Program Overview

Accelerated Completion Program (ACP)

The Accelerated Completion Program (ACP) is an eight-week support program designed for final-stage PhD candidates who may be at risk of not completing their degree in a timely manner. The program acknowledges the complex nature of life as a PhD candidate and provides realistic strategies to help participants progress with their research.

Program Overview

In the eight-week Accelerated Completion Program, participants will:

• Create an individual completion plan to identify specific academic and/or personal barriers that are affecting progress
• Develop practical skills and long-term strategies to overcome barriers
• Make contact with others experiencing similar challenges and benefit from peer learning and support
• Attend a full day of workshops on skills needed for PhD completion, including:
  • Time- and self-management
  • Thesis writing
  • Working effectively with supervisors
  • Avoiding procrastination
• Meet with an ACP coach once a week during the program for ongoing support
• Attend a mid-point workshop to understand the process for submitting their PhD thesis, get further training, and stay on track
• Attend a final session at the end of the eight weeks to celebrate successes and make the most gains from the program going forward

Eligibility

To be eligible for the ACP, candidates will have normally completed at least 2.5 years (FTE) of candidature, and the program is most effective if they are in the last 6 months before they intend to submit their thesis.

Coaching

ACP accountability coaches will be GRS academic staff from a different discipline to the candidate's. Coaching sessions will focus on accountability, time management, motivation, and support, and will not include disciplinary advice pertaining to the research itself. Coaching sessions are generally conducted over Zoom.

Workshops

The ACP includes a series of workshops, with dates and times to be announced. These workshops will cover topics such as:

• Introduction to the program
• Making the most of the program
• Applying what has been learned

Application

To register interest in the ACP, candidates must download and complete an application form. The completed form should be emailed to the RED Team. The expression of interest for the program closes on a specified date, and candidates are encouraged to get in touch with the RED team if they have any questions.