# Resources for research students

**Source**: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/resources
**Parent**: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team

Useful information, documents and links for research students.

### Academic posters

Please download our useful document, [hints and tips for creating an academic poster](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/e7e25be6-6ece-4f2d-bb06-b23923c08b48/Hints-and-tips-for-making-a-great-poster.pdf).

Professor Susan Brooks, Director of Researcher Development, also runs a training session on 'Creating an academic poster' which runs once a year in the run up to the Graduate College Research Student Exhibition. You can find further details on our [Graduate College Annual Research Student Exhibition page](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/graduate-college/events-and-networking/annual-exhibition).

### Ethics review process

For staff and research students (in this context, students registered for an MPhil/PhD, PhD, EdD, DCaM, or other professional doctorates), an application for research ethics review should be made on the UREC E2U form which has now been moved to [**Converis**](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/Sites/Research-support/Converis) and must be completed online.

View the [processes, forms and templates for PhDs and Professional Doctorate candidates](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/research-ethics-and-integrity/research-ethics/ethics-application-process-forms/forms-and-templates-for-phd-and-other-professional).

For further information regarding the Ethics Application Process, please email [ethics@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:ethics@brookes.ac.uk).

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### File encryption

File encryption is increasingly considered as a robust means of protecting sensitive and/or confidential documents whether or not they are to be shared. The below documents provide guidance on installing and using two University approved encryption tools for use on Windows and MacOs computers: 7-zip and Keka. Linux users can use the File Roller application (with p7zip-full installed) or try one of the 7-zip ports available on the 7-zip website.

The maximum file size for encryption is 16 Exabytes (EB), almost limitless for most purposes. There should be no geographical restrictions on downloading the software.

- [User guide to file encryption (Word version)](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/1a4847c6-2b4c-4f26-a805-89bdee5fe5aa/A-User-Guide-to-File-Encryption-v1-4.docx)
- [User Guide to file encryption (PDF version)](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/1c5134e3-aad6-40af-8217-71c4aad36164/A-User-Guide-to-File-Encryption-v1-4.pdf)

Further details can be found on a [user guide to file encryption](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/research-ethics-and-integrity/policies-procedures-and-useful-documents/urec-guidelines-useful-resources/a-user-guide-to-file-encryption).

### Guidelines for informed consent

Potential participants must be given sufficient information to allow them to decide whether or not they want to take part in a research study.

Where research involves face to face interviews, focus groups, direct observation or similar methods of data collection, participants should be given an information sheet (or leaflet) and asked to sign a consent form.

Both forms can be downloaded from the [guidelines for informed consent](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/research-ethics-and-integrity/policies-procedures-and-useful-documents/urec-guidelines-useful-resources/guidelines-for-informed-consent) page.

Where participants are asked to complete and return a questionnaire, the questionnaire should be accompanied by a participant information sheet but no consent form is needed as consent is implied by returning the questionnaire. Please note: This method of consent for questionnaires/surveys will change in May 2018 following the implementation of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR).

The information sheet, covering letter or leaflet should be printed on Oxford Brookes headed paper (where appropriate) with full contact details.

### Library services

Full details of all Library services for researchers can be found on their [Research webpage](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/resources-and-services/for-researchers).

You can also download the comprehensive guide to [Library services for researchers](https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/file/355b384c-1fbc-443f-b362-594e5f17ceaf/1/supporting_research.pdf "Library Services for Researchers").

#### Referencing

An essential element of your research activities will relate to successfully managing references to the sources, both primary and secondary, that you already have or will need to consult. Developing a systematic approach to this will save you time and heartache when you are writing up.

- [EndNote](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/library-services/endnote/ "EndNote"): reference management software for assisting with studying, research and creating bibliographies
- [Citation guides](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/library-services/information-skills/citing-references-in-your-work-and-plagiarism/ "Citing references in your work and plagiarism"): including British Standard and Harvard

EndNote, a type of reference management service, is an invaluable aid for researchers. It enables you to store and organise all your references, import references from electronic resources and create in-text citations and formatted bibliographies in your written work. For information about EndNote, including training details, see [Endnote](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/library-services/endnote/ "Endnote").

#### Using other libraries

You will be able to use, for reference purposes, the University of Oxford’s Bodleian and dependent libraries. For more information, see [Access to other libraries](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/library-services/borrowing/access-to-other-libraries/ "Access to other libraries").

The SCONUL Access scheme gives borrowing facilities to research students in many UK higher education libraries. For further details, see [SCONUL Access](https://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access "SCONUL Access").

#### Open Access publishing

The Library supports open access publishing by making research outputs, research data, open educational resources (OER) publicly available via the [Research Archive and Digital Asset Repository (RADAR)](https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/home.do "Research Archive and Digital Asset Repository (RADAR)"), the University’s Institutional Repository.

You can add your research publications using the CRIS (Current Research Information System). For more information, contact [openaccess@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:openaccess@brookes.ac.uk "openaccess@brookes.ac.uk")

### Proofreading guidelines

Details of the University's guidance on proofreading can be viewed and downloaded from:

- [E21 - Proofreading Guidance](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/b5d8391e-64c1-4418-80cf-ea6f4d6b390d/E21-GuidanceProofreading.pdf)

### Copyright guidelines

When you submit your thesis for examination, you will need to complete the [Candidate's Submission Form](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/797f9f52-c4ae-4493-90ae-1e0adf096d3b/Sub-Candidate-s-submission-form.docx) which must also be signed by your Director of Studies.

When you submit the final paper and electronic versions of your thesis, you will need to complete the [Candidate's Declaration Form](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/5751b1e3-bcc2-41a6-aad6-20e4ad68e20d/Candidate-s-declaration-form-for-final-submission.docx). This form gives details of options for dealing with copyright material in your thesis.

If you need to obtain permission for the use of third party copyright material in your thesis, you may use the following [letter template](https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/file/3c99776a-6266-45e1-8352-9a955bb802d9/1/copyright%20permission%20request%20template.doc) (Word).

Intellectual property is a key concern to researchers as the production of intellectual content is what defines their role as researchers. Oxford Brookes has an 'Intellectual property policy and regulations' document that can be accessed from the [policies and codes of practice webpage](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/policies-procedures-and-codes-of-practice) (requires an Oxford Brookes login).

### External resources

There are many resources created by external institutions to help you develop your research profile:

- [Vitae](https://www.vitae.ac.uk/ "Vitae"): a non-profit programme supporting the professional development of researchers
- [UKRI: UK Research and Innovation](https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/): support researchers and develop capability in research through a number of mechanisms
- [Office for Students](https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/skills-and-employment/ "Office for Students"): work with providers and employers to address skills gaps, and make graduates more employable

### Inclusive support

Inclusive Support and Mental Health Advice Services provide advice and support for all students (including Research Students) who have a disability and/or long-term health condition. This includes physical, sensory, and mental health conditions, as well as specific learning difficulties and developmental conditions. We are here to help you reach your full potential and make the most of your university experiences.    

We've created these pages especially for Research Students to highlight what that support might look like for you.

To find out how we can help you, please go to the [hub of advice and support](https://sites.google.com/brookes.ac.uk/researchstudents--copy/student-support-and-inclusive-support).

## More information

[Research student training](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/graduate-college/training)

[Research degree forms](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/forms)

[Research degree committees](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/sub-committees)

[Regulations](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/research-degrees-team/current-students/regulations)

[Graduation](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/graduation)

[Research Data Management](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/data-management)

[Useful Online Resources](https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/academic-development/online-resources)

## Contact Us

### Research Degrees Team

[rdt-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk](mailto:rdt-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk)

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