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Our 'PhD Life' section provides information about all the activities and opportunities open to ¹û¶³´«Ã½ PGRs, including, our PGR Networks, guidance on teaching, and the university Library.

Our PGR Calendar is a repository of all events for PGRs.

It's important to make connections with other PGRs during your doctoral studies. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ boasts a range of networks open to PGRs from across the university.

PGR Networks

Together at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ offers an informal online community and in-person socials where students can come together to mix with others through simple activities, games, or conversations.

All Together at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ events are PGR friendly, and many are open family events.

Together at ¹û¶³´«Ã½

The are an independent organisation here to provide representation, support, and social activities to help you make the most of your time at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

Many societies are PGR friendly to enable you to continue - to start a new - hobby or interest.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Postgraduate Society is ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s only student-run society dedicated to postgrads and mature students. They run a variety of academic and social events during the days and evening, so there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Regular events include PG Tips and Research Refresh.

The Library has a dedicated PG team, running many activities and events including weekly networking sessions. Dedicated working spaces on campus for Researchers including the The Postgrad Hub, The Wolfson Research Exchange (or REx) and The Teaching Grid.

Research support - ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Library

Supporting you with skills training and professional development opportunities, Researcher Development Online offers a range of workshops for all stages of the PhD journey.

Researcher Development

The Postgraduate Certificate in Transferable Skills is an accredited qualification that helps you enhance your research effectiveness, develop career-ready skills, and maximise your potential.

Transferable Skills for PGRs

Academic Essentials brings together practical guidance, tools and support to help you study effectively at ¹û¶³´«Ã½. As a PGR, it’s a useful place to explore academic skills, good practice and core information that can support your research journey.

Academic Essentials

This interactive resource is designed to help you understand wellbeing literacy and develop awareness of how to recognise, manage and communicate your wellbeing needs throughout your research journey. Doctoral study can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding, so engaging with this course early can help you build healthy habits, reflect on what supports your wellbeing, and make informed use of the support available to you during your time at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

SSLC stands for Student-Staff Liaison Committee. There are SSLCs in each department in the University that feed into both the Students' Union and the University administration.

SSLCs are committees made up of elected student representatives and members of staff. They are student-led and provide an area for students and staff to discuss ideas and solve problems connected with teaching, learning and student support.

If you're interested in the work of the SSLC, or have an issue you would like to be discussed, you should speak with one of your Course Representatives. If you have questions about the running of the SSLC, you should speak with the SSLC Chair.

Find out more on the

The Festival of Postgraduate Research is an annual celebration of PGR research at ¹û¶³´«Ã½, offering opportunities to share your work, connect with other researchers, and take part in a wider programme of events and activities.

Festival of Postgraduate Research

The Doctoral College Reading List highlights books, chapters and articles published by current ¹û¶³´«Ã½ PGRs, showcasing the range, quality and impact of doctoral research across ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

PGR Reading List

Progression and Submission brings together key information on annual review, upgrade, thesis submission and examination, helping you understand the main milestones and formal requirements that shape your research degree.

Submission

Starting a doctoral journey is an exciting time, but we understand that it can also be challenging. Whether you’re experiencing a pastoral or welfare issue, ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s central student wellbeing services can provide a range of different support options. Find out more on their central webpages.

Resources and information on the transition support webpages can also help, not only in your first few weeks, but throughout your ¹û¶³´«Ã½ journey. Find out more here.

Similarly, check out to support through university.

Concerned about staying safe at university?

Visit the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Stay Safe Hub, where you can find out more about tips on avoiding online, telephone & accommodation scams, as well as how to look after your personal safety, both online and around campus.

The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Careers team are here to support you throughout your time at university, and after you graduate. They offer in-person and remote services, flexible to your needs and other commitments.

Find out more here.

The central Skills team helps ensure all ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students are ready for life after graduation - and equipped with the skills they need for a successful future.

They run programmes and interventions that give students opportunities and support for recognising, developing, reflecting on, and articulating their full range of skills.

To see the range of opportunities available, visit their central webpages here.

To check out Skillscast (their podcast about developing your skills while at University) ,click here.

Your relationship with your supervisor(s) is a key part of your doctoral experience. It works best when there is mutual respect, open communication and a shared understanding of expectations. As a PGR, you are expected to take an active role in your research and development, while your supervisor(s) should provide academic guidance, constructive feedback and supportive oversight throughout your degree.

PGR Supervision

Pastoral support is an important part of your department’s support for postgraduate researchers and is separate from your supervisor or supervisory team. Departments organise this in different ways, but all PGRs should have access to departmental pastoral support and should meet with their pastoral contact at least once each year. Engaging with this support is an important part of your development as a researcher, helping you reflect on your experience, raise any concerns outside the supervisory relationship, and contribute to a positive and professional research culture.

12_2021_pastoral_support_guidance_for_students.pdf

Doctoral study is not shaped only by your supervisor(s). Administrative staff, technical staff, professional services teams and the Doctoral College all play an important role in supporting your progress and helping you navigate life at ¹û¶³´«Ã½. Taking time to get to know the key people who support your department and the wider University can make it easier to access advice, complete tasks smoothly, and understand where to go for help. Building these professional relationships early is an important part of settling in as a PGR and contributing to a positive, connected research culture.

Getting involved in undergraduate research can be a rewarding way to develop as a researcher and mentor. Opportunities to co-supervise or support UG research can help you build skills in supervision, communication and academic support, while also giving you a new perspective on your own supervisory relationship. It is worth exploring opportunities in your department and across ¹û¶³´«Ã½, both for your own development and as a way of contributing to a positive research culture that values and supports research at every level.

Support Student Research