Welcome new research students!
Welcome from me, Kate Arnold, Dean of York Graduate Research School, and congratulations on becoming a postgraduate research student.
This is the start of a transformational journey for you, as you develop your knowledge, skills and confidence as independent researchers. At the University of York, you have joined a thriving and vibrant community of over 2,000 postgraduate researchers. All our postgraduate researchers are automatically a part of the York Graduate Research School that connects students across all departments, centres and disciplines.
We’re delighted that you’ll be joining us - whether that’s face to face, remotely for a short time, or as a distance learner. Find out how we can support you as you settle into research life and our wonderful city. Here you’ll find information about the initiatives and support we’ve put in place to make your time with us productive, enjoyable and safe.
How we can support you
Karen Clegg, Head of the Research Excellence Training Team, outlines how we will support you with your research and your wellbeing. Regardless of your location, there will be skills training, a buddy and peer support, professional development and tailored careers advice.
Induction
Want a summary of the professional support available at York? The next York Graduate Research School induction event is on Tuesday 12 January 2021.
Learn what it is like to be a York researcher. Find out how the University will support you and discover opportunities you can take advantage of.
Handbook
The York Graduate Research School Handbook helps you understand how the University works, and provides guidance about what you need to know and how to get help from the right people and places.
York Graduate Research School Handbook 2020/21 (PDF
, 1,019kb)
What's it like to be a York researcher?
Hear from some of our existing research students and recent alumni to get a sense of what it’s like to be a York researcher.
Meet other researchers
PGR Buddy Scheme
The PGR Buddy Scheme helps you to connect to an existing research student.
Your buddy is matched to you and will help you settle into the York research experience, provide a friendly welcome and help you to get to know the University and the city of York. All our PGR Buddies are trained to be an ambassador for the University and for excellent research.
How to thrive and survive in your PhD
The How to thrive and survive in your PhD initiative is a peer-led forum organised by PhD students for PhD students. You’ll hear the experiences of current PhD and post-doctoral researchers who have dealt with the same challenges and are now passing their wisdom on. The sessions offer a safe, supportive space for you to network and meet other researchers, ask questions and discuss any issues about PhD research at York.
Get the most from your research experience
Academic progression
Your supervisor and Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP) will monitor your progress throughout your course. They will ensure you have access to the support you need to complete your research and meet any requirements along the way.
As well as progressing with your research project, there are a number of activities which you must complete in your first year:
- Being an Effective Researcher Tutorial (BERT)
An introduction to the tools and support available to you as you complete your research degree.- Research Integrity Tutorial
A comprehensive guide to research integrity: Citations, references and academic misconduct.- Information Security Awareness Training
This should take around an hour to complete and we recommend that you complete it in a single-sitting.- Professional Development Plan (PDP)
All first year postgraduate research students must complete a Professional Development Plan (PDP). Complete your Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to help develop your PDP, which can be reviewed as part of TAP and supervisory meetings.The Library & Archives, IT Services, the Writing and Language Skills Centre and the Maths Skills Centre are available to help you further develop your study skills:
- Digital guides
- Writing support
The Writing and Language Skills Centre offers one to one writing support for research students and run sessions as part of the RET programme advertised on Skills Forge- Maths support
The Maths Skills Centre offers online resources, workshops and one to one appointments.
Support and community
- Read the York Research Student Community blog and follow @rett_york on Twitter for the latest updates. The York Graduate Research School newsletter is sent to your York inbox.
- The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) provides independent advice and you can contact GSA officers confidentially.
- The PGR Liaison Officer works with research students on activities that support students' professional development and wellbeing.
Professional development & careers support
- Skills training: The Research Excellence Training Team provides training and professional development opportunities.
- Public engagement: Find out about 3MT, PhD Spotlight, Pint of Science, Falling Walls International.
- Teaching opportunities: Introduction to Learning and Teaching training and the York Learning and Teaching Award.
- Careers support: Book a one to one appointment with the Postgraduate Careers Advisor.