ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

• Home
• Update on Third Country Directive
• Developing 4th Level Ireland
• One year at IUA
• Irish Universities Agree MOU with China Scholarship Council
• Attracting Talented Researchers to Ireland - New Brochure Launched
• Equal Opportunities for All - Implementing Equality at Third level
• Funding Success for expertiseireland.com User
• Launch of new joint IUA/IUQB Publication
• Belgian Royal Visit
• Dublin Meeting of the European Research Council
• New Role at HEA for IUA’s Siobhan Harkin
• Marie Curie Industry Academia Partnership Event
• Implementation of National Framework of Qualifications
• IUQB Conference
• Launch of Prospectus Survey on Higher Education
• Results of Inter University Equality Photo Competition
• UCD Library Implements Institutional Repository
• Diary Dates - IUA Meetings and Events 2008
• Contact the Team

Developing the Fourth Level Ireland Network

As part of the ongoing strategy to make Ireland a leading innovative economy, Irish universities have committed to doubling the number of PhD graduates between 2006 and 2013. These researchers will develop the skills and abilities to make them leaders in the development of Ireland’s knowledge economy.

The term "third level" is widely known to refer to higher education. "Fourth level" is the new umbrella term coined to represent a more structured approach to graduate studies and research in Universities and other higher education institutes.

Supported through the HEA’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) the IUA have developed a Fourth Level Ireland Network of Deans of Graduate Studies. This group will develop a framework and policies to support PhD students build successful careers by providing access to skills development opportunities in the form of skills training and work placements. Additionally, students will receive support from doctoral supervisory teams in this structured PhD programme. Activities that the Network is currently engaged in include the development of an Irish Universities’ Graduate Student Skills Statement’. This skills statement will serve to communicate to employers and students what skills and abilities they should possess on successful graduation. It will also aid the further progress in additional skills development opportunities for PhD students.

In early February 2008, the IUA, the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) and the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) will run an event to commence a dialogue with employers on how PhD students’ skills relate to their business. Also on the agenda is the issue of work placements and how, within PhD programmes, they might facilitate students’ skills development and increase employers’ awareness of PhD graduates’ abilities.

Shortly, the IUA will launch an online survey for PhD students to learn about their student experience. UCD’s Geary Institute is developing this SIF funded project, which will be a powerful tool in ensuring universities respond to student needs.

Some of the features of the “traditional” PhD model

• Student enrols with a research supervisor to embark on research, which depending on circumstances takes three to eight years to complete.
• No formal training in wider career management and transferable skills.

Features of the new and improved PhD model under 4th Level Ireland

• Formalised career development and where relevant work placement experience
• Doctoral supervisory teams to support students’ thesis research and their skills development needs.
• Opportunity to pursue skills development training that will develop students’ career and project management skills, ensuring they make a successful transition to their career of choice.
• Opportunity for students to pursue instruction in wider research methodologies increasing their research skills and making them more likely to work in interdisciplinary research within or outside academia.

The Fourth Level Network includes the Deans of Postgraduate Education and an individual, mostly newly appointed, at each university who devotes 50% of their time to supporting the development of this new structured PhD.

For many universities the appointment of a Dean for Graduate Studies is a new initiative and demonstrates the increasing importance of graduate education. In its first year the Network has welcomed new members to the group at almost every meeting and we look forward to working with our new colleagues on this exciting project in the New Year.