chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA. Through practical exercises, attendees will learn to define hypotheses and choose appropriate tests for research analysis. This workshop is face to face at St Lucia campus. Registrations close 13 March, 9am.

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Strategic scholarly publishing principles [webinar]

26 February 2026 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Publishing and authorship

Learn the principles of publishing your research strategically.

Introduction to NGS platforms and bioinformatics analysis (DSCRP) [webinar]

26 February 2026 9:00am–12:30pm

in Bioinformatics and genomics

Learn the basics of NGS technologies and bioinformatics workflows in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners in genomic data analysis. Registration is now closed.

Writing a confirmation document [Webinar]

24 February 2026 10:00am–11:30am

in Your thesis

Discover the purposes and characteristics of a confirmation document.

Planning to publish [webinar]

18 February 2026 10:00am–11:30am

in Publishing and authorship

Which journals/publishers are best for your research?

Mindmapping research: Coping with info overload [St Lucia]

13 February 2026 1:00pm–4:00pm

in Your thesis

Learn how to manage your research and cope with information overload. This workshop is delivered face to face at St Lucia campus.

HDR Orientation Welcome BBQ [St Lucia]

10 February 2026 12:00pm–1:00pm

in Orientation

Join the Graduate Research School for the opportunity to meet your fellow commencing candidates, Graduate Research School staff who will be assisting you in the HDR journey and also enjoying lunch within the beautiful St Lucia Campus.

Research integrity in HDR training (student only session) [St Lucia]

10 February 2026 10:00am–11:30am

in Integrity and ethics

Learn about research integrity policies, advisors' and candidates' main obligations through a discussive, interactive session using real life scenarios. [This workshop differs from the mandatory online Research Integrity module which must still be completed as part of the Early Candidature Checkpoint.] This workshop is delivered face to face at the St Lucia campus.

HDR Orientation [webinar]

3 February 2026 2:00pm–3:30pm

in Orientation

Orientation is strongly recommended for all commencing HDR candidates, both domestic and international.

New International HDR students: Compulsory info session [webinar]

3 February 2026 10:30am–12:30pm

in Orientation

This session is compulsory for all newly commencing HDR students and is a requirement of your visa.

Story Moods with Kathleen Jennings [St Lucia]

27 November 2025 10:30am–12:30pm

in Communication

Explore a technique for quickly understanding what makes a short story work, start building up your own stories, and learn tricks you can adapt to other forms of writing.

Strategic networking: How to connect for impact [webinar]

25 November 2025 10:00am–12:00pm

in Impact and influence

Understand the strategic value of networking. Identify networking opportunities.

Optimising Wellbeing throughout your HDR Journey [Gatton]

20 November 2025 10:00am–11:30am

in Candidature management

This workshop aims to assist HDR students to manage stress, to open conversations about wellbeing and to access UQ support services and resources. This workshop is delivered face to face at Gatton campus.

How to navigate an academic career [webinar]

17 November 2025 1:00pm–3:00pm

in Career planning

Explore specific ideas, tools and techniques to navigate an academic career.

Analysing qualitative data (ISSR) [webinar]

13 November 2025 9:00am–1:00pm

in Research design

Learn about analysing qualitative data.

Career strategy: Plan for your Future [webinar]

12 November 2025 10:00am–12:00pm

in Career planning

Successful careers are a result of good planning. Get started early with your career strategy.

Three Ss of Resilience [St Lucia]

6 November 2025 10:00am–11:30am

in Candidature management

Learn strategies to improve resilience in order to better manage the stresses and strains of life, both during the candidature and in your future professional life. This workshop is delivered face to face at St Lucia campus.

Collecting qualitative data (ISSR) [webinar]

4 November 2025 9:00am–12:00pm

in Research design

This workshop provides a brief introduction into qualitative data collection.

Effective writing strategies in research [St Lucia]

23 October 2025 2:00pm–4:00pm

in Writing skills

Join an interactive workshop where experienced academics share practical writing strategies and time-management tips to help HDR students boost research productivity, connect with peers, and put learning into action.

Understanding quantitative data and performing descriptive analyses (ISSR) [webinar]

9 October 2025 9:00am–12:00pm

in Research design

This course is intended for HDR students who are new to working with quantitative data, or would like to refresh the basics.

Principles of Research Design (ISSR) [webinar]

7 October 2025 9:00am–1:00pm

in Research design

Learn the basics of research design which is a key component of any research study.

Enhancing academic writing with AI: Strategies, opportunities and considerations [webinar]

29 September 2025 10:00am–11:30am

in Writing skills

This workshop aims to improve the academic writing skills of Higher Degree by Research students by integrating Generative AI tools like ChatGPT into the writing process, while maintaining academic integrity.

Impactful presentations: Delivering with confidence [St Lucia]

23 September 2025 9:30am–1:30pm

in Communication

This interactive session will enable you to develop your edge when communicating your research, presenting at conferences, or participating in competitions such as 3MT and more broadly, when presenting your personal value proposition. (formerly known as Advanced Presentation Skills)

Data literacy, storytelling and influencing decision-makers [webinar]

23 September 2025 9:00am–1:00pm

in Impact and influence

This course is designed for HDR students aiming to master the skills of identifying, interpreting, and drawing informed conclusions from diverse data sources. Registration closes 19 September.

Pitching and storytelling [webinar]

11 September 2025 10:00am–12:00pm

in Entrepreneurship

This session provides best practice on how to build a pitch deck and how to deliver it compellingly.

R U OK - Building your skills [webinar]

10 September 2025 12:00pm–1:30pm

in Candidature management

R U Ok Day is a national day of action to encourage conversations with those who may be struggling. This workshop will build skills on mental health awareness, ways we can have difficult conversations with each other and ways to access support.