Creative Thinking in Your DPhil: Finding Solutions to Common Problems
Date:
9 June 2026
Time:
2:00PM
Location:
Rewley House, Oxford, or Online
Event status:
Closed to registrations
Location:
Rewley House, Oxford, or Online
Dates:
9 June 2026
Format:
Hybrid (in person or online)
Level:
Postgraduate
Fees:
FREE
About the session
Discover how different types of thinking can foster innovation in a range of standard, academic tasks.
This session will introduce you to a variety of different tools for innovative thinking, to enable you to be more creative in your research The session is based on the premise that there is never any one, ‘right’ answer to a problem, just a series of options. But by approaching problems from a variety of different angles, we can usually make our ideas better. Through a series of exercises, we look at how divergent, lateral and convergent thinking can help researchers tackle common challenges such as how to deliver an engaging presentation, how to think through a literature review, and how to deal with problems of style or structure etc. The workshop is highly collaborative, involving brainstorming with others about common problems which arise across the research journey, whether you are just starting out or further along.Key learning outcomes
- Value the role of creativity in research
- Appreciate the different kinds of thinking required for creative endeavours
- Apply divergent, lateral and convergent thinking tools to address everyday problems encountered in research
Dr Sarah Frodsham, Co-Director of the Graduate School and the Chair of Ethics at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford.
Dr Alistair Beecher, Co-Director of the Graduate School and a part-time Departmental Lecturer at Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford.
Delia Lloyd is a communications consultant with a background in higher education and journalism. She offers one-to-one coaching and group workshops in writing, speaking and leadership for academic, commercial and non-profit clients. Dr. Lloyd is an Adjunct Professor of Writing at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and a Senior Visiting Fellow at the LSE’s School of Public Policy.
Essential readings
Matyas, Kathleen, 2022. Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking:Â How to Use Both to Think Smarter. Maestro blog, November 17: Convergent v Divergent Thinking
Further readings (Optional)
- Bain, Barnet. 2015. The Book of Doing and Being: Rediscovering Creativity in Love, Life and Work.
- Sword, Helen. 2012. Stylish Academic Writing.
Who can register for this event?
Oxford University postgraduate students only.
When and where
Tuesday 09 June 2026, 2-4pm UK time (14:00 – 16:00 BST).
This event can be attended in person or online.
If attending online, we recommend joining 5-10 minutes before the session starts. Joining instructions will be sent out in advance of the event via email.
If joining us in person at Rewley House:
Graduate School Room
Rewley House
1 Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JA
For details of parking and accessibility, please see the University’s access guide.
To book your place, please select the green ‘book now’ button.
You must register using your Oxford University email address.
As a graduate student at the University of Oxford you become a member of one of the most highly regarded educational and research institutions in the world. The Graduate School will help you make the most of the wealth of resources and opportunities available, drawing on our extensive experience in supporting graduate study. While aimed mainly at research students, many sessions are also open to taught postgraduate students. As well as training session sessions and events we also offer accredited short courses.
To find out more about the Graduate School, and the training available to Oxford University students, please see Graduate School training for Oxford University students.
Register your place
Please register using your Oxford University email address.
Sign up to stay informed
