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.

Image of a room of people listening to a speaker. Explore careers outside academia for STEM PGRs & ECRs
23rd June 9:45am - 3pm
Lloyd Suite, Edgbaston Park Hotel
Hear a variety of presentations from guests in different industries, take part in direct discussions with speakers, meet fellow researchers, and enjoy lunch at this session for Postgraduate Researchers and Early Career Researchers in STEM fields.
Three people looking at a PC screen Researcher visibility essentials: ORCID and Pure
23rd June 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.
A student in conversation with someone out of view Introduction to presentation skills
25th June 2pm - 4pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
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.
A grassy wetland Ancient Wetland, Modern Wasteland
30th June 9:30am - 4pm
Arts Building
This workshop links research perspectives with the practical challenges of biodiversity conservation, flood risk mitigation and climate change, together academics with those working in industry and wetland management.
The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
10th July 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.
a student working on a tablet in a coffee shop Postgraduate Researcher Writing Summer School
14th July 9:30am - 16th July 4:30pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
The annual Postgraduate Researcher Writing Summer School is back for 2026, and we are in person exploring writing for your thesis and writing for publication. Network, practice your writing, and build your confidence. Enrol now!
A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
16th July 2pm - 4pm
Room 112, Muirhead Tower
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.
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
17th July 11am - noon
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.
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.
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
12th August 3pm - 4pm
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.
The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
14th August 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.
A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
10th September 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.
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.
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