University of Portsmouth Graduate School

13/09/2024

🎉 Student Spotlights are back for the 2024/25 academic year! 🎉

We're thrilled to kick off this year’s series with our latest spotlight featuring Nadine Sadler, a first-year PhD student at the University of Portsmouth researching the experiences of millennials who have left the Catholic Church.

Learn more about her research in our latest Student Spotlight.

🔗

Our Student Spotlight for September is Nadine Sadler, first year PhD student in the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature.

10/09/2024

🎉 Exciting News for University of Portsmouth Postgraduate Researchers! 🎓

The 2024/25 Graduate School Development Programme is officially here!

Get ready to enhance your research journey with a fantastic line up of workshops and training sessions designed just for you. Whether you're aiming to sharpen your academic writing skills, delve into advanced research methods, or expand your professional network, we've got something for everyone!

Highlights include:

- Interactive Workshops 🛠️
- Expert-Led Seminars 🧠
- Networking Opportunities 🤝
- Personal Development Sessions 🌱

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your skills and connect with fellow researchers.

👉 Learn more and register here: https://myport.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/exciting-new-workshops-for-postgraduate-researchers-your-202425-graduate-school-development-programme-is-here

Over the summer, the Graduate School Team has been busy collaborating with colleagues across the University to plan the Graduate School Development Programme (GSDP) for the 2024/25 academic year. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our colleagues who contribute to the development and deli...

26/07/2024

🙋‍♀️ Raise your hand if you love statistics! Our infographic is full of festival facts, and figures from the Festival of Doctoral Research, covering everything from attendees to awards!

25/07/2024

Here at the Graduate School, we've been thrilled to witness so many University of Portsmouth postgraduate research students donning their floppy caps and gowns to graduate over the past two weeks.

It has been an incredible journey for these students, and their hard work and dedication have finally paid off. The atmosphere has been electric with celebration and pride as they walked across the stage to receive their well-deserved degrees.

Our social media feeds have been flooded with wonderful images capturing these joyous moments. We thought it would be fitting to share a selection of these memorable moments with you. Each photo tells a unique story of perseverance, growth, and success. We hope you enjoy these snapshots of our postgraduate research students as much as we have, and join us in celebrating their incredible achievements.

Well done graduates - you did it!

🔗 View some of the social media posts that we have been enjoying: https://myport.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/celebrating-success-social-media-highlights-from-our-postgraduate-research-graduations

19/07/2024

16/07/2024

A week has flown by since we welcomed over 140 postgraduate research students and staff to our 2024 Festival of Doctoral Research!

If you couldn’t make it, we’ve captured the highlights in this short blog post. And if you did attend, enjoy reliving the best moments of the festival! 🎉

Discover who won the Festival of Doctoral Research 2024 competitions!

09/07/2024

Our 2024 Festival of Doctoral Research is underway - in-person and online!

Really pleased to see so many of you! Can’t wait to hear about your research and to see who wins the competitions!

08/07/2024

We’re all set for tomorrow and can’t wait to see you at our 2024 Festival of Doctoral Research!

The day will feature 15-minute presentations, the Five by Five competition, Craft Your Thesis and Visualise Your Thesis competitions, and the Elevator Pitch competition. Enjoy a buffet lunch, followed by a prize-giving and cake reception. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other PGRs from across the University.

It’s going to be a fantastic day. See you tomorrow, in-person or online!

Not yet booked your place? It’s not too late. Visit port.ac.uk/docfest.

21/06/2024

In celebration of Pride Month 2024, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kris Nolan, a final-year PhD student in the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature, University of Portsmouth.

Kris is currently researching LGBT activism for his thesis, shedding light on this important social movement. 🌈

17/06/2024

🚨The DocFest wristbands have arrived!🚨

If you’re joining us in-person you’ll be given one of these on the day to show you’re part of the Festival of Doctoral Research.

Whether you’ve entered a competition or are just coming to enjoy the day, don’t forget to book your place. PGRs check your email for the link to book.

Thank you to Sarah Fairwood at for making these happen. They look fantastic!

13/06/2024

Unleash Your Potential at the 8th BME Early Career Researchers' Conference - ‘Championing the Successes of BME ECRs'.

FREE hybrid event on Friday 5 July 2024. Online or in-person at the historic Queen Anne Building at the University of Greenwich.

Find out more and book your place. PGRs and ECRs welcome!

In-person spaces limited.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8th-bme-early-career-researchers-conference-tickets-902262329917

Theme: Championing the Success of BME Early Career Researchers

11/06/2024

🚨 4 WEEKS TO GO! 🚨

Our Festival of Doctoral Research 2024 is just around the corner. University of Portsmouth PGRs, make sure you submit your competition entries by Friday 14 June 2024, and don't forget to book your place!

https://myport.port.ac.uk/guidance-and-support/research-degrees/graduate-school/festival-of-doctoral-research

10/06/2024

We are pleased to launch the South Coast INSIGHT Programme (SCIP), funded by NIHR. Apply now for these fully funded Masters in Research (MRes) (Science and Health) studentships with a stipend at five Universities in the South Central region, including the University of Portsmouth.

The deadline for applications to both SCIP and UoP is Sunday 7 July 2024 (23.00).

Find out more and apply!

Funding Funded (UK students only) Project code SCIP9201024 Department School of Health and Care Professions Start dates September 2024 Application deadline 7 July 2024 (23:00 BST) South Central INSIGHT Programme (SCIP) – funded by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) The South Central IN...

07/06/2024

Are you heading to a festival this summer?

Our Student Spotlight for June is Gemma Summers-Green, who is undertaking a PhD in the School of Strategy, Marketing, and Innovation, University of Portsmouth, Business and Law.

Gemma is studying the prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the night-time economy (NTE). Gemma's research focuses on UK-based music festivals and includes some top tips on how to stay safe at festivals this summer.

Our Student Spotlight for June is Gemma Summers-Green, who is undertaking a PhD in the School of Strategy, Marketing, and Innovation.

28/05/2024

Earlier this month, we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week with a series of engaging activities for our postgraduate research students. The week kicked off with a sunny walk around Old Portsmouth, followed by a rejuvenating yoga class. Thank you to all who took part and used the opportunity to boost their mental health through movement.

https://myport.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/mental-health-awareness-week-2024

22/05/2024

Only 2️⃣ weeks until our Postgraduate Open Event 🎓

🎫 Have you booked your place?

Discover where a Master's or a PhD could take you 🚀📚

🗓️ Wednesday 5 June, 4.30pm - 7.00pm, Portsmouth 📍

🔗 Book your place: https://lnkd.in/ey36MX2F

We hope to see you there! 😊

17/05/2024

🗓️ Save the date! "Brexit as past, Brexit as future: The changing UK-EU relationship"

📣 Calling all curious minds to join the Perspectives on Brexit PhD-led group, based at the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, University of Portsmouth for an engaging guest talk.

Thursday 6 June 2024, 4.30-6.00pm.

Book your place:

Attend in person at LE1.01 Mildam Building on the 6th of June from 16:30-18:00pm or tune in online via Eventbrite.

17/05/2024

Join our Postgraduate Open Event 🎓

Discover where a Master's or a PhD could take you 🚀📚

🗓️ Wednesday 5 June, 4.30pm - 7.00pm, Portsmouth 📍

🔗 Book your place: https://www.port.ac.uk/postgraduate-open-events-book-your-place

We hope to see you there! 😊

17/05/2024

The advice I keep sharing at the moment is 'Thrive not Survive'!

Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, find physical activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Whether it's dancing, hiking, playing a sport, or practising martial arts, choose activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to. Make sure to celebrate your progress. Acknowledge and celebrate the journey and all the wins, no matter how small. Recognise the positive impact that regular physical activity has on your mental health and congratulate yourself for taking proactive steps in.

Brooke Wain is a 3rd year PhD student from the Faculty of Science and Health.

You can find out more about how to look after your mental health using exercise from the Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-health-using-exercise

16/05/2024

Spend some time appreciating nature.

Balancing a full-time job, a part-time doctorate and everything else I have going on means that my mind is always switched on! One of the ways I am able to slow my thoughts and calm my mind is by spending time in nature. I try to go for a walk along the river at least once a week, and whilst my route is always the same, the scenery never is!

You can find out more about nature and mental health on the Mental Health Foundation website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/nature-and-mental-health

Emma is in her first year of a Professional Doctorate in Education, and is the e-Learning Coordinator for the University of Portsmouth's Graduate School.

15/05/2024

I would say that joining a society is a big help when it comes to community and mental health. With community, there are over 1,000 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at the University of Portsmouth, and that means 1,000 potential friends and colleagues.

There will likely be students who can aid in your research in some way. This is huge, considering how individual and lonely the doctorate can be. Finding "your people" for support is essential for your mental health. With that in mind, as a PGR you are able to join societies at the Student Union.

One example of this is the PGR Society, which I lead. Here, we use a WhatsApp Community to host in-person and online events, and provide a platform for students across the University to find social and academic support. There are hundreds of societies at the University you can join, and they are an invaluable way of maintaining your mental health, as well as being part of the University community.

Kris Nolan is a third year PhD Researcher based in the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics & Literature.

https://upsu.net/groups/4J8HK/pgr-society

14/05/2024

My tip for improving your mental health through movement is to discover your type of music and dance to it!

I love gospel praise songs and when I feel I have had enough of research, I will play and move my body to the rhythm. The key thing about improving your mental health, whether through movement or other activities, is to do what works for you and not what works for others. This takes off the pressure and helps you discover yourself more.

Rachael Odunmbaku is a 4th year postgraduate researcher from the Faculty of Science and Health.

13/05/2024

Taking a break (really) matters! Drawing a blank with your research? Take a break and do something you like instead!

Run a bath, have a walk, do whatever puts your mind in a better place. The best ideas might come when you least expect them. Bigger breaks matter too - listen to what your friends and family are saying: if they are all saying you need a break, then you do. Find out more about the importance of taking breaks from The Wellbeing Thesis.

https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/foundations-for-success/importance-of-taking-breaks-and-having-other-interests/

Ian Johnson is a Teaching Fellow in Learning Development from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and has recently completed a part-time Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD).

13/05/2024

✨ Mental Health Awareness Week is here! ✨

We are pleased to kick start the week with some top tips for taking care of your mental wellbeing from the perspective of Thirsha De Silva, a University of Portsmouth PhD candidate in the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature.

Her research focuses on the mental wellbeing of postgraduate researchers, making her the ideal source for invaluable advice on the subject!

Thirsha is a first-year international PhD Candidate with the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature. Her research focuses on the mental wellbeing of postgraduate researchers. As a PhD Candidate, I am aware of the challenges we face while navigating our research degree jo...

10/05/2024

⚠️ PRES 2024: CLOSING DATE EXTENDED UNTIL 14 MAY 2024⚠️

Have your say and you could win £1,000!

Check your University @ myport.ac.uk email address for your survey link to have your say!

Find out more at port.ac.uk/PRES

09/05/2024

🏅 We were delighted to learn that three of our postgraduate research students had won awards at the recent University of Portsmouth Student Impact Awards. These awards recognise the remarkable accomplishments of our students and their meaningful contributions to both our city and the wider region.

Earlier this week we caught up with the three winners who shared their thoughts on receiving this recognition and offered insights into their research projects.

Three of our postgraduate research students were honoured with awards at the inaugural Student Impact Awards, hosted by the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the Students' Union. We were delighted to learn that three of our postgraduate research students had won awards at the recent Uni...

02/05/2024

Join our research community! Applications close 31 May 2024.

Two exciting PhD scholarships have been announced in a new collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council.

The scholarships will focus on two important local facilities – libraries and the Cumberland House Natural History Museum. The students will have unlimited access to ‘hidden treasures’ from the city’s archives.

Applications are open to both Home and International/EU applicants.

Find out more and apply -

Two exciting PhD scholarships have been announced in a new collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council.

01/05/2024

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey closes in just 10 days! Make sure you have your say to be in with a chance of winning £1,000!

Here's a reminder of how the PRES works for YOU!

Check your University email for a link to complete the survey.
Find out more at port.ac.uk/PRES

30/04/2024

🙋‍♀️ Who else was up and out first thing this morning? Beautiful weather on the South Coast.

24/04/2024

Earlier this week we welcomed Liz Holford from the University of Portsmouth's Careers and Employability Service to our PGR Catch-Up programme of events.

Liz gave tips and advice on how to create an effective LinkedIn profile for job seeking and for promoting your research.

As a starting point make sure you have a professional looking profile photo and make sure you update your 'About' section. Liz says the 'About' section is "Possibly the most important bit of your profile! Never leave it blank, use it to tell your story."

Find more LinkedIn guidance on the Careers and Employability website: https://buff.ly/4b9a1D3