The Graduate School website and Brightspace
Below is a summary of the information available for PGRs via the Graduate School website and Brightspace
Resources to support PGRs in all Schools can be found on Brightspace within the Researcher Environment module, which combined with the Gradaute School website contains:
- Online training modules, videos, slides and resources
- Career development resources
- Postgraduate Researcher Environment Development Fund (PREDF) guidelines and application form
- SkillsForge 'how to' guides for PGRs and supervisors
- Information about academic English support
- Information about formal policies and regulations
- Information about progress, assessment and thesis examination
- Information about referencing and avoiding plagiarism
- Information about research ethics
The Graduate School website has been designed with PGRs as the main audience. However research degree supervisors will also find this website useful. Topics inlcude:
- Support for current PGRs
- Key contacts and quick links
- Development opportunities for PGRs (inlcudes how to gain teaching experience, funding resources, research tools and more)
- Events and competitions
- PGR Programme Guidance (includes guidance from Registry regarding degree timelines, progression, submission, examination and more)
- Information for international PGRs
- PGR represeantation
- Jargon Buster (a glossary with terms and acronyms that PGRs may come across, including links)
- Information on how to apply for a research degree
- The role of the Graduate School
- Supervisor support (this section)
- Alumni and graduation
Particularly relevant support is listed below:
Access to the PGR Teaching Framework and other relevant policies.
The Students’ Union exists to make life better for all students, including PGRs. The SU have an advice centre and also offer opportunities to join and set-up societies and clubs, become involved in volunteering and to go on trips. The Student's Union also provides another pathway through which PGRs can raise concerns or suggest new ideas.
The Wellbeing team run various groups such as Pause for Being, Mindful Meditation, Exam Stress, Reclaiming Your Life, Bereavement Support Group, Eating Disorders Support Group, Mind Your Head Support Group, Time to be Heard Support Group, and Trans and Gender Support Group. Wellbeing also offer a drop-in Monday-Friday at 11:00. Individual appointments can also be booked by emailing studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk
Other support such as:
Et Al – A PGR led group supported by the SU. This group focuses on self-defined 'non-tradiational' students. Past events include a family friendly Easter fun day. For more information please email et.al@hud.ac.uk or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hud.Etal/
Wellbeing and Disability Services Workshops and One-to-One Appointments
PGRs can make same-day or advanced one-to-one appointments by visiting iPoint on floor 4 of Student Central, by contacting the Wellbeing and Disability Team or by emailing ipoint@hud.ac.uk. Some Wellbeing workshops, such as Overcoming Perfectionsism and Procrastination are advertised on SkillsForge including details on how to book and are also advertised in the PGR newsletter that is emailed to all PGRs on a fortnightly basis.
The University Policy on Support for Pregnant Students and New Parents can be accessed by visitng the Policies an Procedures webpage, scrolling down to the Student Policies and Regulations page, clicking on the box and selecting the appropriate document.
Researcher Environment Drop-ins (REDIs) with a member of the Researcher Environment Team are to confidentially discuss any research-related issues from academic writing to research methods to issues affecting wellbeing etc. We also signpost to other internal and external resources. REDIs usually take place in SB10/19 from 12:00-13:00 every Wednesday and are for both PGRs and academic staff. There is no need to book but to confirm the date and time please email pgrskills@hud.ac.uk.
Student Finance can help with queries to do with:
- Information and guidance regarding possible sources of funding for courses.
- Budgeting advice to discuss a variety of options and strategies in order to manage on a budget.
- Facilities for the billing and payment.
- Debt advice via personal and confidential sessions is available from trained staff along with mediation and resolution.
The Careers and Employability Service provides help for all students (including PGRS). This includes face-to-face appointments with a careers advisor, e-guidance when off-campus, and downloadable resources. There is also a regular Careers Drop-in specifically for PGRs. Look for communications regarding upcoming dates, times and venues.
The Enterprise Team hold a regular workshop series including topics such as Business Basics, Networking Skills, Presentation Skills, Customer Service, and Intellectual Property.
Academic Skills tutors are available in each School to assist with particular study skills. There are also Personal Tutors within each School specifically to help PGRs.
Financial support for PGRs to set up and run activities which enhance the PGR community is available in the form of the Postgraduate Researcher Environment Development Fund (PREDF). Details and the application form are available on the Graduate School website.
