Writing an Abstract



Overview

The ability to write a clear and effective research abstract is important in numerous academic contexts including proposing conference papers, applying for research grants, summarising articles and book chapters, and preparing your PhD/DPhil thesis.

This session will consider what makes a good abstract and how to go about writing one. Practical examples will be considered and there will be opportunities to write and share your own abstracts.

This session is aimed at external postgraduates who are applying for, or are currently enrolled on, a PhD programme.

Part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions.

Programme details

Key learning outcomes

  • Understand the purpose of abstracts and the importance of the audience.
  • Consider the contents and style of a good abstract.
  • Improve your confidence and ability to write your own abstracts.

Tutors

Sarah Frodsham is Co-Director of the Graduate School and Chair of Ethics at the Department of Continuing Education.

Alistair Beecher is Co-Director of the Graduate School and a history tutor at the Department for Continuing Education.

About our research skills training sessions

In 2024 we launched a trial series of research skills sessions open to postgraduate researchers external to the University and, due to the sucess of these, the sessions have been expanded for spring 2025.

Taking place in April 2025, each session is independent of each other and can be applied for separately, although a fee reduction of 20% is available for anyone applying for all five sessions (£300 instead of £375 if booked individually).

All sessions can be attended either in Oxford or online.

Other sessions on offer:

Digital Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Fees

Description Costs
Fee for this training session £75.00

Payment

Successful applicants will be emailed an invoice for the training session fee. 

Discount package

This session is part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions (£300 instead of £375 if all booked individually).

Application

This session is aimed at postgraduate students who are applying for or are currently enrolled on a PhD programme.

Applicants must submit a current CV which will allow the course tutors to assess your suitability for this training session.

To apply for this session, please select the green 'apply' button at the top of this page.

Discount package

This session is part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually, by selecting the green 'apply' button at the top of this page, or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions (£300 instead of £375 if all booked individually).

Learn more about the other individual sessions on offer as part of this series:

 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support