Sharpen Your Research Edge: Enhancing Research & Professional Practice
Why Attend? Key Benefits
This programme is designed to provide tangible benefits for your doctoral studies and future career:
- Master Advanced Research Methods: Gain practical experience with diverse methodologies, including creative approaches, practitioner inquiry, quantitative rigour, and qualitative synthesis relevant to education research.
- Boost Your Publication Success: Develop effective strategies for writing, submitting, and revising academic papers, navigate reviewer feedback, and explore alternative publication avenues like podcasts and public scholarship.
- Navigate Your Doctorate & Beyond: Enhance your understanding of ‘doctorateness’, prepare effectively for your viva examination, and gain valuable insights into building an academic career.
- Learn from International Experts: Benefit from the combined expertise, diverse perspectives, and dedicated mentorship of leading academics from XJTLU (China) and the University of St Andrews (UK).
- Build Your Network: Connect and collaborate with fellow doctoral researchers from different institutional backgrounds, fostering a supportive community of practice.
Who Should Apply?
This training course is ideal for:
- Current doctoral students (PhD, DProf TESOL, EdD) in language teaching, applied linguistics, education, or related fields.
- Prospective doctoral students preparing to begin their studies.
- Early-career researchers seeking to enhance their methodological and professional skills.
Programme Content & Schedule Highlights
Engage in a rich programme covering key aspects of the doctoral process through interactive workshops, seminars, mentoring opportunities, and peer collaboration.
- Key Themes: Research Design & Ethics, Advanced Methodologies (Qualitative, Quantitative, Creative, Practitioner), Academic Writing & Publication Strategies, Data Analysis & Communication, Professional Development & Career Planning.
- Session Highlights: Explore topics such as “Creative Research Methods,” “Turning Practice into Research Questions,” “Harnessing AI for Instrument Design,” “Systematic Reviews,” “Writing for Practice,” “Getting Your First Job in Academia,” and “Preparing for Your Viva.”
- Interactive Learning: Participate in practical workshops, receive feedback on your work (CVs, articles), engage in peer review sessions, and benefit from dedicated mentoring and consultation slots.
Meet the Instructors
Learn from a dedicated team of experienced researchers and educators from two world-renowned universities:
- Dr Trevor Mahy (XJTLU): Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship at the School of Languages, XJTLU. Dr. Mahy focuses on supporting and developing research capacity and fostering scholarly activities within the School.
- Dr Hua Li (XJTLU): Academic Lead for PGR Support in the English Language Centre (ELC) at XJTLU. With over ten years of experience teaching English in the USA and China, her research interests include quantitative analysis and measurement in language education.
- Dr Mark Carver (University of St Andrews): DProf TESOL Programme Director at the International Education Institute, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on teacher professional learning, feedback, assessment design, teacher education, creative qualitative research methods, and mixed methods research.
- Dr Paula Villegas Verdu (University of St Andrews): Associate Lecturer at the International Education Institute, University of St Andrews. Her research interests include Flipped Learning, motivation in EAP, Academic Literacies, Higher Education pedagogies, and practitioner research.
Location, Dates & Logistics
- Dates: Monday 12 January – Friday 16 January 2026
- Location: IA Building, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), South Campus, Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), Suzhou, China. Experience the dynamic educational hub of Suzhou, known for its blend of culture and innovation.
- Accommodation & Travel: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering costs associated with their travel to/from Suzhou, accommodation, visas (if required), and daily living expenses. Suggestions for nearby accommodation, including the XJTLU Conference Centre, can be provided.
- Optional Activities: Opportunities for optional, self-funded cultural excursions (e.g. Master of the Nets Garden, Tong Li Water Town) will be available.
Fees & Application
The details of programme fee and application link will be updated later. Please check back for updates. Thank you.
- Certificate: Participants successfully completing the programme will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.
Contact Information
- For inquiries, please contact: Jie.Han@xjtlu.edu.cn
Partner Institutions
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- University of St Andrews
Sharpen Your Research Edge: Enhancing Research & Professional Practice
Suzhou, China | 12-16 January 2026
A unique collaboration between Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and the University of St Andrews
Elevate Your Doctoral Research
Join us in Suzhou for an intensive, one-week training course designed specifically for current and aspiring doctoral researchers in language teaching, applied linguistics, and education. Hosted by the XJTLU Graduate School (XGS) in collaboration with the University of St Andrews, this programme offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your research skills, engage with cutting-edge topics, and connect with international experts and peers. Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment focused on practical skills, critical thinking, and successfully navigating your doctoral journey and beyond.