It is a national requirement for all research degree students studying in the UK to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP). PDP is defined by the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as “a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development” with the objectives of developing reflective, independent, self-directed learners. The emphasis is upon self-evaluation and decision-making, and the ability to review, plan and take responsibility for one’s own work.

• The RCA Research Student Progress Report (PDP 1) provides a template for the assessment of achievements since the last supervision tutorial and for the agreement of objectives relating to academic progress and skills development to be completed prior to the next review.
• It is mandatory that at least three PDP1 forms are completed in full and signed by all participants each academic year. Copies of the form are retained by the programme and the student.
• In order for the Academic Board for Concessions and Discipline to ratify each student’s pass at Interim Examination, and subsequent transfer into their next academic year, the Research Office must have received from the programme signed copies of at least three PDP1 reports  per year for each student.

In addition to the Supervision Tutorial Log, students are also required to complete an annual Training Needs Analysis (PDP2) at their first supervision of each academic year. This information is recorded on the TNA form (PDP2) and reviewed annually at the Interim Examination.