Welcome Week

During Welcome Week, Monday 25 September - Sunday 1 October for the academic year 2023/24, the University will run a varied programme of online events and activities in partnership with the Students’ Union. The emphasis is on helping you settle in, make friends and adapt to life at Warwick. The Department will also run virtual induction meetings and events, and many other sessions are running across the university to help you get familiar with what Warwick has to offer. You can build your own Welcome Week timetable here: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcome/welcomeweek/timetableguide/Link opens in a new window

University Enrolment information and Induction activities – information can be found at: https://warwick.ac.uk/students/welcomeLink opens in a new window

Students’ Union: please see information about facilities and events: https://www.warwicksu.com/Link opens in a new window

Departmental induction event

New PhD students are invited to attend the Induction (Welcome) event in the department, hosted by the Director of Graduate Studies, on Tuesday 26 September 2023, 12:00-15:00pm in S0.20 (Social Sciences, Ground floor). This is a chance to meet the Director of Graduate Studies, who will talk through some of the basics of settling into the Department and also provide an opportunity to meet other incoming postgraduate students.

CADRE induction events

The Doctoral College Welcome Resources pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window has tons of useful information for you about starting your PhD journey. These include:

PGR Welcome Walk . Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowPlease select the Thursday, 28 September 14:00-15:00 to avoid conflicting with the mandatory PG induction session.

PGR meet and greet - Online event- Meet and greet other new PGRs that have recently started, informal opportunity to meet online.

• Wednesday 27th September 2023 10:00
• Wednesday 27th September 2023 18:00

Research Development OnlineLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

10 things I wished I’d known at the start of my PhD- get some great tips and avoid their mistakes. Meet current and just qualified PhDs; meet current researchers and facilitators. Book on a session on SkillsForge

• Wednesday 27th September 2023 14:00- Microsoft Teams
• Thursday 28th September 2023 11:00- Microsoft Teams
• Fri 29th September 2023 11:00- Microsoft Teams

PGR Welcome EventLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Wednesday 22nd November 2023 from 15:00 at The Chancellor’s suite, Rootes Building. Opportunity for new Postgraduate Researchers a chance to meet other new researchers, find out about opportunities available to researcher outside your department.

For further information, please contact the CADRE Team at CADRE@warwick.ac.uk or visit https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/cadre/current_students/artspgrevents/.

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Postgraduate Student Staff Liaison Committee (PGSSLC)

The PGSSLC is organised and chaired by students, but academic staff are members of the committee. The student Chair and Secretary are always invited to the Teaching and Learning Committee (TALC), and PGSSLC feedback on issues discussed is provided to the Departmental Meeting as part of the TALC report. This ensures that all the academic staff members are aware of any concerns and can discuss ways of addressing these. At the end of the year, the department’s PGSSLC writes an annual report which is sent to the Teaching Quality department of the University where it is considered alongside all the other reports, so that the University as a whole is informed of the issues that concern our students.

The PGSSLC will not discuss personal problems nor complaints about individual members of staff.

Your PGSSLC representatives will tell you much more about the SSLC. There is a PGSSLC webpage here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/postgraduate/pgsslc_committeeLink opens in a new window

The Students’ Union SSLC page is at: https://www.warwicksu.com/sslc/Link opens in a new window

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Personal Tutors and Senior Tutor

All PhD students are assigned a personal tutor on arrival. This is a member of the Department, who offers personal support and guidance, if required, during your period of study. On arrival, please contact your personal tutor, either by email or in person during their Office Hours, to introduce yourself, and arrange to meet them in term 1. After that, the nature of the contact is largely voluntary, but it is reasonable to expect your personal tutor to be available for consultation on any matter relating to personal circumstances or general academic progress.

Personal Tutors are academic members of staff based in departments, assigned to each student on arrival at Warwick. They provide academic advice to personal tutees on their studies and personal development including feedback on academic progress and transition into university life. They also offer help and advice on other issues that impact students’ ability to study which may involve signposting students to Wellbeing Support Services for professional assistance.

Personal tutors are the first point of contact for help with concerns about academic progress, study problems, enquiries about course changes, general concerns about university life, and financial issues. All departments have one or more Senior Tutors with whom students can also discuss issues. On occasion your personal tutor may refer you to the Senior Tutor.

Your personal tutor is a member of academic staff who is your first port of call for any academic and non-academic issues you experience during your degree. Your personal tutor can give you advice on applying for mitigating circumstances or reasonable adjustments to support your studies (including special exam arrangements). Your personal tutor will often, though not always change from year to year, and sometimes within the year (if your personal tutor has a term of research leave, for example). You can check who your personal tutor is on your TABULA profile. You are also encouraged to keep in contact with your personal tutor regularly, especially, but not only, if you have a specific issue that may need negotiation with the department. Your personal tutor may be consulted by administrative and academic staff on a number of matters regarding your progress.

The University Dean of Students works closely with Faculty Senior Tutors to help students in times of need by promoting the academic support of students, individually and collectively. The Dean of Students and Faculty Senior Tutors are experienced members of academic staff whom students can turn to in confidence for support regarding difficulties with their studies, which they have been unable to resolve with departmental Personal and Senior Tutors.

The University Dean of Students has overall responsibility for the personal tutor system, but no disciplinary function. Issues typically dealt with by the Dean of Students’ Office include: academic course issues unresolved at the departmental level; advice on temporary withdrawal; appeals against academic decisions; academic complaints; ongoing difficulties with a personal tutor, course tutors or supervisors; and problems with termination of registration proceedings.

The Dean of Students can be contacted on DeanofStudents@warwick.ac.uk or telephone the Offices on 024 765 22761.

Director of Graduate Studies

You are always welcome to contact the Director of Graduate Studies about any questions/difficulties/ideas you may have during your time at Warwick.

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Research Students Conference/Summer School/Language Training Funding

Departmental support for conference expenses

The Department may offer limited financial help of up to £300 per annum to PhD students over the first four years, which can be used for attendance at summer schools and language training appropriate to your studies, as well as conference participation attending national and international conferences to present papers. An additional discretionary amount of up to £200 per annum may be available, with preference given to self-funded students and those without access to other sources of funding. Any unused funds cannot be carried over to the next financial year, so you can only use the funds for the current year. Part-time students are eligible for the £900, but they may wish to limit their spending accordingly per annum. Students are encouraged to investigate whether there is Humanities Research Fund, Humanities Research Centre, Connecting Cultures GRP, or other Faculty- and University-level funding available to support their needs in the first instance.

If you would like to attend a summer school, language training appropriate to your studies, or a conference which is central to your area of study, and your paper proposal has been accepted, please contact the English finance team at englishfinance@warwick.ac.uk to discuss. You will require the following documents to make a claim on Concur*:

• Original receipts
• Copy of the programme or acceptance letter, confirming the acceptance of your paper
• Queries can be directed to the finance team (englishfinance@warwick.ac.uk) or the Postgraduate Programmes Officer (PGREnglish@warwick.ac.uk)

*For your first claim, please complete and sign a FP16a PhD claim form and email with your documents to englishfinance@warwick.ac.uk. Subsequent claims will be made using Concur.

All claims must be made within 3 months of the expenditure being incurred.

Please note that the University financial year runs from 1st August to 31st July (not an academic year) – claims MUST therefore be submitted by mid-July for payment to be made before year end.

Information on how to use Concur can be found on the HR website.

If your FP16aPhD form is not completed correctly, it will be returned and your reimbursement will be delayed.

Decisions are normally made within 4 weeks. This allowance may also be used to support other relevant research activity such as the acquisition or improvement of a language essential to your research, or consultation of archives, at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies. Please note that these funds may not be used to cover travel insurance expenses.

Further information about insurance is available at: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/insurance

Humanities Research Fund

Another source of funding for conference expenses is the university’s Humanities Research Fund (HRF), which is administered by Research Support Services. The HRF will make a maximum contribution of £500 towards conference travel applications from Research/Doctoral students who will be giving a paper. Applicants must provide clear information regarding the conference, the benefits of attending and the paper itself (ideally including an abstract). You can download an application form from their website.

HRC Doctoral Fellowships

The Humanities Research Centre (HRC) runs a doctoral fellowship competition. Each fellow receives a research budget and funds to organise an interdisciplinary conference of their choice. It is open to full and part-time PhD students who have completed at least one but not more than two years of study. Applications are usually submitted in term 2. Consult their website or visit their office in the fourth floor extension of the Humanities building (H452). You should discuss your proposal with your supervisor before applying for this award and ensure that it will not disrupt your research.

Other sources of funding

There are a number of private funds which our students have successfully applied for in recent years, including:

- British Federation of Women Graduates Charitable Foundation

- Soros Foundation

- Wingate Foundation

- Newby Trust

- Charles Wallace Trust (for applicants resident in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

- Private funders

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Scholarships and Funding

This section includes information about University-wide scholarships and smaller one-off grants to cover research expenses.

Applications for the large fellowships and awards require the strong support of the Department, so you are asked to notify the Director of Graduate Studies and the Funding Officer early on of your intention to apply.

Scholarships

The University of Warwick runs a central scholarship competition for PhD students. The following postgraduate research scholarships are open to English and CLS students:

1. CHANCELLOR’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

2. WOLFSON POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

3. CADRE SCHOLARSHIPS

Click on the link for a complete list of available scholarships.

To Apply

Funding applications are submitted online following an application through Admissions for your course. Funding applications vary, so it is always best to go through the direct link for the scholarship on the Doctoral College website.

Directors of Graduate Studies in centres and departments are asked to provide written comments on applicants and to select a limited number for consideration by the University. Very strong departmental support is essential for applicants. It is therefore crucial to discuss your application with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Departmental PG Funding officer in advance of applying.

If you have questions about your application, please contact the Doctoral College and request to speak to the Postgraduate Scholarship Officer.

Funding for International Students

The University’s International Office provides details of a number of other sources of funding relevant to nationals of particular countries or in particular areas of study – these include Ireland (e.g. O’Reilly Foundation), Japan, US and Canada, and Korea, and several others.

Student Funding

The Academic Office Student Funding team are available throughout your studies if you want advice on funding your studies, hardship funds, managing your money or outreach resources. You can find their opening hours and contact information here: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/funding/contact/ 

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Facilities

Pigeon holes

Due to a lack of space, students are not assigned individual pigeon-holes. If you become a postgraduate tutor, your pigeon hole will be opposite FAB5.33.

Postgraduate Noticeboard

A postgraduate noticeboard has been set-up opposite FAB5.33. Here you can see notices specific for postgraduate students and put up calls for papers or anything that might be of interest for your postgraduate community.

Faculty of Arts Building Study Spaces

Student Hub (5th Floor)

This is a dedicated space for English and Comparative Literary Studies students to study. It is not intended as a quiet space, but we would ask that you are considerate of those around you. Some points to note about this space:

• Entry is by card access
• Only drinks are permitted to be consumed in this space, please do not bring food
• Face coverings must be worn at all times in line with University guidance (this also applies to all study spaces in the building)

Academic Clusters (5th Floor)

We have some quiet study spaces available in the three clusters with Power points and network access. At present they are on a first-come-first-served basis, but if demand increases, we may move to an online booking system in the future. You can gain access using your ID card. Again, face coverings must be worn at all times in these spaces.

PG Hub (Floor 2, Junction Building (card access, postgraduate-only))

PG Hub is a peer-led collaborative community space that brings together postgraduates from across Warwick.

At PG Hub you can:

Book meeting rooms for group-work and collaborative study, as well as find first-come-first-served study and meeting spaceAsk any questions you might have about your postgraduate life at WarwickAccess support for your dissertation through Dissertation StationFind mentorship to take you to the next levelGet actively involved in cultural events, which last year included Hallowe’en, the Burns Poetry Competition, Chinese New Year and a Nowruz CelebrationLocate support for your studies and future career plans through events and drop-insShare your postgraduate life through our competitions and social media

We recognise that postgraduate life is about more than just work. PG Hub exists to make your time at the University more productive and enjoyable, so we welcome your ideas on things you want to see as a Warwick postgraduate.

Currently open: Monday to Sunday, 9am-12pm (see website for up to date opening times)

Wolfson Research Exchange (Third floor extension (across the bridge), Main Library (card access, PhD-only))

Wolfson Research Exchange is a dedicated collaborative workspace for MPhils, PhDs, and academic staff. It supports dynamic networking for Warwick researchers, both within its physical home in the Library and online.

At Wolfson Research Exchange you can:

Find others in different departments who share your research interests

Share tips and experiences, including through the PhD Life Blog

Attend training to improve your research skills (including the Research Student Skills Programme run by Student Careers and Skills and staff-focused events of the Learning and Development Centre)

Book seminar rooms for your own interdisciplinary academic events, conferences and networks

Normal Opening: Please check the website for up to date opening times.

Learning Grid

The Learning Grid aims to provide students at the University with a facility that actively supports the development of study, transferable and professional skills. The Learning Grid offers computers, presentation rooms, opening hours of 24/7 and our Community Engagement Team to support you in getting the most out of the space. The Learning Grids are flexible and informal spaces for group and individual study that can be used by all members of the University.

ITS Facilities

When you enrol with the University you will be given information about registering with IT services. The Graduate Space contains IT facilities for the use of Arts postgraduates. H447 a teaching room/work area which is equipped with desks and workstations, this room is open access, and no code is required. There are also designated desks and workstations for postgraduate students in Millburn House, cell I5 on the map.

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Training

Arts Faculty Postgraduate Research and Professional Training Programme

CADRE (the Centre for Arts Doctoral Research Excellence) is the Faculty of Arts doctoral training hub. As a PhD student in the Faculty you have automatic access to all CADRE events and resources. Year 1 students are expected to take part in the four week Introduction to Arts Doctoral Research programme. Students who are further on in their studies may wish to attend the more advanced sessions on offer. In particular, attendance at the four week Transition from Arts Doctoral Research programme is recommended for students in their penultimate and final year of study.

Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme

Researcher Development is helping you get the best out of Warwick from your time here; and most importantly getting the best from yourself.

Whether it is getting the tools to do the job, understanding concepts of research practice, getting yourself organised, keeping yourself and life on track; or taking time to listen and understand other people's research, the Researcher Development Programme is designed by you, for you. We use a Dynamic Development model which puts you in charge of your own learning, supports your creativity and curiosity and works to your strengths and needs.

Most of the online sessions are 60-90 minutes and are coaching and development focused where we may share knowledge and help you find the answers for yourselves.

Importantly, the delivery team are all active researchers, lecturers or both; and skilled facilitators.

We do not run webinars or seminars. The sessions are interactive and you are fully in charge of your own learning & development. For more information please visit the Doctoral College's website here.

ITS Training

ITS offers a range of workshops, which are free and available to staff and students at Warwick.

Learning a language

Learning a language from scratch, or brushing up on one you’ve studied before, may be necessary for your research. If it is, it’s important that this need is identified early in your doctoral career, so that training can be arranged in plenty of time. Raise the matter with your supervisor at the first meeting, if appropriate. The university’s Language Centre offers intensive language instruction in most modern languages at all levels. Greek and Latin are also available. There is a cost, but you may apply to the Head of Department for partial or full reimbursement. Please bear in mind, though, that funds are limited.

Individual Assessment

At your first meeting with your supervisor, you should discuss any possible training needs. If you need specialist training not covered by any of the programmes mentioned below (for instance, advanced bibliographical training for work with manuscript sources), please discuss this with the Director of Graduate Studies. Students’ training needs are assessed on an on-going basis throughout the year and also at the end of each year, at the Annual Research Review meeting.

Departmental Training

Students who do not already hold a Warwick MA, or have not completed relevant research training as part of another UK MA, are strongly advised to take the Research Methods section of the Department’s MA Foundation Module. This training provides a variety of research skills training sessions, an introduction to bibliographical description, library searching skills, and other methodological aspects of English literature. Please contact Dr Rochelle Sibley at rochelle.sibley@warwick.ac.uk if you are interested.

Warwick Portfolio
The Warwick Portfolio is an online space, hosted on the Start.Warwick platform, which enables you to access and maintain records of your own development whilst at Warwick. In common with other tabs hosted on Start.Warwick, you can build your own Portfolio, for instance adding gadgets for the skills programmes that you access the most and customizing content based on your needs.

Whether you want to make the most of the Professional Researcher Development tool or find out more about what your faculty is offering through its own dedicated training programme, the Portfolio will act as a portal for you to find out more about skills and development at Warwick. The Portfolio isn’t a course, or training programme; it’s a way of accessing and recording all the opportunities available to you as a postgraduate researcher.

Personal Development Plan (PDP)

PDP encourages you to reflect on and communicate your ideas more efficiently by exploring, systematically, the process of thinking and its connection with your course and your future career plans. It involves being able to think through your work, reflect upon it, rework and review certain aspects of it; it means taking stock of your abilities, experiences, qualities and skills, to create a plan for further study, work and life decisions. Each student is expected to set up his or her own PDP and to maintain it on an on-going basis. Your PDP can be in electronic format or on paper.

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Applying for withdrawals and change of study locations

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