PhD Masterclasses

Details of up and coming masterclasses

What are the ‘Masterclasses’? 

For many years, IALS has run a very collegiate series of lunchtime seminars to support PhD students – both within IALS and outwith. These Masterclass sessions provide an opportunity for PGR students (and early career researchers (ECRs)) to discuss their research, methodologies, challenges, aspirations, and more with fellow students and academics. Discussion is usually informal and roundtable.

Why have them? 

The rationale for these Masterclass seminars is to offer support, advice and guidance for PGR students. We know that PGR research can sometimes be an isolating experience. But you are not alone. The challenges that you are facing now are ones that others have previously faced in the past (indeed some of your fellow students might be experiencing the same challenges right now). We hope that these Masterclasses will help to alleviate some of the isolation or to overcome challenges that you are facing, and to reinforce the sense of community and camaraderie amongst PGR students and academics. 

Even hearing that others are having, or have had, the same difficulties can diminish those problems in our own minds. We can also hear about how others have overcome challenges or problems that they faced in the past, which might prove useful for our own situation. 

Please do let us know if there are any specific topics that you would like to see covered in future Masterclass sessions. 

When and Where?

The Masterclasses are usually held (approximately) once per month, during term time, in IALS. A full list of sessions will be advertised here.

Masterclasses are generally held during the day.

Who can attend?

Masterclasses are open to all, but we ask that you please register online in advance for any session that you plan to attend.

These sessions are not restricted to IALS; indeed, we encourage colleagues from other institutions to attend also.

Recent Masterclasses have included participants from IALS, other London institutions (law schools and other schools). These sessions are deliberately designed to be of relevance to PGRs/ECRs from a variety of disciplines, not just law.