Postgraduate research experience survey

We are keen to make sure postgraduate researchers have the best possible experience at Keele. To do that, we need to know what you think we are doing well and what we can do better.

What is PRES?

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is a national survey conducted by institutions across the UK and takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.

It is open to all PGRs (MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorates) whether they are campus based, distance learners, part or full time.

Why should PGRs take part?

PRES is your chance to tell us your thoughts about your degree. The results help us to compare how we are doing with other institutions but also more importantly, it influences school, faculty and institutional activities. The feedback enables us to make changes to things we’re currently doing, but also ensures we keep doing the things that you value and will help improve the experience of PGRs like you in the future.

As a thank you, the first 10 respondents will receive a £5 coffee voucher and all respondents will be entered into a draw to win a £50 cash!

What does PRES cover?

• Supervision
• Resources
• Research culture
• Progress and assessment
• Responsibilities
• Support
• Research skills
• Professional development
• Opportunities
• Motivations

Keele takes part in this Advance HE survey bi-annually, and this year the survey will launch on 16 April 2024 for 1 month only, closing on the 16 May 2024.

What happens with the results?

The KDA summarises the PGR comments and suggestions and produces an action plan for the University that is considered at a number high-level, decision-making committees (University Research Committee, Faculty PGR Committees and the Doctoral Academy Committee).

Following this, the KDA monitors those actions to ensure they are followed through and completed.

How have you responded to previous feedback?

In 2022, you said: Our Research culture was lacking, with infrequent opportunities to discuss research with other researchers and a lack of research seminars in some areas.

What did we do?

• We launched regular online meet-ups and PGR Cafes, a series of peer-led workshops providing advice and guidance from current Keele PGRs and alumni, as well as social sessions to connect PGRs from across disciplines.
• The University will shortly convene a Research Culture Committee consisting of academic and professional services staff, as well as PGRs, to plan more initiatives and events to improve research culture across the University.
• A number of schools have launched or revised and improved their seminar series and journal clubs.
• We worked with the faculties to combine their individual annual symposiums into one large event last year, with 150+ attendees in 2023 from across the faculties submitting posters and presenting. The 2024 event (taking place on the 17 and 18 June) will be even bigger, with 2 days of activities planned.
• We organised a combined online seminar with Staffordshire University for PGRs to present their research.

You said: PGRs lack dedicated areas for informal study and socialising and there was disparity across the faculties.

What did we do?

• We now have access to the Claus Moser building for training sessions, so PGRs have a regular training location that includes access to a kitchen and free tea and coffee.
• We are also working with the faculties to ensure PGRs have dedicated hot-desking space and social space.

You said: PGRs want more training opportunities and resources to support their study but also additional wellbeing support from the University.

What did we do?

• We worked with colleagues from across the University to introduce a number of new training resources for PGRs and supervisors and scheduled more training workshops than ever before e.g. the new starter PGR essentials module, non-academic careers sessions on enterprise and entrepreneurship, mindfulness and growth, planning your researcher development and much more! 6. To support the above, we also introduced a central Sharepoint for advertising all training and resources.
• Supported by colleagues in Student Services, we have introduced a returning to research process for PGRs who take a leave from their degree. Now, Student Services will support PGRs during that return, ensuring they are ready and have everything they need to successfully continue their research at Keele.
• The annual summer school is now bigger than ever and offers practical sessions for PGRs and staff as well as sessions to promote healthy wellbeing practices. In 2023, we had 50+ sessions scheduled over one week, and plans are underway for 2024!

Is the survey anonymous?

Your survey response is confidential; any results communicated to staff, schools etc will be anonymised.

The survey asks that any comments you make should not identify yourself or any specific member of staff.

What do I need to do?

You should have received an email to your Keele PGR account on 16 April 2024 with your unique link to the survey. The deadline for completion is midnight on Thursday 16 May 2024.

Where can I find out more?

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please see your Supervisor, or alternatively, please contact KDA@keele.ac.uk.