University of Birmingham Launches New Doctoral School to Enhance Postgraduate Research Experience

The University of Birmingham has officially launched its new University Doctoral School (UDS), marking a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting postgraduate researchers (PGRs). The announcement was made during the annual Postgraduate Research Festival, a celebration of research excellence and innovation, by Professor Rachel O’Reilly (PVC Research)

Spearheaded by our new Director of the University Doctoral School, Professor Jessica Blair, the UDS builds upon the legacy of the former University Graduate School (UGS), evolving to better address the distinct needs of PGRs. This initiative reflects the University’s recognition of the vital role postgraduate researchers play in advancing knowledge and driving innovation.

The UDS aims to enhance the postgraduate research journey by:

Providing high-quality training and development opportunities
Strengthening community and wellbeing support

Fostering a vibrant research culture

These priorities have been shaped by feedback from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and ongoing engagement with the PGR community. The University remains committed to working in close partnership with its Colleges and central services—including Careers Network, Library Services, and Registry—to support researchers from induction through to graduation and beyond.

The UDS will continue to host flagship events such as the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, the Postgraduate Research Festival and awards schemes recognising excellence in publication and supervision. These initiatives not only celebrate PGR achievements but also help researchers develop skills, build networks, and raise their professional profiles.

Looking ahead, the UDS will introduce several new features, including:

A redesigned website for easier access to resources
A PGR Hub consolidating essential information in one place
A new LinkedIn presence launching in summer 2025
New training and development initiatives for the upcoming academic year

Dedicated spaces such as Westmere House and regular communications will continue to help PGRs feel connected and supported.

Professor O’Reilly emphasised that the UDS represents a renewed commitment to inclusivity, support, and excellence in postgraduate research. The UDS will work to create an environment where all postgraduate researchers—whether pursuing doctoral research or research master’s degrees—feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.

The launch of the University Doctoral School signals a bold new chapter for postgraduate research at Birmingham, placing the researcher experience at the heart.