New postgraduate researchers (PGRs)
We’re delighted that you’re joining us.
Welcome from the Dean
Welcome from me, Kate Arnold, Dean of York Graduate Research School, and congratulations on becoming a postgraduate researcher.
This is the start of a transformational journey for you, as you develop your knowledge, skills and confidence as independent researchers. You are joining a thriving and vibrant community of over 2,000 postgraduate researchers at York. The York Graduate Research School connects you, across disciplines and departments, to other researchers, experts, mentors and partners.
We look forward to supporting you - the first step is to register for our induction event. Read on to find out more about getting started.
Getting started
See our checklist of all the things you need to do when starting at York and book your place at our next YGRS induction event.
Progressing your research
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. See information about academic progression as a PGR.
Managing the formal aspects of your academic journey
PGR Administration (PGRA) provide administrative support for postgraduate researchers and associated staff across the University. Contact them with queries about formal progression, a change of plan, or managing your funding.
Your first year
In addition to your research, 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. - Expectations in Research Supervision Questionnaire
Designed to facilitate a discussion of expectations held by postgraduate researchers (PGR) and supervisors. It is recommended that the form be completed independently by the supervisor(s) and the PGR and that the responses be the topic of discussion at a supervision meeting. - 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.
Develop your research skills
- The Building Research and Innovation Capacity (BRIC) Team provides skill development and career opportunities through a programme of workshops and events.
- The Academic Skills Community helps you advance your academic, language, and interpersonal skills via online resources, workshops and one-to-one appointments.
- The Academic Liaison Librarian Team provides subject-specific resources and supports you in their use.
- Open Research helps you to make the process and outputs of your research as open and reusable as possible.
- Digital Inclusion, Skills and Creativity (DISC) helps you apply digital technologies in learning, teaching and research.
- Research IT provides specialist support, training and events from research software engineers, infrastructure engineers and high performance computing (HPC) support specialists.
Professional development
Support from your peers
The PGR Buddy Scheme connects you to an existing postgraduate researcher. 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.
How to thrive and survive in your PhD is a peer-led forum organised by PhD students for PhD students. The sessions offer a safe, supportive space for you to meet other researchers, ask questions and discuss any issues about PhD research at York.
