Writing and Referencing
Good academic writing takes time and effort and is crucial to all research degrees. Writing can be challenging, but there is a lot of support available.
Generative Writing
Can't concentrate? Struggling to get motivated? Spending too much time editing and not enough time writing? Our personal professional development programme can help get words on the page! Support for generative writing is useful for PGRs at all stages of their research degree.
We offer a monthly, hybrid writer's retreat hosted at the PGR Hub.
You can also sign up to attend virutal PGR writer's retreats hosted by other universities in the UK.
Book your place using the PGR Events Calendar
Places are limited and retreats are very popular, so sign up early to avoid missing out.
This online, self-directed course can help PGRs overcome writer's block. The activities in each part of the course are designed to help you with the different stages of writing, from getting started with your first draft, to editing, redrafting, and proof-reading.
Log in to Sharepoint to get started with the Focus on Writing course
If you're approaching submission, you can apply to attend Thesis Boot Camp, which is held twice a year in the PGR Hub.
If you can't attend in-person or online BDC writer's retreats, why not set up your own?
Follow our guide to find out How to set up your own Writing Retreat (PDF, 4,105kB)
If you have any questions, you can contact via email at doctoral-college@bristol.ac.uk
Language, Form & Style
Would you like to know more about academic writing? We have a range of courses that can improve how you express ideas and respond to feedback. Thesis workshops and resources are most suitable for early-mid stage researchers.
This in-person, interactive workshop will help PGRs at any stage of their research degree to improve the way they express critical analysis in their writing. By exploring linguistics and organisational techniques for articulating ideas, attendees will learn to successfully highlight their contributions to the field.
This live, interactive workshop is designed to help PGRs at all stages of their research draft short summaries for a variety of purposes (such as grants, proposals and/or abstracts). Participants will use examples from a range of disciplines to identify how to communicate the value of research in a concise and engaging way. Participants will have the opportunity to receive feedback on a draft summary.
Feedback is essential for helping you improve you work in progress - and it doesn't always have to come from your supervisor(s) or someone in your field! This live, interactive session provides a forum for PGRs at all stages to discuss their work in progress, understand the impact of shape and flow in their text, improve clarity, and learn how to give effective, constructive feedback to their peers. By attending, you will join a community of practice and exchange feedback later in the year.
What key challenges do you face when writing? Would you like advice from your peers? In this live, interactive webinar, PGRs at any stage of their research degree can submit questions on the topic of academic writing. Attendees will engage in collaborative discussion and analyse writing samples to resolve common challenges.
The Centre for Academic Language Development (CALD) runs a variety of courses and programmes for researchers at all levels. Whether or not English is your first language, they can help you communicate your work more effectively.
Additional Support
There are a variety of support services available at the University of Bristol to help you develop your reading and writing skills. Use the drop down menu below to find out more.
Study Skills provide support and training on a wide range of topics, including reading and writing skills. You can even book a 1:1 tutorial to discuss your work with a specialist tutor.
Do you want to develop an engaging and readable style? Do you want to improve your writing structure and clarity? Would you like help in approaching the writing process, from taking notes to compiling drafts and preparing your work for submission? The Royal Literary Fellows can help.
Library Services provides a range of workshops on referencing, including the use of reference management software.
Library Services offer a range of guidance to help you develop skills relevant to your discipline. They can help you navigate, critically evaluate, and effectively use library information resources specific to your research area.
Need to learn a modern language for your research? Bristol Doctoral College works with the School of Modern Languages to offer PGR students the opportunity to study a language unit. Applications open once a year in the spring term.