Being a Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) is about more than producing a thesis. Discover events and activities designed especially for you as a PGR, from developing your skills and building a community, to taking the next steps in your career. You can also find events for all students and events for the whole University community.

The University Doctoral School is here to support and enhance the postgraduate research experience at Birmingham, working with Colleges and teams across the University like Careers Network, Library Services, and Registry, to guide PGRs from induction to graduation.

Postgraduate Research (PGR) programmes include: PhD, PhD with integrated study, MPhil, MMus, MRes, MA by Research, MSc by Research, MLitt, EngD, DDS, MD, Higher doctorates and Professional doctorates.

A student on their phone in a social space Planning for success
17th February 2pm - 3:30pm
Online
Designed primarily for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) in the very early stages of their research programme (approximately during the first three months), this workshop covers research project management techniques.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Students in a lecture theatre Three Minute Thesis 2026: Presentation Workshop
18th February noon - 2pm
Arts Main Lecture Theatre
Getting ready for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition? Join our applicant workshop to learn how to craft a clear, compelling presentation that makes an impact.
University Doctoral School | PGR exclusive
Three students sit at a table in conversation Apply for UK jobs - CVs, cover letters, and forms
18th February 2pm - 3pm
Online
Want to make strong job applications in the UK? We'll show you how to write a clear CV, a strong cover letter, and complete online forms. We’ll focus on what UK employers expect and common mistakes. Suitable for international students.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research | Postgraduate Taught
Two students in a lecture theatre Global Connections Alumni Panel: establishing a career in the UK
18th February 2pm - 3:30pm
Lecture Theatre 2, Teaching and Learning Building
Are you an international student or postgraduate researcher considering a career in the UK? Be inspired by our interactive panel with UoB international alumni now working in the UK.
Arts & Law | Postgraduate Research
A student sits at a table with a laptop, chatting to a staff member Reviewing the literature
18th February 2pm - 4pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Understand the nature of a quality literature review and how to effectively synthesise the literature you have read in your thesis.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sat on a sofa working on a laptop, seen from above Data management plans for PGRs
19th February 10am - 11am
Online
All postgraduate researchers are required to have a Data Management Plan in place before completing their first annual review (GRS3). This workshop will help you to achieve this by covering the basics of research data management.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Two people look at a vase illuminated by a ring light Unearthing the past: using archives and special collections
19th February 10am - noon
Cadbury Research Library, Lower Ground Floor, Muirhead Tower
Get an introduction to archives and a practical guide to special collections departments. Explore how archives and special collections can be best used for your research. Go behind the scenes at the Cadbury Research Library.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student in conversation with someone out of view Introduction to presentation skills
20th February 10am - noon
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Are you a postgraduate researcher who wants to build your confidence in delivering presentations? This workshop covers the basics of a good presentation, including structure and visual aids. Get peer feedback on an informal presentation of your own.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student looks up at another student, whilst sat studying What is Citation Justice?
24th February 10am - 11am
Online
Explore the role of influence and power in who we cite, how bias in this area can occur and be addressed, and discover tools for finding literature that is more representative of the global majority.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student working on a laptop AI for academic writing for PGRs
24th February 2pm - 3:30pm
Online
Explore effective and appropriate use of generative AI tools in the context of academic writing and the University's regulations and guidelines for the assessment of research degree theses.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A group in discussion sat at a tall table Using AI tools in research: Personal reflections and round-table discussion
26th February 2pm - 4pm
Room 112, Alan Walters Building
Hear Teaching Fellow Dr Efstratios Palias reflect on the use of AI tools in research, a growing but largely unregulated area. Join in the round-table discussion after to share experiences.
PGR exclusive
A student smiles sitting at a desk Increasing your productivity
26th February 3:30pm - 5pm
Online
As postgraduate researchers (PGRs), we cannot change the number of hours in a day, but we can use them as effectively as possible. This workshop encourages you to understand your own working preferences to be as productive as possible.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student looking at a laptop screen and smiling Insight Into Research Careers
3rd March 3pm - 4:30pm
Online
A panel event to hear from speakers working in a range of research careers outside academia, including social research, research roles in non-profit organisations, and research roles within non-scientific sectors.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research
A person in a large brown cave Earth Heritage Network showcase
4th March 9am - 5pm
The Exchange, Centenary Square
Join our first annual research showcase bringing together speakers from across the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and key external partners.
PGR exclusive
Students sit around circular tables chatting Starting to write for PGRs
5th March 1pm - 2:30pm
Online
An introduction to the writing process, your knowledge of yourself as a writer, and strategies for planning and creating text, suitable for those at the beginning of their development as postgraduate research level academic writers.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student smiles whilst working on a laptop Writing clearly and concisely
6th March 9am - 10:30am
Online
Sharpen up your writing to communicate your research and ideas more effectively. This will be most useful for those who have already drafted some texts.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sat on a sofa working on a laptop, seen from above Data management plans for PGRs
10th March 10am - 11am
Online
All postgraduate researchers are required to have a Data Management Plan in place before completing their first annual review (GRS3). This workshop will help you to achieve this by covering the basics of research data management.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Vitae's Researcher Development Framework Development Needs Analysis
10th March 10am - noon
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
The Development Needs Analysis (GRS1) form is a requirement of research programmes. This highly practical workshop supports the process, including introducing you to Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Two students look at a phone showing a scientific diagram Introduction to AI tools for researchers
11th March 10am - 11am
Online
Develop an understanding of the opportunities and risks of using AI tools in the research process, explore how AI Tools might be used to augment research processes to create efficiencies, and critically evaluate potential ethical risks.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student wearing headphones stands at a PC in the library Reading and note-making
11th March 11am - 1pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
A huge quantity of reading is required for postgraduate research. This workshop helps you develop strategies to read effectively and efficiently, extracting the key information into your notes. Bring your own reading material to practise with!
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Image of a student smiling using a laptop PG Skills: AI in the Recruitment Process - A recruiter's perspective
11th March 3pm - 4:30pm
Nuffield G17
The second in our PG Skills series for 2025/26 will focus on how AI is impacting the recruitment landscape in the UK and top tips for you to use it with confidence.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research | Postgraduate Taught | PGR exclusive
A student speaks to a staff member at a stand in the Great Hall Making the most of conferences
12th March 11am - 12:30pm
Online
This workshop introduces practical tips for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) preparing to attend a conference, helping you get the maximum value from your conference, including getting the most out of networking opportunities.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
13th March 9:30am - 4:30pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student in conversation with someone out of view Introduction to presentation skills
13th March 11:30am - 1pm
Online
Are you a postgraduate researcher who wants to build your confidence in delivering presentations? This workshop covers the basics of a good presentation, including structure and visual aids. Get peer feedback on an informal presentation of your own.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a table with a laptop, chatting to a staff member Reviewing the literature
16th March 1pm - 2:30pm
Online
Understand the nature of a quality literature review and how to effectively synthesise the literature you have read in your thesis.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
17th March 10am - 11am
Online
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Two students look at a screen together in a lab Sustainable Research Computing workshop: make your research greener!
17th March 10am - noon
Muirhead Tower
Make your research greener! Join our workshop for researchers who rely on computing in their work to cut computing energy use and discover tools, training and communities. Book your place now.
Green Week | PGR exclusive
A staff member sits working at a laptop in a café space Literature searching: hints and tips for researchers
17th March 1pm - 3pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
This practical introduction to effective literature searching provides guidance on search strategy planning, the use of keywords and subject headings, and tips on managing search results.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
Three people look at a computer screen together Structuring your thesis
18th March 10am - noon
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Already have some draft texts but unsure how these might fit together in a logical thesis structure? This highly interactive workshop will cover common thesis structures and strategies for creating your own.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
18th March 2pm - 4pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
The exterior of The Exchange building Hearing voices and suicidality
20th March 9am - 4:45pm
Assembly Room, The Exchange, Centenary Square
A workshop for mental health researchers, healthcare practitioners, policy makers, and people with lived experience of mental healthcare, exploring AI psychosis and the relationship between hearing voices and suicidality from a range of perspectives.
PGR exclusive
A student working on a laptop at a picnic table Sustainable computing: understanding the energy impact of digital workflows
20th March 1pm - 2pm
Online
Have you ever considered the environmental cost of your everyday digital activities? In this webinar, we’ll explore the carbon footprint of computing – from routine tasks to intensive data processing - and discover small changes you can make.
Green Week | Postgraduate Research
Two people having a conversation Working effectively with your supervisor
23rd March 2pm - 3:30pm
Online
Understand what to expect from the supervisor-PGR relationship, how to get the most from your supervisory team, and the support available to complement your supervision.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
13th April 2pm - 3pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
17th April 9:30am - 4:30pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
6th May 10am - noon
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
The dome on the Aston Webb building seen through foliage UK and Ireland Health Ethics and Law Association Conference
17th June 9:30am - 5:30pm
Law building
Birmingham Law School is delighted to host the first Conference of the new UK and Ireland Health Ethics and Law Association, with themes including End of Life, Reproduction, Consent and Capacity, Mental Health. Registration is free for PGR students.
Arts & Law | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
16th July 2pm - 4pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
10th August 10am - noon
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
15th September 2pm - 4pm
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
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