How we’ll support you

We want our postgraduate researchers to thrive at 91ֱ��, and have a number of support services and resources available to help you make the most of your time with us.

Support and resources

Our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from:

Faculty and School level induction programmes;
a personal and professional development programme designed to support progression through key PGR milestones;
access to significant funding opportunities;
a vibrant research community and an active Postgraduate Association (UMPA);
dedicated end-to-end support, from recruitment to graduation, delivered through the Faculty Doctoral Academies;
strategic, University‑level oversight and enhancement of the PGR experience through the 91ֱ�� Doctoral College;
access to leading research facilities and specialist resources;
industry partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration;
a wide range of opportunities to showcase research, including our annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition;
opportunities to represent the PGR community at School, Faculty and University levels;
opportunities to engage in researcher-led initiatives that strengthen and support the wider PGR community.

As a research colleague you’ll benefit from:

School and Faculty-led induction programmes;
an annual  that brings researchers together to share practice, build networks and shape research culture;
access to mentoring schemes (such as the ) delivered by qualified mentors;
an annual performance and development review (PDR) to support career planning and progression;
an online  providing clear guidance on policies, opportunities and support;
opportunities to represent our research community at Faculty, School and University levels (for example, at the Research Strategy Group);
access to the Clubs and Societies Hub supporting community building and peer connection for early career researchers;
a comprehensive suite of training and support for , supporting progression into leadership roles;
access to the  – the University’s entrepreneurial hub supporting start-ups, innovation and enterprise development;
enhanced job security, with research staff on fixed-term contracts (FTCs) moving to a finite funded permanent contract (FFPC) after three years of continuous service;
access to tailored career development resources for disabled researchers and global majority research colleagues, promoting equity, inclusion and belonging.

Current researchers can find out more about development opportunities for researchers of all levels, including research fellows, PGR supervisors and Principle Investigators (PIs), by visiting the

Wellbeing offering

We invest up to £250,000 in our wellbeing services which include sports facilities, online mental health support and in-house counselling, occupational health and disability support services.

Counselling Service

The Counselling Service provides online and face-to-face support and training to cover a range of personal issues, which may affect researchers’ work or study.

Disability Advisory Support Service (DASS)

DASS supports a variety of different people with different disabilities across the University. Their service is confidential and can help with a variety of concerns, including assessing staff for aids and equipment; advising on reasonable adjustments; and helping with access or parking arrangements.

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