Over 80% of PGRs

feel they received an appropriate induction to their research degree, and understand the requirements and deadlines for monitoring their progress.

77%

feel they will complete their research degree on time, with only 2% saying they struggle to balance research with other commitments. 79% feel better prepared for their future career as a result of their research degree.

Actions being taken

Last year we held PGR Focus Groups to discuss what we can do to better help PGRs with the transition from PhD into academic and non-academic careers.

Summaries of these discussions are also available.

Over 90%

of Warwick PGRs are happy with their Supervisor’s subject knowledge, contact with them, and feedback. 77% are happy with Supervisor support for training and development. Warwick is above the Russell Group average for Supervision.

81% of PGRs

know who else to contact other than Supervisors when they need support, but only 61% are happy with mental health/wellbeing support at Warwick.

Actions being taken

The Doctoral College is reviewing supervision and pastoral support.

We have spoken with departments about pastoral support for PGRs and you should have received a short Guidance Sheet about this.

One of our PGR Focus Groups discussed questions of Supervision and Research Culture.

69%

of PGRs feel they have access to a good range of seminars in their research area, and 56% say the research community in their area influences their work. These results place Warwick in the 1st quartile overall.

58%

believe they have regular opportunities to discuss their research with other researchers and 56% are aware of opportunities to become involved in the university's wider research culture beyond their department.

Actions being taken

One of our PGR Focus Groups in Spring 2022 discussed Research Culture with current doctoral researchers to improve our awareness of what their understanding of this is.

89%

of respondents feel their ability to apply appropriate research methodologies, tools, and techniques has improved during their PhD. Similarly, 89% feel their critical analyis and evaluation skills have improved. 76% feel more empowered to be creative and innovate in their work.

78%

said their project management skills have improved during their PhD and that their ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences have improved. 78% say they manage their own professional development.

Actions being taken

In 2021-2022, we launched a Networking Fund to provide seed money to a variety of networks for PGRs, responding to a wide range of groups and interests, and the desire amongst PGRs to manage their own professional development. Current networks include: Superb-Vision, Network for Ethnic Minority Postgrads, and the Global South Initiative.

74%

of Warwick respondents have sufficient study space on campus, as do 73% when working remotely.

88%

are impressed with the access to online Library resources, and 76% with access to physical Library resources.

81%

have the required access to specialist research resources when on campus, as do 78% when working remotely.

88%

of respondents understand their responsibilities as a PGR, and 87% are aware of their supervisor's responsibilities towards them.

Only 63%

felt that Warwick is an institution which values PGR feedback, although this was still 3% above the overall average and 5% above the Russell Group average.

Actions being taken

Following on from the PRES2021 results, each department has produced an Annual Report including department-specific reflections on the results. We are conducting departmental visits to improve coherence between individual departments and the central university.

The PGR Focus Groups and PGR Networks are two examples of the Doctoral College attempting to increase its active engagement and liaison with PGRs.

74%

felt that communications from Warwick to PGRs about Covid-19 were clear. This was slightly lower than the overall average (78%) and the Russell Group average (77%).

Only 62%

felt they received sufficient support in relation to Covid-19, and 63% felt that the university has worked adequately to preserve the quality of their academic experience during the pandemic.

Actions being taken

In response to the disruption to research caused by Covid-19, we offered a Covid-19 Funded Extensions policy until January 2022. PGRs are also eligible for the PGR Hardship Fund.

We also moved to paperless submission for PhD theses to facilitate the completion of your studies, and you can now include a Covid-19 impact statement when you submit.

We moved our Researcher Development skills and development programme online.