PGR Community Newsletter: October 2024
Welcome to your first postgraduate researcher (PGR) community newsletter of the academic year from the University Graduate School (UGS)! The We support postgraduates at the University of Birmingham, and offer a variety of academic, social and wellbeing activities throughout the year.
In this edition, we’re introducing you to our new UGS Scholars, highlighting PGR community events and exciting opportunities for skills development and support.
PGR Community Events
Whether you’re settling back in with old friends, or looking to meet new people, join our PGR exclusive events to get to know your community.
Our monthly events are led by your peers, our UGS Scholars – meet them here!
Join monthly PGR Film Club, Social Badminton, and PGR Board Game afternoons, with plenty of other events to follow this year. Follow us on EventBrite to stay up-to-date.
PGR Online Group Coaching
If you need support balancing your work and wellbeing, join regular online group coaching for PGRs on Tuesdays at 10am and 5pm, Wednesdays at 4pm, as well as extra monthly Thursday workshops on writing, time-management, and tackling other common issues. All dates and joining information here.
PGR Conciliation
If you are experiencing issues working with your supervisor, PGR Conciliation is a voluntary and confidential process which can help. Whether it’s communication breakdowns, misunderstandings or conflicts, PGR conciliation can offer resolution and support. Find out more here.
PGR Shut Up and Work
Struggling with procrastination? Fed up of working alone? Join online PGR Shut Up and Work! A supportive e-community for target-setting, accountability and getting things done.
- 31 October 9.30am-4pm
- 28 November 9.30am-4pm
- 12 December 9.30am-3pm
Join the community.
Thesis Submission Event
If you are planning to submit your thesis in the next 12 months, drop-in to one of these supportive, informal events to meet a range of postgraduate services who support thesis submission.
- Online: 10am-12pm, 29 October 2024, Microsoft Teams
- In-Person: 10am-1pm, 30 October 2024 at Westmere House (G15 on the campus map)
Find out more and register here.
We Want to Hear from You!
The University’s Race Equality Charter is gathering opinions on race equality at UoB, to give all students the opportunity to share their experiences of culture and race equality on campus, and to consider how the University could improve in this space.
- An anonymous survey takes 10 minutes and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a £10 Amazon voucher. Find the survey here.
LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Drop In
Campus drop-ins offering free sexual health and rapid HIV testing, wellbeing support and signposting with no appointments necessary.Sessions held 12.30-4pm on 28 October, 18 November and 9 December.
LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Drop In (birmingham.ac.uk)
Save the date!
Follow our Eventbrite page to be the first to hear of new events and secure your spot
Workshops and PGR Support
Careers Network
- The Postgraduate Careers team understands PGR careers – whether you’re thinking of academic or industry, they have innovative opportunities to develop your CV, and regular workshops to help you think ahead. Find more 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 2024-25 now open for bookings. Explore the programme here.
Public Engagement Training