PG Community Newsletter: January 2024
Welcome to your Postgrad Community Newsletter from the University Graduate School (UGS)!
The University Graduate School supports postgraduates at the University of Birmingham, and we offer a variety of academic, social and wellbeing activities throughout the year. In this edition, we’re highlighting postgraduate in-person and online events throughout Semester Two, including our annual flagship events UGS Talks, PGT Essentials, Three Minute Thesis, and a new PGR exhibition. As always, find a full programme of UGS events throughout the academic year here.
UGS Talks: Inspiration from our International Alumni - get your tickets now!
Would you like to hear inspirational stories from UoB postgraduate alumni? Are you interested in international career journeys, or want further insights into how to break into the UK job market? Do you want the opportunity to network with your peers and University staff? Then come along to 'UGS Talks: Inspiration from our International Alumni'!
1-4pm 20 February, at the Bramall Music Building (R12 on the campus map). Book your place to join us on Eventbrite!
Represent your Postgrad Community in the Guild Officer Elections
Applications for the Guild of Students’ Officer Elections are now open! There are a range of roles available, from full-time positions such as Postgraduate Officer, International Officer and Education Officer, to part-time roles.
If you want to represent the needs and interests of postgraduates at UoB, and gain experience in the Higher Education sector, don’t miss this opportunity!
Applications close Friday 16 February at 4pm: find out more and apply.
Upcoming PG Events with the University Graduate School
University Graduate School events are designed to get you meeting other postgraduates, building an interdisciplinary community, and developing your skills.
PGTs can join online and in-person mental health workshops, and Winterbourne Walks, social badminton and socials over coffee and cake with the UGS Scholars (PGT): explore here.
For PGRs, join PGR Film Club, a workshop on creating videos about research, mental health sessions, and information sessions on getting involved with upcoming flagship events: sign up here.
Save the date! The Postgraduate Research Festival is UoB’s biggest celebration of postgraduate research, happening 18 and 19 June 2024 online and on campus. Watch this space for information on how to get involved!
New PGR exhibition opportunity from the University Graduate School
Could you communicate your research findings to children aged 7-11?
Enquiring Minds: An interactive, problem-solving exhibition will spotlight the work of postgraduate researchers from across the University of Birmingham. A fantastic chance to gain expert public engagement experience, and open to PGRs of all disciplines!
Sign up for our virtual information event, on Monday 5 February at 13:00, to find out more.
PGT Essentials
PGT Essentials is a programme of online workshops designed to support your development as a Postgraduate Taught Student, collaborating with experts from across the University to help you thrive academically and prepare for your next career step.
In Semester Two, join sessions on understanding your assignment feedback, finding information, and managing a research project. Find out more about the series and sign up here.
Three Minute Thesis 2024: Open for entries!
Three Minute Thesis asks current doctoral researchers to deliver an engaging three-minute talk about their research to an audience of non-specialists. A national and international competition, the Birmingham rounds are a fantastic chance to develop your presentation and research communication skills, raise the profile of your research, and win a cash prize.
Find out more about Three Minute Thesis and how to take part.
125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers
If you are a Black British student looking to start your PhD studies in Autumn 2024, the 125th Anniversary scholarships are an invaluable opportunity to pursue a PhD with financial support, mentorship and guidance, research training opportunities, and more.
PhD projects are available across all disciplines: find out more about them here, and apply by 30 April 2024.
Careers Network Opportunities
The Postgraduate Careers team has innovative opportunities to develop your CV and think ahead to your future career, with the Intercampus Enterprise Competition for any postgraduate and the Virtual Consultancy Challenge for PGRs open to interest and bookings. Regular workshops can also be found here.
Skills Development Opportunities
The Research Skills team offers a range of opportunities to support your academic work and development as a researcher, with online, in-person, and on-demand workshops for 2024 now open for bookings. Explore the programme here.
UGS Awards 2024
Nominations are open! PGRs: Nominate your supervisor for the Excellence in Doctoral Research Supervision Award, or speak to your supervisors about nominating research published during your studies for the Michael K. O'Rourke Best Publication Award.
Other Opportunities for Postgraduates
Final reminder! Applications for the Go Global’s team summer programmes are due on 2 February, and give postgraduates with academic approval the chance to travel, see the world, and develop their skills. Find out more.
The Conversation is offering free asynchronous training for PhD students in academic journalism and writing for a non-specialist audience.
PGR presentations and posters on the theme of High Performance Computing are invited for the 2024 BEAR conference, deadline 2 February. Find out more about the conference here, either to take part or attend on campus, 23-24 April 2024.
Free, online Research Data Management training is available for PhD students from the University’s EUniWell alliance. It aims to explain what research data is, how to identify best practices and useful tools for data management, and how to write a Data Management Plan.
DAAD ‘Short-term Research Grants’ for doctoral researchers supports research stays of up to six months in Germany: deadline 15 February. Find out more and apply.
Have an idea for a postgraduate event? The University Graduate School’s Postgraduate-led Activity Fund remains open to applications throughout the academic year, and is a great way to develop your skills.