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You spoke. We listened. We're improving the PGR experience.
Over the last two years, postgraduate researchers (PGRs) have told us that they want:
- a stronger sense of community
- more opportunities to connect with fellow researchers
- clearer expectations
- more consistent support
- development opportunities that are easier to find and access
- a less bureaucratic and more developmental approach to progress reviews
In response, we are introducing a range of improvements to the PGR journey from 2026/27 onwards. These changes have been informed by PRES feedback, consultation events, and ongoing conversations across the University.
We'll keep listening.
Alongside these improvements, we are introducing new approaches to gathering and responding to PGR feedback.
Our aim is not simply to make changes now, but to ensure that PGR voices continue to shape the future of research culture and the postgraduate research experience.
You said, we did
See how your feedback is driving real changes across the postgraduate research journey.
PGR feedback
Many PGRs told us they felt wanted more opportunities to connect across faculties and disciplines. Concerns about community, belonging and culture were highlighted in PRES and consultation activities.
What we're doing
- New cohort-based inductions for new PGRs
- Cohort-based APR events
- More opportunities to meet researchers from other disciplines
- Regular researcher development activities
Benefit
You become part of a visible research community from day one.
PGR feedback
Training opportunities could feel fragmented and difficult to navigate.
What we're doing
Introducing a University-wide Doctoral Development Framework.
This includes:
- essential doctoral skills
- research methods training
- academic writing support
- researcher effectiveness workshops
- career and employability development
alongside digital badges that recognise achievement.
PGRs can access training from the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme on Canvas. (If you don't have access, please get in touch with the Skills for Learning team)
Benefit
One clear development framework that supports every stage of your doctorate.
PGR feedback
Students described APRs as:
- overly bureaucratic
- anxiety-inducing
- inconsistent
while also recognising their importance for monitoring progress.
What we're doing
A new cohort-based APR model featuring:
- cross-university community events
- peer learning
- clearer expectations
- reduced paperwork
- streamlined digital systems
while maintaining individual progression decisions.
Benefit
APR becomes an opportunity to showcase research, receive constructive feedback and connect with peers.
Find details on the new approach to APRs and FAQs
The APR Guide and FAQs document explains what the new format involves and answers some common questions.
What you told us
PGRs want to know that their feedback leads to action and that they have meaningful opportunities to influence their experience.
What we're doing
We have introduced new ways for PGRs to share their experiences, ideas and concerns throughout the year.
Alongside existing mechanisms such as PRES and representation structures, we are introducing new opportunities for engagement and feedback, such as:
- Students' Union feedback form
- Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) spring 2027
- Conversations with your Research Supervisors, Research Centre, Research Degree Student Services
- Annual Progress Review Forms (via Canvas) and assessor discussions
- Open forums and Q&As (look out for invitations via Canvas)
Why it matters
We want to move beyond periodic consultation to an ongoing conversation with our PGR community.
The goal is simple:
Listen. Respond. Improve. Repeat.
Got a question? Just ASK
The Research Degree Student Services (RDSS) team is here to guide you through every stage of your research journey, from admission to graduation. If you have a query, you can log a help call in e:Vision and review the Frequently Asked Questions for instant support.