Postgrad Community Newsletter Summer Edition
Welcome to your postgrad community newsletter from the University Graduate School (UGS). With summer just around the corner, in this edition, we’re highlighting our postgraduate flagship events online and in-person in May and June, including the Postgraduate Research Festival, Three Minute Thesis, the PGT Gallery and a new postgraduate exhibition. As always, find a full programme of UGS events throughout the academic year here.
Save the Date! PG Research Festival, 18-19 June 2024
The Postgraduate Research Festival is the biggest celebration of our postgraduate community at the University of Birmingham, giving postgraduates from different disciplines the opportunity to share their work with the wider University and beyond. The 2024 Festival will include a packed online and in-person programme with talks, panels, workshops and exhibitions open to postgraduate taught students and postgraduate researchers alike.
Follow our EventBrite to be the first to hear when our programme goes live for booking, and save the date, 18-19 June 2024!
Three Minute Thesis Final 2024: Watch Our Finalists!
Join the University Graduate School for the Birmingham Three Minute Thesis Finals, where our finalists will compete to deliver the best research presentation in three minutes with just one slide! With presentations from all disciplines designed for non-specialist listeners, it’s the perfect way to learn about the exciting and innovative research happening in your postgraduate community.
Book your place here, and join on campus Wednesday 15 May, 3-5pm in the Alan Walters Building (R29 on campus map) G03.
Postgraduate Exhibition on Campus!
Enquiring Minds: An interactive, problem-solving exhibition is an exciting new initiative from the University Graduate School, which brings postgraduate research to life for all ages. Solve problems, have fun, and learn about new discoveries at the cutting edge of research!
The exhibition will be open from Monday 20 May until Friday 31 May, 10am-4pm. It will be located in the foyer of the Alan Walters Building at the University of Birmingham (R29 on the campus map).
All postgraduates are also invited to join us for coffee and cake at the Exhibition Launch, 2-4pm Monday 20 May in the Alan Walters Building R29 on the campus map) Foyer & G11 - you can register now via EventBrite!
Take part in PTES and be in with a chance of winning £150
Eligible postgraduate taught students will have been invited to take part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). This survey gives you the chance to make your voice heard and help to shape the future of UoB!
PTES only takes 10 minutes to complete, and your response will remain anonymous. As a thank you, everyone who has completed the survey will be entered into a draw to win a £150 prize.
Don’t miss out – complete PTES by Monday 13 May to be entered into that prize draw!
Postgraduates in the Birmingham Pride Parade
The University Graduate School and UGS Scholars are warmly inviting LGBTQ+ postgraduates and allies (a supporter of LGBTQ+ equality) to march with us in the Birmingham Pride Parade on Saturday 25th May. Meet us at The Exchange building in the city centre between 10:30-11.15am, and we'll march in the Parade from there. Information and booking available here.
Submit a poster for the 2024 Research Poster Competition!
The Research Poster Competition is the largest event for PGRs at the University. It gives you the opportunity to produce a research poster for a general audience, promote your work, and meet other researchers, all while competing for several generous cash prizes.
PGRs from all disciplines and modes of study are invited to take part in the competition by submitting a poster that is accessible to a non-specialist audience.
You have until 23:59 on Sunday 12 May to express an interest via formstack and until Friday 17 May to submit your poster.
The PGT Gallery: develop your skills while competing for a cash prize!
Can you take or create an image that represents something that you’ve studied on your PGT course?
Then take part in the PGT Gallery, a competition held by the University Graduate School! This competition challenges you to showcase an element of your studies, express your creativity, think outside of the box, and communicate to a non-specialist (e.g. someone from outside of your subject area). You could even win £150!
The deadline to submit your entry is 9am on 6 May 2024 – read the PGT Gallery webpage to find out more!
Thesis submission events
Are you a PGR submitting your thesis in the next 12 months? Come along to one of the Research Student Administration (RSA)’s next 'preparing for your thesis submission' events, where you can hear about the process of thesis submission from a range of services, and get your questions answered. Book your place for one of the below events here:
- In-Person, Tuesday 21 May , 10am-1pm, Westmere House
- Online, Wednesday 22 May, 10am-12pm on Zoom
Academic Writing Support this Summer
PGRs – save the date! The Research Skills Team’s annual PGR Writing Summer School is happening on campus Tuesday 9 - Thursday 11 July 2024 (with online recordings available afterwards). Find out more here.
For PGTs, join the University Graduate School and Academic Skills Centre for a range of dissertation writing support, with online PGT Essentials workshops and in-person Shut Up and Write sessions covering dissertation research, structuring, writing and editing.
PGR Innovation Challenge
The PGR Innovation Challenge is invaluable opportunity for PGRs to think innovatively about real-world problems. Taking place in 6 sessions over two weeks, 24 June – 5 July, you’ll working in multidisciplinary groups to address and provide solutions to one of the United Nationals: Sustainable Development Goals, creating a 5 minute presentation for a panel of judges.
It is an opportunity for you to operate in non-academic context, utilising your intelligence and research capabilities to address socio-environmental issues which impacts the lives of millions globally.
Find out more and take part!
PGT Career Opportunities
If you’re a PGT thinking about next steps, why not look at completing the Postgraduate Professional Development Award with the Careers Network? This award offers opportunities for you to engage with your personal and professional development throughout your postgraduate studies, and recognition on your academic transcript. Find out more here.
Other Opportunities for Postgraduates
EUniWell has a range of training and workshops available for PGRs, including on visualising data and how to write and publish academic papers. Find them here.
Taught postgraduate students are invited to take part in the BEAR Challenge 2024, from 24-26 June. Participants undertake a series of challenges to gain experience in using High Performance Computing on our Tier 2 national supercomputer, Baskerville, plus hear career talks from industry-leading experts. Register before 31 May!
If you are thinking about further postgraduate study, at taught or research level, why not come along to UoB’s Postgraduate Open Day on 22 June to find out more? Book a spot here.