Improving formal research training: developments at NUIMaynooth, Ireland

As elsewhere, Irish universities are now actively rethinking the PhD degree and striving for improved student experiences and outcomes. We present here a student perspective on reform in the Irish system, using the case of the Department of Geography at the National University of Ireland Maynooth for illustration. Specifically we focus upon the introduction of compulsory and formal graduate education modules. We argue that formalised research training is worthwhile; however, we call attention to the importance of the student's autonomy and stress the importance of maintaining flexibility for the individual researcher. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.