Training in all areas is made available in order to benefit the student both during their PhD and subsequently, in terms both of employability and in assisting them in finding the right job for them. Training should be considered at the start of the first year so that courses are not missed. Subject specific and technical training may be needed to assist the student in areas of their PhD where they currently lack knowledge. The University has a minimum requirement for 10 days/year of generic skills training, run through a course credit system. One credit is given for a notional half a day of training, with a requirement for all PhD students (not just Research Council ones) to accumulate at least 60 credits before graduating with a PhD. These credits and other training are recorded in the student’s Personal Log.
Part II/Part III lectures may form very valuable adjuncts to specific knowledge for the student, and should be included on personal learning plans, but that they do not contain high levels of generic/transferable training. It is appropriate to allow only 1 credit per 6 hours of lectures, up to a maximum of 6 credits during the PhD. In the case of Part II courses is expected that supervisors or students will inform lecturers or course organisers when students attend their courses.
In line with Research Council requirements, the student must also attend training courses designed to strengthen their abilities in generic or transferable skills, to ensure that they meet or exceed the required 20 credits. See the “skills portal” web site http://www.skills.cam.ac.uk/
Note that if a student is deficient in transferable skills and has not taken available course work this may be a contributing reason for their assessors to prevent progression. STUDENTS CANNOT ATTEND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS TRAINING IF THEY CANNOT GET TIME OFF TO DO SO.