Postgraduate researchers, discover what support is available to you

As a postgraduate researcher (PGR), your university experience is very different from your taught-course days. As you move deeper into your research, the challenges often shift — and sometimes intensify. Working independently, producing large volumes of written work, attending conferences, publishing papers, teaching, and navigating research culture can all feel like a lot to juggle.

It’s also common for feelings of isolation or imposter syndrome to creep in. When you’re immersed in your own specialism, hearing about others’ research can be daunting (ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t know anything about that!”). Add in ambitious deadlines and long-term projects, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times.

That’s why the University offers a range of support designed specifically for postgraduate researchers, so you don’t have to manage everything alone.

PGR Conciliation

Your relationship with your supervisor is central to your research experience. They guide your academic development, help you stay on track with milestones, and often work closely with you on research. Therefore, it is important for PGRs to have a good relationship with their supervisors. However, challenges can sometimes arise, and it is important to be informed about what support is available.

The PGR Conciliation scheme, run by the University Doctoral School (UDS), exists to support you in these situations. This confidential scheme offers mediation from a neutral, trained member of staff to help resolve issues, rebuild communication, and find a resolution that is best suited to support you within your research journey.

Read more about PGR conciliation.

PGR Online Group Coaching

PGR Online Group Coaching is designed to help you navigate through procrastination, imposter syndrome, or difficulties to stay motivated, helping you get unstuck and move forward with confidence.

Led by Dr Vikki Wright, a former Birmingham Professor and certified PhD Life Coach, the programme gives you practical tools to manage your time, motivation, relationships and wellbeing alongside your research. You’ll have access to regular live group coaching sessions, focused workshops on common PhD challenges, and a supportive community of other researchers who understand what you’re going through.

It’s not just about productivity; it’s about learning how to support yourself, regain clarity, and build tools that help make you the most resilient version of yourself.

The programme is completely free for all University PGRs, ensuring you can access the full programme whenever you need it.

Find out more and sign up for Online PGR Group Coaching.

Other support from UoB

In addition to UDS support, all University wellbeing services are open to PGRs.

If you ever need someone to talk to, UBHeard offers a 24/7 confidential helpline where trained professionals can support you with emotional concerns, financial worries, or legal advice.

For in-person support there are several options:

• 1:1 drop-ins – Pause@Uni in the Wellbeing Lodge are a friendly team of trained emotional support professionals, who provide walk-in conversations 11:00-17:00 Monday-Thursday during term time (Tuesday-Wednesday outside of teaching time).
• 1:1 therapeutic support – UoB’s Wellbeing Team includes experienced counsellors and therapeutic practitioners. You can reach out, be matched to the best suited support, and have up to five free sessions.
• Social support groups – The Guild has a wide range of groups and societies to suit you, including the Postgraduate Community. They also run events for different student groups, such as international, postgraduates, and mature students.

You’re not in this alone

The key thing to remember is that although your research places a strong focus on your individual contribution to your academic field, you don’t have to tackle challenges along the way by yourself.

Whether you’re navigating supervisory relationships, feeling overwhelmed by your workload, or needing space to talk, there are many avenues for support. Reaching out early can make a real difference to your research experience.