Section outline

  • The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) was launched in 2010 by Vitae, a non-profit programme that is part of the Career Development Organisation.

    QMUL is a member of Vitae, and students and staff can access Vitae’s online support materials and are entitled to discounts on events and resources. Simply register on the Vitae website using your QMUL email address. 


    Source: Vitae

    The RDF describes in detail the practical skills and attributes of successful researchers. It provides the basis for the support offered to researchers by many of the Schools and Departments at QMUL, including the Library. You can access more information on the RDF itself here . 

    This module is worth three Skills Points for PhD students, who are expected to amass a total of 210 Skills Points over the course of their studies. The QMUL PhD Skills Points Database allows you to capture the generic and discipline-specific developmental activities that you are involved in. On successful completion of the quiz at the end of this module you can log the three points on the PhD Skills Points Database.

    Contact the Teaching & Learning Support Team, the Doctoral College, the Graduate School or your Department if you would like more information and/or support with the RDF.

    The module is divided into seven sections, which you can complete at your own pace. Reading Lists of material have been provided, and the quiz at the end of the module is accessible to QM members after they enrol themselves on the course. 

    There are no prerequisites for taking this module, but you may wish to use earphones/headphones for the audiovisual files. You can provide us with your feedback on completion. Most of the module is openly accessible, but guests cannot access the quiz.

    The Teaching & Learning Support Team are always contactable. Look out for this button:  Contact the T&LS Team