Sectoral Initiatives under SIF
4th Level Support Network
The 4th Level Support Network is a key enabler of developing graduate schools and programmes in Ireland. It is an entirely new “hub and spokes” network, with a resource in the IUA and dedicated resources in universities to support the sectoral development of graduate schools and programmes under SIF, SSTI, EU etc.
The project is managed by a ‘4th Level Ireland Network’ that includes the Deans of Postgraduate Studies and the Network Coordinators who the individual universities have appointed on a 0.5 fte basis to coordinate the project at an institutional level.
The specific aims of the project over the next three to four years include:
- Develop 4th level Ireland’s international profile, providing a single access point for all Irish PhD programmes.
- Establish a national credit transfer system for graduate courses enabling inter- institutional graduate programmes.
- Engage employers and government on sustainable careers for graduates.
- Maximise the use of the Irish Research Mobility Network www.researchcareers.com
- Work with funding agencies and government to ensure SSTI can facilitate 4th Level Ireland.
- Develop generic training learning outcomes (analogue of UK Joint Skills Statement).
- Structure at national level and promote integration of PhD generic, personal and professional skills development.
- Develop postgraduate records of students’ experience, outputs, Personal Development Plans.
- Inform national and international developments in graduate education.
- Establish a Graduate Education Forum for HE sector, funders, industry, students and stakeholders to share and embed best practice.
- Research trends in the graduate environment.
- Integrate QA into PhD with Irish Universities Quality Board
- Coordinate a national repository of courses and current practice.
- Provide dedicated support as universities develop graduate schools and programmes.
- Support the review, design, development and delivery of training provision in universities.
- Engage supervisors, inform them of graduate training developments, provide details on skills development and materials/guidance supporting the development of their research groups.
- Inform the development of coherent national training provision and reporting mechanisms through bringing “on the ground” practice to bear on policy.
Implementation Plan
Duration 3 years:
Year 1: Establishment of Hub and Network
Year 2-3: Roll-out and expansion of Network activities
Deliverables
A dynamic sectoral expert network, supporting graduate education, engaging stakeholders, informing and analysing pertinent aspects of graduate schools and programmes
