TNA – Training Needs Analysis

What is the TNA?

The purpose of the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is to help you, in consultation with your supervisor, to identify the training you need to complete your doctoral research and become a successful researcher. The TNA also provides an opportunity for students and supervisors to identify gaps in the training provision.

It is an ESRC requirement that all doctoral students complete the TNA regularly, which means once a year.

When do I need to complete the TNA?

LISS DTP will contact you at the start of each academic year (i.e., in early October each year) to share the latest TNA form (Word-based) and information on the completion deadline.

You can find a sample of the TNA form in the Training Resources and Supervisor sections of our website.

Completing the TNA is the shared responsibility of the student and their supervisors. It must be done within one month of your start date and then at least once annually within a month of each anniversary of your start date.

Please ensure that all action points are followed up, as the LISS DTP team will monitor submissions.

 

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Why do I need to complete the TNA?

The TNA is a compulsory annual task for all LISS DTP PhD (+3) students and is a condition of receiving ESRC Studentship funding. As such, to access Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG), as well as other sources of funding from the LISS DTP, this form must be completed on an annual basis and returned to the LISS DTP. Failure to do so will result in your application for additional research funds being declined.

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t complete the TNA?

If you don’t complete the TNA satisfactorily, you will not be able to access funds such as the RTSG, SLAF, OIV and OSFW. If you are unable to complete the TNA on time, please contact your supervisors and the Deputy Director for Training and Cohort Development, Prof Lasse Thomassen.

I am part-time. When should I complete the TNA?
You must complete the TNA every year of full-time equivalent study, that is, your first, third and fifth year. You are welcome to make further updates to your TNA at any point during your PhD.

While it is not compulsory to complete the TNA every calendar year, we encourage you to do so as your research and your development progress.

I did not start my PhD in October. When should I complete the TNA?
All LISS1 students (full-time and part-time) who are in their second year or beyond will be asked to complete the TNA in October each year, regardless of their PhD start date.
I have had a break in my PhD. How does that affect the TNA?
You should take any breaks into consideration when planning when to complete the TNA. If, for instance, you have taken a six-month break, this would postpone your next TNA completion date. You are encouraged to consult with your supervisors about this and, if necessary, with the Deputy Director for Training and Cohort Development.
I am on leave/suspension when the TNA is due. What should I do?
Students on leave/suspension should not complete their TNA while they are on leave/suspension. You should complete it within two months of returning from leave/suspension. If the leave/suspension leaves only a short gap (less than three months) until the next general TNA deadline (usually in November/December), you can wait until the general TNA deadline.
How much should I write in response to each question?
We encourage you to be concise in your answers. In general, a paragraph should be enough, and bullet points are encouraged.
SkillsForge has a record of courses I booked/attended. Do I still need to list them in the TNA form?

We encourage students to keep their own record of training using the TNA form. This also allows you to list any training and development events not listed on SkillsForge that they attended.

What happens to the data that I provide in the TNA?
The information provided via the TNA is used to assess the training needs of LISS DTP-funded students, and the ways in which those training needs are being met. The information from the submitted forms will be shared with the Deputy Director for Training and Cohort Development.
What can I do if my question isn't answered here?
Please contact the LISS DTP Assistant Manager – Training, Shijia Yu at shijia.yu@kcl.ac.uk for any LISS DTP Training Programme and TNA-related queries.

Please contact the Deputy Director for Training and Cohort Development, Prof Lasse Thomassen at lasse.thomassen@kcl.ac.uk for other training-related queries.