Research Support

This guide is for anyone who is undertaking research of any description, and at any point in their academic career. Academic librarians can help students and staff with research support at all levels from undergraduate to postdoctoral. We can provide help in a number of ways. Guidance can be given in one-to-one or groups sessions to students dissertations or extended pieces of writing for the first time, or to academic colleagues handling literature reviews to support their own research. We can also give more generic guidance to cohorts of students undertaking research in relation to particular modules.

There are a number of tools you can use to help you get started on and develop your research journey:

• This Subject Guide
• The Subject Guide for your particular topic of interest. You may find that you need to use resources whose coverage is beyond those you are used to.
• Your Academic Librarian
• Inter-Library Loans and using other libraries
• LEAP Online for study skills resources and Researcher Academy for research-specific elearning content

A key part of undertaking research, especially at a high level, is having an appreciation of previous research. Often known as a literature review, this systematic seeking out of previous research is essential for academic context. If you are considering doing research at a higher level still - for example, an MPhil or PhD by research - you need to be able to demonstrate your contribution to the body of knowledge: the higher the level of research, the greater the requirement for originality. 

There are a number of databases you could use to help you here:

The Library provides a range of learning opportunities throughout the year. Visit our LEAP Live site for more information. Upcoming sessions of interest to postgraduate research students are highlighted below.