Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course provides an introduction to the peer review process, from manuscript submission through to editorial decision. You will explore different models of peer review, learn how to respond to reviewer feedback and revise manuscripts effectively, and gain an understanding of the skills, responsibilities, and ethical considerations involved in becoming a peer reviewer.  

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Effectively navigate the peer review process from submission to editorial decision 

    1. Identify different types of peer review, including their benefits, limitations, and risks 

    1. Avoid rejection by understanding the stages of review and how decisions are made throughout the process 

    1. Use feedback to improve manuscripts and make constructive revisions 

    1. Build resilience to rejection and develop strategies for future publication success 

    1. Prepare to take on the role of a peer reviewer by recognizing key responsibilities and ethical considerations 

    1. Conduct helpful, constructive, and professional peer reviews 

    From time to time, we will refer to SAGE’s own specific publishing practices so that we can give you the most specific and practical guidance possible. However, these processes will likely be applicable to other journal publishers. If in doubt, always check their guidelines.

    • Course Resources

      You will need to access certain files and resources throughout the course to get the most out of the activities. You can find them all here. 

    • Video Transcripts

      You can access all video transcripts here.

    • Pre-Course Self Assessment

      Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

      You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

      • Module One: What Is Peer Review?

        This module will help you to:

        1. Recognize the purpose and process of peer review, from submission to editorial decision
        2. Identify the types of peer review, including their benefits, limitations, and risks
        3. Evaluate how different peer review models impact the quality and integrity of research
        4. Prepare your manuscript to meet peer review expectations and avoid desk rejection

      • Module Two: Dealing With Feedback

        This module will help you to:

        1. Use feedback to improve your manuscript and make constructive revisions 
        2. Build resilience to rejection while constructing strategies to get your article accepted moving forward  

      • Module Three: Becoming a Peer Reviewer

        This module will help you to:

        1. Recognize the first steps of becoming a peer reviewer   
        2. Appreciate the importance of ethics in peer review    
        3. Identify the elements of a review that makes it helpful, professional and constructive 

      • Post-Course Self Assessment

        Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

        Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

        You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

        • Completion: Certificate

          Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

          If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

          • Give Feedback About This Course

            Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

          • Accessibility

            We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

            For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

            • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
            • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus.