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.

Two students speak to a staff member at an information stand January Welcome Fair
14th January 1pm - 5pm
On campus
New students joining in January are invited to meet the teams and departments here to support you as you start your studies with us! Drop-in throughout the afternoon, no booking required.
Welcome | Postgraduate Research
A student in an audience smiles January Welcome Address
14th January 2pm - 3pm
Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building
We're delighted to welcome our January cohorts to campus! Join Jon Elsmore, Director of Student Affairs, and his guest speakers for your formal Welcome to the university, with lots of useful information and an interactive Q&A.
Welcome | Postgraduate Research
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
14th January 4pm - 5pm
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 student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
20th January 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
A student wearing headphones stands at a PC in the library Reading and note-making
21st January 3:30pm - 5pm
Online
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 working on a laptop AI for academic writing for PGRs
23rd January 10am - noon
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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