The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is an annual survey offered by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Launched in 2007, PRES is a sector-wide survey to gather insight from postgraduate research students about their learning and supervision experience. The survey involves many other UK higher education institutions, including some of the Russell Group.
The survey includes a core set of questions designed and developed by the HEA as well as opportunities for free text responses. It aims to highlight areas of strength and areas where the University could enhance the postgraduate research student experience. Students are asked to agree or disagree (on a scale of one to five) with statements, or indicate how often a learning style or behaviour is encouraged. The statements cover the following areas: supervision, resources, research culture, progress and assessment, responsibilities, research skills, professional development, opportunities and overall experience.
PRES runs in the spring term, exact dates are chosen by individual institutions within February - mid May, it must be open for a minimum of 3 weeks.
Students are emailed and invited to participate in the online survey, non-respondents will receive reminder emails and students may opt out of the survey at any time.
For further information contact Paul Spencer in the Bristol Doctoral College: Education Services.
