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.

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

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

Dr Joanna Bagniewska is a zoologist and a science communicator. As a Departmental Lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, she splits her time between directing the Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques and teaching at the Graduate School. 

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 run again each year since.

Each session is independent of each other and can be applied for separately, although a fee reduction is available for anyone applying for all five sessions. 

All sessions can be attended either in Oxford or online.

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

Digital Certification

Upon successful completion of this session, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford.

After the session, 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

Funding

There are no sources of funding (scholarships, bursaries, etc) available for applicants.

Payment

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

If you register for all 5 sessions a discount of 20% is available. To obtain this discount please apply for the discounted package.

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

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.

How to apply

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

Application deadline

Applications will close at 9am UK time on Monday 23 March 2026.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support