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 speaks to a staff member at a stand in the Great Hall Making the most of conferences
27th January 2pm - 4pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
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
A student on their phone in a social space Planning for success
29th January 2pm - 4pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
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
An academic presenting in a lecture theatre Researcher visibility essentials: ORCID and Pure
2nd February 10am - 11am
Online
Learn how to create an ORCID profile for yourself that is recognised in academia and grows in value as your career progresses. Link it to your University of Birmingham Research Portal webpage to increase your discoverability.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A student smiles whilst working on a laptop Writing clearly and concisely
2nd February 2pm - 4pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
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 at a laptop Three Minute Thesis 2026: Online Q&A and Drop-in
3rd February 2pm - 4pm
Online
Are you a doctoral researcher thinking about taking part in the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition? Join our informal online drop-in to learn more, get tips, and ask your questions.
University Doctoral School | PGR exclusive
Two people having a conversation Working effectively with your supervisor
4th February 10am - noon
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
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
Two people walk down stairs in conversation Navigating a career change
4th February 1pm - 2:30pm
Online
As a postgraduate, you may already have worked for a while in a particular sector and want to transition to another sector; you might be moving from academia into industry, or vice versa. This workshop will help you plan your next steps.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research | Postgraduate Taught
students with laptops being taught Software Carpentry - R
4th February 1pm - 5th February 4pm
Murray Learning Centre
This course is an introduction to programming in R for people with little or no previous programming experience. Built around the common scientific task of data analysis, it will teach you the basic concepts and tools in R and how to manage your data
PGR exclusive
Students sit around circular tables chatting Starting to write for PGRs
5th February 10am - noon
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
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
Vitae's Researcher Development Framework Development Needs Analysis
9th February 2pm - 3:30pm
Online
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 people look at a computer screen together Applying for jobs when you're changing career
10th February 1pm - 2:30pm
Online
In this interactive workshop for postgraduates, we will provide suggestions and examples of how you can articulate relevant skills when you’re moving from one career to another, even if you don’t consider your previous experience to be relevant.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research | Postgraduate Taught
Three students sit chatting in front of a poster display board Designing and presenting your poster at conferences
11th February 9am - 11am
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Learn how to maximise the opportunity to communicate your research in a highly visual way using a poster. Understand the nature of a poster session, how to create visual impact, and how to use PowerPoint in this context.
Libraries | PGR exclusive
A staff member sits working at a laptop in a café space Literature searching: hints and tips for researchers
11th February 10am - noon
Online
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
11th February 1pm - 2:30pm
Online
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 person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
12th February 10am - 11am
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
Two students look at a phone showing a scientific diagram Introduction to AI tools for researchers
12th February 2pm - 3pm
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
The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
13th February 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 group of students having a discussion Owning your career: Professional development, promotions and career management for the long-term
16th February 4pm - 5:30pm
Online
This workshop is for postgrads interested in how to continue developing in your career beyond your first or current role, including how to position yourself effectively for potential promotions and find development opportunities.
Careers Network | Postgraduate Research | Postgraduate Taught
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 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
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
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
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
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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