Support for postgraduate research students

The Bristol Doctoral College curates a programme of workshops, seminars and online resources that’s designed to provide you with practical help and support — whatever stage of your research degree.

Getting started with your development

The PGR Essentials Guide helps you to select the right training and development at the right time. 

Disciplinary training

As well as the training provided by supervisory teams and the BDC, other training should be considered. This could include research-specific training, skills development, and opportunities to present, collaborate, or network.

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Successful supervision relies on collaboration between the PGR student and supervisor.

• Access key tools to support you in your supervisory relationship
• Read our tips on how to navigate challenges in the supervisory relationship
• You can also find out more about how supervision works at Bristol.

Annual progress monitoring

Issues with academic progression

There are two routes of support if you are struggling with your research as a PGR student.

• Enhanced academic support can be implemented at any stage in the research degree and provides additional assistance if you are struggling with your research. You should discuss this with your supervisor initially.
• Support to study can help you manage physical or mental health challenges that make it difficult to

Find out more about how assessment and exams work for PGRs, including progress monitoring, submitting the dissertation, viva (oral exam), receiving corrections (feedback), resubmission payment and delaying public access.

If you are a student with a disability or neurodivergence, please also be aware of the exam (viva) accommodations that are available (see section below).

Find out more about taking leave from your research, including different types of leave, unexpected absences and extensions to study.

If you have a disability, ensure you formally disclose it to Disability Services so you can access appropriate support and adjustments.

You should also ensure you are aware of oral exam (viva) accommodations which are available for disabled and neurodivergent PGR students. Please discuss these with your supervisor. 

Find information for new postgraduate research students provided by the Bristol Doctoral College.

All new students should also receive induction via their school and faculty. Contact your local PGR administration team for details.

Funding

There are funding pots available to all postgraduate researchers for different purposes. Read about the ways you can access funds to support research-related activities, personal and professional development, and other initiatives.

Scholarships and bursaries

A range of internal and external scholarships, bursaries and grants are available. Students can use the funding filter tool to locate PGR-relevant options.

Financial support

The Money Advice team provides confidential support on a range of financial matters including budgeting, hardship, and funding. PGR students can contact: money-advice@bristol.ac.uk

Home and international PGR students facing financial hardship can apply to the Financial Assistance Fund and Digital Support Fund.

Paid opportunities

Although not feasible for all students, where suitable, PGRs may wish to take on part-time work. Flexible roles are available within the University and some are advertised through the Careers Service and BDC Bulletin.

Postgraduate research can be an intense process and you may struggle with your wellbeing at times.

• Student wellbeing support is available to all PGR students.
• If you are employed by the university you may also be able to access staff wellbeing resources.

There is support and training from the Bristol Institute For Learning and Teaching (BILT) for teaching staff, including PGR students. 

Find out about support for PGRs who teach

University accommodation

Information on university accommodation, including accommodation for postgraduates, students with families or dependents, and emergency accommodation.

Private rental 

Advice on finding accommodation through private rental.

Housing advice

Bristol SU Housing Advice Service offers free expert guidance for all University of Bristol students in private rented accommodation.

Visit Events and opportunities to find out about activities and events for PGRs, including PGR-led clubs and PGR Hub.

If you are based in Bristol you can also visit the PGR Hub - a dedicated space for PGR student development and wellbeing.

Your School and Faculty may also offer opportunities to connect with other PGRs in your disciplinary area. Contact your Graduate Director/Faculty PGR Director for more information.

There are a range of opportunities for specific PGR student groups at the University. We aim to celebrate our multiple communities at Bristol, and particularly to support underrepresented or marginalised groups.

Black, Asian and minority ethnic students

The Be More Empowered for Success PGR programme offers a range of social and academic opportunities for home Black, Asian and minority ethnic PGR students.

Register your interest in the programme

Mature PGR students

Regular meet-ups for mature PGR students are held at the PGR Hub in Senate House.

Search the calendar to find out about upcoming PGR events.

The university also has some wider support for mature and part-time students

Trans and non-binary PGR students

Events for trans and non-binary PGR students are held at the PGR Hub in Senate House, including drinks events and coffee gatherings.

Search the calendar to find out about upcoming events.

There are also further useful resources for trans students. available.

Student representatives provide a vital bridge between the student body and the University, with over 100 postgraduate research (PGR) students taking on the role of representing their PGR programme.

Find out how to contact your PGR Rep