Учебно-методическое пособие для аспирантов

“I really enjoy my subject”

This is a highly motivating reason to do a higher degree. It’s worth considering the long-term implications of your choice. Does your choice of the course fit in with your long-term career plans? That does not mean that you should only consider postgraduate programmes related to your area of work interest. All further study programmes will enable you to develop skills that you could market to an employer.
Emily Wright:

“I need it to pursue my chosen career”

This is an obvious positive reason for undertaking further study. Some career areas do require a professional qualification, for example law, teaching, social work, librarianship or clinical psychology. For other employment areas a postgraduate qualification, although not essential, will provide a distinct advantage to applicants, particularly when competition for places is fierce. In any case it will make you stand out from the crowd and get a better job. Research the area of work that interests you to identify whether a postgraduate course would be necessary or advantageous to you.

Martin Scott:

“I don’t know what to do – this will give me more time to decide”

Past experience suggests undertaking a further year or more of study is unlikely to lead to careers inspiration! If you choose a course for this reason, it is important to use the duration of the course to decide what options are open to you, what skills you have to offer, what you want out of a job or may be jobs, what jobs would suit you in general.
Apart from the above reasons you may have some others worth
mentioning. Think of them and put them down in the order of
preference in writing.
There can be less optimistic opinions about taking postgraduate or doctorate courses. Some people consider post-graduate and
doctorate study a mere waste of time and effort. Express your opinion on the problem. If you disagree with something, debate and give your arguments.
Pamela Bain

The idea of original research can conjure up thoughts of constant intellectual excitement and cries of ‘eureka!’ The reality may be rather different. Studying for a research degree is very different from studying for an undergraduate degree. Consider carefully whether or not you would enjoy the basic research techniques you are going to use. Can you imagine counting black dots down a microscope for weeks on end? OK spending a year, or two, building equipment before generating a single result? Will you be happy working alone in a library for days on end? The breakthrough, when it happens, can be euphoric, but when results refuse to come it can be deeply disappointing.

Doctorates don’t count for much outside academia – and in fact they may count against you. If you can’t find a directly relevant area for subsequent professional work, then many employers are likely to look at you, a 25-30 year old person with three-six years of post-graduate work as being a strange and slightly worrying employment prospect. Another thing you won’t be told is how many people don’t complete their doctorates. I’ve heard various figures mentioned, but I believe that around 50% of people who start doctorates don’t get a PhD out of it. An enormous proportion of people simply never finish the things because it’s not quite what they were expecting when they started.

Postgraduate sector is mushrooming today. Further study is undertaken for a variety of reasons but usually with some career aim in mind. Just getting a university degree isn’t enough nowadays, many undergraduates feel an extra qualification is a way to distinguish themselves from a large number of job-hunters clutching a first degree certificate. A higher degree can open new options to them when entering the same job market as an undergraduate. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can hit the ground running, who can demonstrate both breadth and depth of subject knowledge.

To find the right career for you, you need to think about the occupations and jobs available – the skills, qualifications, experience and aptitudes you need and whether they are right for you. Postgraduate study is fundamental to the development of higher level skills. The process of achieving a research degree develops an enquiring mind, independence of thought, problem-solving abilities, an ability to work autonomously and the ability to assimilate, articulate and defend new ideas. The benefits of post-graduate education are obvious: development of key skills, the chance to put theory into practice, greater understanding of career choices, valuable career contacts for the future.

Postgraduates are among the most intelligent students. They tend to be people who have succeeded academically. The view that postgraduates are other-worldly and lacking in drive is outdated, and there is evidence that employers are taking postgraduates much more seriously. Having organized their own studies, postgraduates can be good project managers, experts in analysis, and capable of working through complex processes without being intimidated.

A postgraduate qualification from the BSU is one that is recognized globally and will provide an excellent route to better career prospects. Major companies say they would rather employ students from the BSU. The University’s graduates benefit from the tradition of strong ties with business and industry. The BSU’s high quality facilities and teaching and its interdisciplinary approach to research will enable trainees to make the most of research and learning opportunities available whilst studying for a scientific degree. All students here receive “appropriate and relevant preparation, training and support for their development, are helped both to complete a high-quality master’s or doctoral thesis and to develop a range of knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for their future employment”.

The current crop of PhD students are surely busier than their predecessors, and are being required to professionalize earlier. Not only are they working to finish their dissertations within the three-year period of their awards; but engaged in other activities entirely appropriate to their stage of career: they often do teaching, attend conferences, make research trips, attend meetings. By the end of the second year of the program the postgraduates are taught to make practical progress in the number of key areas of academic endeavor, with a view to having a significant body of experience by the time they complete their degrees. By this stage of the programme they will have had experience in delivering their material in a public forum, and will have made an attempt to develop their presentation skills.

Combining subjects in a degree programme is a popular way of tailoring a course to reflect one’s career aspirations. Employment opportunities demand well developed language skills. The course of a foreign language will provide a broad range of language training opportunities for all students whatever course they are taking.

Tuition also helps to focus students’ minds on the key question of whether or not to further pursue academic careers. As such study involves commitment and investment of time and money, those pursuing it may well seek reassurance that it is worth the effort. It is therefore crucial to present them with opportunities to hone their skills in this area.

Students working towards a PhD have already completed a Master’s degree. It is crucial that learners considering this option have a deep interest in their subject and a commitment to producing a piece of original research despite the pressure to complete the dissertation on time and have a certain number of publications. It is equally important that they have a research topic which is both interesting to them, and viable in the context of a research degree.

Whatever career path a postgraduate chooses most employers are sure to value the skills he has developed while doing a degree.

1. 
   motivating reasons for doing a post-graduate course (to undertake further studies, career plans, to make more employable, to provide advantage, to stand out of the crowd, to enjoy the subject);
   
2. 
   qualities a young researcher must possess to be a success (to enjoy problem solving, creative abilities, industrious, patient, inquisitive mind, a high level of intellectual ability, a high degree of organizational ability and time management, to work in a library);
   
3. 
   career prospects for post-graduates (better career prospects, a key role, to make a person more employable, to put theory into practice, to benefit from, specific skills).
   

1. 
   What are the main motives for undertaking study for master’s/PhD degree?
   
2. 
   What is your motivation for taking a post-graduate course?
   
3. 
   Is there a difference between studying for a research degree and studying for an undergraduate degree?
   
4. 
   What qualities should a post-graduate student possess and develop?
   
5. 
   Do you agree that a master’s qualification is a way to distinguish yourself from the large number of first degrees on the job market?
   
6. 
   What are the benefits of having a postgraduate qualification in relation to future employment?
   
7. 
   Do you think that most employers will appreciate the skills that you bring after your postgraduate course?
   
8. 
   Why did you choose to take a postgraduate course at the BSU?
   
9. 
   Do you think that now you have any definite opportunities for a career promotion?
   
10. 
    Are you going to deepen your research experience and enroll for studies for another degree?
    

1. 
   The researcher’s findings are dealt with in the present article.
   

2. 
   Information from encyclopedia is always relied on in scientific circles.
   

3. 
   The article mentioned above is often referred to by young researchers.
   

4. 
   This author is much spoken of.
   

5. 
   The report was followed by lots of questions.
   

6. 
   These terms will be insisted upon.
   

1. 
   A new theory (to discuss) already.
   
2. 
   The experiments (to finish) two weeks ago.
   
3. 
   This idea (to put) forward in the near future.
   
4. 
   We expect his findings (not to criticize) at the forthcoming conference.
   
5. 
   At present a new technique (to develop).
   
6. 
   Projects (to supervise) by the teacher, but only in a general way; the actual work (to do) by the students themselves.
   
7. 
   An interesting phenomenon just (to register) by a young scientist.
   
8. 
   The result of this experiment (to publish) in his latest article.
   
9. 
   A new discovery (to speak) much about.
   
10. 
    Lately the problem (to approach) by many researchers.
    
11. 
    Special attention (to draw) to the latest findings.
    
12. 
    Apparent errors in the analysis (to deal with) in the report.
    
13. 
    The article gives examples of different methods which (to use) over the years.
    
14. 
    In Europe degrees (to harmonise) through the Bologna process, which (to base) on the three-level hierarchy (Bachelor, Master, Doctor).
    

1. 
   They wrote a repot in a terrible hurry. The report …
   
2. 
   The clerk finally found the necessary notes. The notes …
   
3. 
   We will produce the results of the experiment at the exhibition. The results …
   
4. 
   They are noting down all information in important lectures. All information …
   
5. 
   They improved the memo to the committee to make it easier to understand. The memo …
   
6. 
   They haven’t included the mailing address in the letter. The mailing address …
   
7. 
   We will make our suggestions in writing. Suggestions …
   
8. 
   The suppliers will make further modifications to the machine. Further modifications …
   
9. 
   He realized he had achieved better results when he started working harder. Better results …
   
10. 
    The organizers of the meeting supplied all relevant information in advance. All relevant information …
    
11. 
    Postgraduates are entering the same job market as undergraduates. The same job market …
    
12. 
    He has already completed a Master’s degree and is currently working towards a PhD. Master’s degree …
    
13. 
    The supervisor guides reading and research of students admitted to work for scientific degree. Students …
    
14. 
    They have advised me to contact the member of the staff with the appropriate interests to talk about possible projects. I …
    

1. 
   These data are often referred to.
   
2. 
   A doctoral degree is awarded for the creation of original piece of research.
   
3. 
   In pre-literate societies, education was achieved orally, and through observation and imitation.
   
4. 
   Postgraduate level for professional advancement is being developed now.
   
5. 
   Until recently, the issue of whether there is fair access to postgraduate study has been neglected.
   
6. 
   New supervision arrangements to supplement the conventional single-supervisor structure have been established.
   
7. 
   Although both taught and research courses are partly subsidised by government, higher education institutions recover most of the costs of provision via tuition fees.
   
8. 
   These areas have features which have been closely linked.
   
9. 
   There is no doubt that in the course of further development of this science the new method will be extensively made use of.
   
10. 
    This inaccurate method has been done away with.
    
11. 
    By the end of the term the results of this research will have been discussed.
    
12. 
    None of the data on this problem were published in the latest journal.
    
13. 
    The list of abbreviations is referred to in the preamble.
    
14. 
    The report was commented on at the seminar.
    
15. 
    Some methods of analysis are dealt with in the paper.
    

1. 
   Никакого решения до сих пор не было найдено.
   
2. 
   О недавнем выступлении этого ученого много говорят в научных кругах.
   
3. 
   Здесь не затрагивали проблему терминологии.
   
4. 
   Было предложено обсудить проблему на конференции.
   
5. 
   В этой главе речь идет об особенности нового научного метода.
   
6. 
   На какого автора ты будешь ссылаться, чтобы доказать твое понимание проблемы?
   
7. 
   За лекцией последовал ряд секционных заседаний, на которых рассматривались наиболее дискуссионные вопросы.
   
8. 
   Новый подход к определению данного явления рассматривался в последнем номере журнала.
   
9. 
   Происходящие изменения не легко объяснить.
   
10. 
    Требуется более точный подход к анализу данного явления.
    
11. 
    Было обнаружено, что полученные результаты противоречат предыдущим.
    
12. 
    Конференции будет предшествовать пятидневный эксперимент.
    
13. 
    Новая программа только что была запущена.
    
14. 
    Их поддержит Координационный Совет с представителем от каждой организации.
    
15. 
    Тем, кто интересуется условиями вступления в эту организацию, будут даны исчерпывающие ответы.
    

1. 
   Throughout history, many governments have supported research in development of national defence.
   
   1. 
      General: Have many governments supported research in development of national defence?
      
   2. 
      Special: Who has supported research in development of national defence?
      
   3. 
      Alternative: Have many governments supported research in development of national or international defence?
      
   4. 
      Tag question: Many governments have supported research in development of national defence, haven’t they?
      

2. 
   Special cases of tag questions:
   

1. 
   Nobody submitted articles for publication, did they?
   
2. 
   Let’s discuss the last point of your conclusion, shall we?
   
3. 
   Pass me the journal, will/won’t you?
   
4. 
   Everybody is interested in the results of the experiment, aren’t they?
   
5. 
   Nothing matters now, does it?
   

3. 
   Indirect question:
   

1. 
   Professional societies promote interactions between individuals across institutions by organizing meetings and publications. (How …?)
   
2. 
   Theology was the most prestigious and the most difficult area of study. (What …?)
   
3. 
   The expansion of Doctoral Training Centres, funded by the Research Councils, has also been a positive step. (General)
   
4. 
   The supervisor is expected to be involved in cross-disciplinary supervision. (Alternative)
   
5. 
   In the UK the master’s degree was for a long time the only postgraduate degree normally awarded. (Where ..?)
   
6. 
   Higher education is the key mechanism through which knowledge is
   generated, preserved and passed on. (What …?)
   
7. 
   In the Netherlands each PhD candidate has a thesis supervisor/promoter and, in many cases, a co-promoter. (Alternative)
   
8. 
   Since early 1990s licensing of electronic resources, particularly journals, has been very common. (Since when …?)
   
9. 
   The applicant has to write down a presentation of his/her research results and an indicative research project. (General)
   
10. 
    Your research activities should be carried out regularly and efficiently. (How …?)
    
11. 
    The organization can learn a great deal by applying the methods and analysing the results themselves. (In what way …?)
    
12. 
    The level and scope of content depends on to whom the report is intended. (What …?)
    
13. 
    This will help you organize your data and focus your analysis. (Alternative)
    
14. 
    Scientists often refer to this type of justification as “motivating” the hypothesis. (Who …?)
    
15. 
    Most experiments will include a control, which is a means of comparing experimental results. (What …?)
    

1. 
   Keep all commentary for several years after completion in case needed for future reference, …?
   
2. 
   Everybody knows that research begins with a research proposal which explains how the researcher intends to carry it out, …?
   
3. 
   Nobody argued that the goal of the research process was to produce new knowledge, …?
   
4. 
   Let’s review the purpose as we described it above, …?
   
5. 
   In the USA there is a requirement that at least two of the committee professors should come from outside the candidate’s doctoral programme, …?
   
6. 
   Everyone knows that creativity does not occur in a vacuum, …?
   
7. 
   Motivate your hypothesis by relying on logic or your own observations, …?
   
8. 
   Let’s start by going through each element of the Introduction to clarify what it covers and why it is important, …?
   
9. 
   Governments, private industry, and other institutions provide financial support for research through grants and research contracts, …?
   
10. 
    Our scientific knowledge contains a vast array of observations and theories, …?
    
11. 
    Advances in pure science are not the only criteria for greatness, …?
    
12. 
    In Poland there is always one official so-called “scientific supervisor” for each doctoral candidate, …?
    
13. 
    Recent custom and practice has seen an increase in and encouragement of the use of panels for supervision, …?
    
14. 
    Scientific research relies on the application of scientific methods, …?
    
15. 
    The discussion highlighted the importance of the international dimension of research in addressing global challenges, …?
    

1. 
   Какую долю участия в рамках проекта можно ожидать от студентов?
   
2. 
   Что подразумевается под хорошим научным руководством?
   
3. 
   Сколько аспирантов может быть у одного научного руководителя?
   
4. 
   Стали ли новые методы получения данных доступны в других областях?
   
5. 
   Вы когда-нибудь видели, чтобы она занималась в библиотеке?
   
6. 
   Чем можно объяснить сложность этой проблемы?
   
7. 
   Все хотят найти интересную и высокооплачиваемую работу, не так ли?
   
8. 
   Найдет ли это изобретение применение в будущем?
   
9. 
   За какой срок до защиты диссертации необходимо опубликовать автореферат?
   
10. 
    Требования к авторам докторских диссертаций гораздо более суровы, не так ли?
    
11. 
    Диссертация прошла предварительную защиту или еще нет?
    
12. 
    Мог ли обсуждаемый эксперимент быть достоверным?
    
13. 
    Что мешает аспиранту защитить диссертацию в срок?
    
14. 
    Давайте еще раз обсудим эту главу, ладно?
    
15. 
    Знаете ли вы, что заставило аспиранта поменять научного руководителя?
    

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, held bilateral consultations in Minsk on the occasion of the official visit of the Netherlands Minister to the Republic of Belarus.

The Ministers underlined their resolve to promote security and cooperation in Europe to contribute to the building of a Europe of peace and freedom on the basis of democracy and respect for human rights, guided by the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter, the provisions of the
Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter for a New Europe and other Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe documents. The Ministers expressed their determination to help strengthen the ties and cooperation between their countries, both in the multilateral and bilateral framework.

Furthermore, the Ministers discussed the development of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and declared the desire to look for ways to further develop their cooperation in various fields, such as:

• 
  trade and economic affairs;
  
• 
  culture and education;
  
• 
  agriculture;
  
• 
  health;
  
• 
  transport.
  

Furthermore, the Ministers declared the intention to organize consultations on bilateral treaty relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Kingdom of the Netherlands as soon as possible.

3. 
   Get ready to speak about some international contacts of your country. Use the vocabulary below.
   

close/broad/versatile/many-sided, multisided/ fruitful/comprehensive ~

extension of all-round ~

to cooperate

in the field (sphere, branch, area) of economy

preliminary/long-term/short-term/unilateral/multilateral/intergovernmental ~

to reach an ~; to come to an ~; to conclude an ~; to ratify an ~; to cancel
an ~; to sign an ~; under an ~

ties

to maintain vast ~

to build/to strengthen/to break up/to resume ~; to maintain long-standing/ interstate/good-neighbourly/vast ~ ; to break up ~ ; to resume ~; to establish diplomatic ~

~ most favoured nation status

to seek ~

mutually ~ terms

international ~; relaxation of ~

to apply ~/to impose ~ on

to drop, lift, remove, suspend, ease, abandon ~

to make a ~