Guidance and support for postgraduate research students

As a postgraduate research student, you have access to a range of support throughout your time with us, from the moment you arrive to the submission of your thesis.

Your first week

Starting a doctoral degree can be a different experience from your previous study. Consequently, we have put in place a structured induction programme to help smooth the transition into doctoral level research and prepare you well for the journey ahead. 

Your supervisor

Find out more about the role of your supervisor and your responsibilities, in order to foster a good working relationship. 

Research Degrees Office

Research Degrees Programme Management provides services to postgraduate research students, ensuring you receive consistent and accurate advice on all of the stages of your course from registration to award.

Researcher Development Programme

The Researcher Development Programme supports you in developing your transferable skills, helping you to be more effective researchers now and more employable in the future. We provide training and development opportunities including a comprehensive programme of face-to-face training workshops, online resources, and supporting information. In addition, we offer flexible one-to-one support in all areas that we cover.

Making changes to your registration status

The following requests can be made through Surrey Self-Service.

Log in to Surrey Self-Service, from the menu options, select the 'plus' symbol to expand the hidden menu options, and select 'Research programme details' and beneath the Summary details, select the 'Requests' tab:

  • Request for change of mode of attendance 
  • Request for change of supervisor
  • Request for transfer to completing status
  • Request for extension of registration
  • Request to change programme
  • Notification of permanent withdrawal
  • Request for temporary withdrawal and sick pay
  • Exam entry form for doctoral degrees and MPhil.

Find the right support for you

During the research journey, there will inevitably be times when something unexpected happens that gets in the way of you making progress with your PhD.

This might be a difficulty relating to the research, such as equipment breaking down or problems recruiting research participants, or it might be a problem with the support and guidance you receive from your supervisor. It is always better to address problems early on and the following people within your faculty can help you.

As a first step you should discuss your concerns informally with your supervisor. Remember that you can seek support and help in doing this from other members of the supervisory team.

If this does not bring about the desired improvements, as a next step, you should arrange to meet with the PGR Director for your school, department or research centre to discuss the problem and how to address it.

If the problem persists, you should bring it to the attention of the Associated Dean (Doctoral College) who will talk you through the options available to you.

Supervision issues

It is recognised that raising an issue about your supervision can be very difficult and you may not feel comfortable doing this independently through your faculty.

To help you understand any problems and to get a neutral input to help you to decide the best course of action you can also seek confidential advice, at any stage, from the Doctoral College (including the Researcher Development team and the Research Degrees team) and the Students’ Union.

Health and wellbeing issues

For health and wellbeing issues, please contact the Centre for Wellbeing.

Reciprocal mentoring for EDI programme

We are looking for courageous Black British PGR students to take part in our pioneering Reciprocal Mentoring for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Programme. The project, which is being run in collaboration with The Reverse Mentoring Practice and coordinated locally by the Surrey Black Scholar project is looking for participants who believe that they can support our leaders to develop their cultural humility. 

Any postgraduate taking part in our Surrey Black Scholars programme is invited to take part in the programme with University of Surrey leaders, senior managers, or key influencers, who are willing and able to deeply reflect upon and challenge their attitudes to inclusion, particularly in relation to race.

 
Terms of reference for Reciprocal Mentoring Partners:

  • Fully commit to leading and engaging in the one-to-one reciprocal relationship for six months.
  • Attend at least six reciprocal mentoring meetings during the six months (duration: approx. 60 – 90 mins each). This may or may not involve reciprocal shadowing them to meetings, observing interactions and giving views on dilemmas leaders face. Meetings can be face to face or online.
  • Attend six Monthly Partners' Peer support sessions (scheduled for 90 mins but can be attended for as long as you can as a drop-in session).
  • Attend a joint reflective practice session with reciprocal mentoring partners and sponsors at month 6.

For any further information, please email Dr Jeremy Olusola.

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