Writing Skills Summer School

Prerequisites

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR WSSS 2016 IS NOW OPEN

WHEN: 26 - 28 July 2016 (THREE FULL DAY SESSIONS!)

WHERE: Centre for Mathematical Studies, Wilberforce Road, University of Cambridge

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 1 July

Why this course might make a difference:

The researcher Development Programme (RDP) at the University of Cambridge is delighted to announce the annual Writing Skills Summer School. This event is open to all postgraduate researchers at the University and offers a unique opportunity for participants to develop their writing skills by focusing on their work and particular writing concerns.

All PhD Students
Further details regarding eligibility criteria are here

Please bring with you a piece of your own writing of no more than 2,000 words. Writing sample should be a work in progress and not a polished final draft.

This piece of writing will be used throughout WSSS so it is essential.

Number of sessions: 3

1. What?

• Plenary sessions & workshops exploring different aspects of writing, including editing your writing and writing for a wider audience

• Independent writing time to work on a chosen piece of writing

• Assignment to a writing mentor group to receive feedback and discussion with peers

2. Who?

• Delivered by a team of experienced tutors from a range of disciplines and backgrounds

• Applications are welcome from postgraduate researchers at all stages of the PhD and from all disciplines

3. How?

• To register please follow the go to the link above and read the full instructions

• You will need to register your interest and complete an application form outlining your reasons for applying and what you hope to gain from WSSS

• The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 1 July 2016 and places will be confirmed in the week commencing 4 July 2016.

60 Format: plenary sessions, independent writing time, discussions and practical exercises

This course includes:

• plenary sessions and workshops to explore different aspects of the writing process, including being productive, editing and writing for a wider audience
• personal writing time to work on a chosen piece of your own writing
• assignment to a writing mentor group to receive feedback and discussion with peers

The sessions are delivered by a team of experienced tutors from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, who will be at the course throughout.

Some feedback from participants on last year’s summer school:

It's a unique opportunity to focus on improving your writing without any distractions, and getting the time to work on your own writing and to implement what you're learning right away makes it a very rewarding experience.

I'd say it is an essential part of writing the thesis and I am so grateful I attended at the end of my first year rather than my third year when it would (nearly) be too late. Every phd student would benefit, even those who think they write well.

I would say that the WSSS is a wonderful experience and every PhD student should take the opportunity to attend. It will improve their writing skills and give them the confidence to pursue better writing.

Sign up! Not only will you learn practical skills, but your confidence will improve and you'll get to meet some lovely people too.

Go! It is excellent. Having to focus for x days means that the useful things you learn actually sink in.

In particular, if you are a foreign student with English as a second language and do not have educational background in English-speaking countries, this course informs you how to deal with his/her trouble in writing which would convey arguments and reasoning properly.

It is a good combination of talks, tips, experienced writers and practical/ hands-on workshops.

Three full day sessions

Annual