Welcome to the new academic year to our returning students and a big hello to all the new postgraduate researchers (PGRs) joining us this year! This is your fortnightly Doctoral College Newsletter, which is the place for events, opportunities and news specifically relevant to you as a PGR.

Here are just some of the highlights this week:

• Launch of new Exeter PGR Development Needs Analysis (DNA) which replaces the Training Needs Analysis. Co-designed with PGRs, Supervisors and the Researcher Development Team, this tool is designed to help you reflect and create your professional development action plans. Find out more about the DNA in our News section
• Check out the brand new PGR Resource Hub and PGR Careers Resource. More details in the News section
• Get ready for the Doctoral College Researcher Development programme launch on 1st October, which has a whole range of workshops for you at all stages of your research journey.

To find out more about these, and everything else at the University for PGRs, jump to the relevant sections using our linked contents list:

Welcome from the Dean of the Doctoral College and Postgraduate Research

News

Events

Opportunities

External Opportunities

Reminders

Community

Careers Support

Wellbeing Support and Sessions

Enquiries

The next Doctoral College newsletter will go out on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The deadline to send items is Wednesday 30 September. Please refer to our style guide before submitting your item.

Don't forget, you can also share your news and events on PGR Community Hub on Viva Engage, or on our Bluesky account.

The place to look for training and development opportunities at the University and beyond is our Postgraduate Researcher Training and Development Bulletin.

Welcome to Exeter for our new PGRs! And welcome to the new academic year 26/27 for all our PGRs!

After what I know has been a difficult summer for those of us in departments impacted by academic staff departures following the workforce consultations, we are all looking forward to a new term of research, learning and community. For those of you who have been impacted by staff departures, the Doctoral College is here to help and support as best we can – please send any concerns to Doctoral.College@exeter.ac.uk. For everyone, we will be continuing to strengthen our PGR community and bringing you new resources, activities and opportunities. So watch this space for forthcoming announcements about our Researcher Development programme, new Development Needs Analysis tool, Doctoral College Policy Internships and more!

Wishing you all an enjoyable, intellectually stimulating and productive academic year 2026-27.

Professor Stacey Hynd
Dean of the Doctoral College and Postgraduate Research

Our Exeter PGR Development Needs Analysis (DNA) is designed to support and encourage you to think more deeply about your development and career aspirations. The DNA replaces the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and has been developed with input from PGRs, supervisors and the Researcher Development team. 

All PGRs need to undertake the new Development Needs Analysis, on an annual basis.  For new PGRs, please complete it within your first 6 weeks.  For support and guidance, please see the dedicated DNA resources on the new PGR Resource Hub. 

The Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Resource Hub is the home of a broad range of resources designed to support you in your personal and professional development at every stage of your research degree.

The site is divided into three sections based on the core domains articulated by the Vitae Researcher Development Framework 2025, a sector-led model for effective researchers for today’s evolving research landscape:

RESEARCHER - personal and professional values and behaviours

RESEARCH - knowledge and skills to undertake research and deliver outcomes

RESEARCH COMMUNITY - knowledge and skills to engage and work with others

These resources support the wider postgraduate researcher training and development programme provided by Exeter's Doctoral College. We encourage you to explore each section and browse our collections as you build a training plan that works for you.

Our Images of Research competition is open now and closes on Monday 5 October! The competition – which provides a great opportunity to practice communicating research to a non-specialist audience – has received hundreds of entries over the years, showcasing the breadth of research undertaken at the university through a single, visually-engaging image and short, jargon-free description. 

The competition is open to all Postgraduate Research students, as well as anyone who considers themselves an Early Career researcher, so dig out those fantastic images which encapsulate your research today!

Looking for some inspiration? Watch our video to find out about the benefits of the competition. 
  
Further information including how to enter and submission guidance can be found on our website.

Below: PGR Winner 2025, 'The Mongoose Spa', Leela Channer

We are delighted to announce that the University of Exeter has a new online PGR Careers Resource. The resource has been designed specifically for you and contains a wealth of PGR-specific information, advice and guidance relevant for all disciplines and career stages. There is an accompanying Career Planning Toolkit with activities linked to the various sections, so you can personalise the information and undertake your own career learning journey.

Topics in the resource include:
• Identifying your ideal role
• Career options
• Top skills employers are seeking
• Networking
• Entrepreneurship
• Professional development
• Applying for academic and non-academic jobs

“I think the site is great!” said a PGR from HASS. An HLS PGR said “I think that this resource simplifies the career planning process and provides practical tips to ease anxieties. The content is encouraging, hopeful and I feel that it will be incredibly helpful to PGR students.”

Our new series of Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast kicks off with an episode on 'International Student Experience'. Each episode is presented by a different postgraduate researcher and this episode's host is Pratiti Ghosh, asking fellow international PGR Yanira Becerra Ortiz about her experience of studying in the UK, from small to big changes.

We have a diverse range of topics and guests coming up this series so don't forget to follow us! You can find Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. 

Ahead of the launch of our full programme in October, we have some great courses taking place in September, which are open for booking on iTrent now:

• Careers Beyond Academia- Alumni Panel Session for Researchers (Thursday 24 September, 14.00-15.30 via MS Teams). Looking ahead to your future after your research degree? Hear from four Exeter doctoral alumni who have gone on to use their researcher skills in a diverse range of jobs and sectors in this panel session.
• Skills for researchers - introducing the Exeter Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme (Wednesday 30 September, 10:30-12:00 via MS Teams). Come along to our interactive session that will introduce you to the core Exeter Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme and the skills framework it is built around to support you in your development as a PGR at the University of Exeter.

Are you a postgraduate hoping to work as a teaching associate (PTA)? 

Registration is now open for the LTHE Autumn 2026 Streatham, Penryn & Online programmes which start later in this month.

The programme is designed to meet the specific needs of educators who are either new to teaching altogether or are new to teaching in Higher Education. The programme introduces some of the core concepts and techniques of teaching in HE and aims to give an understanding of how to provide an active, stimulating student-centred learning experience.

LTHE Unit 1 is mandatory if you intend to apply for Postgraduate Teaching Associate (PTA) positions. Once your Unit 1 is complete, you can then progress onto further units which will be needed if you are going to be planning your own sessions and/or supporting assessment, marking and any feedback activity in your role.

The Engaged and Participatory Research Fund is an annual scheme funded from the University of Exeter’s Participatory Research Fund allocation, awarded by Research England. We are seeking to fund projects between academics and their external partners, which use engaged or participatory approaches and demonstrate benefit for all partners. A total fund of £70,000 is available and applicants can apply for funding from £1,000 up to £10,000. The lead applicant must be staff (or a post graduate student with a staff member acting as co-applicant) at the University of Exeter. We welcome applications from academic and professional staff from all levels. All applications must be co-created with an external partner as a co-applicant.

Deadline for applications: 10.00 on Monday 5 October 2026.

Are you removing, storing or using any human tissue for research or teaching? The Human Tissue Act (HTA) training is mandatory for anyone working with human tissue samples at the University of Exeter. The next session is on Tuesday 29 September at 10:00 am (online).

If you plan to collect informed consent as part of your research, you need to attend the Informed Consent training, also held on Tuesday 29 September at 11:15 am (online).

You should attend these training sessions even if the human tissues that you work with are later rendered acellular (for example, plasma or urine). This helps ensure that all researchers at the University understand their responsibilities under the Human Tissue Act and feel confident in meeting those obligations. If you have previously completed this training but have not stored samples or taken consent in previous two years, then you should re-attend.

Please contact the HTA team on HTA-return@exeter.ac.uk for further enquiries or to book your place.

Date: Thursday 1 October
Time: 18:30-21.00
Venue: Exeter Phoenix

Join us for a moderated panel talk and Q and A, exploring the research behind video games - what they tell us about ourselves, our futures, and the stories we tell. Attendees will hear from leading researchers, Professor James Newman (Bath Spa University), Dr Richard Cole, (University of Bristol), Dr Amy Cutler (University of Bristol), Dr Rob Sherman (University of Exeter), and Dr James Sweeting (University of Plymouth). If you have an interest in video games, communicating research to the public, or simply wish to learn more, book your free ticket on EventBrite.

We are looking for PhD students to work with the exams team as invigilators and reader scribes. Full training will be provided and more information can be provided on request. Invigilation is paid at £16.55 per hour and reader scribe is paid at £16.88 per hour. The role of the invigilator will be to oversee the running of the exam ensuring all rules and regulations are adhered to while supporting the students and dealing with any issues. Reader scribes are for students who require an individual to either read or write (or both) the exam for them. Appointment of reader scribes will require a test to ensure suitability to the post.

To apply for any of these posts or request further information please email examsadmin@exeter.ac.uk.

Are you a PGR working remotely or hybrid? A journalist writing for Nature Careers is collecting short tips from PhD researchers on what actually makes remote and hybrid work successful: a habit, tool, or routine that has genuinely helped you.

It's open to all PhD researchers across every discipline (humanities, social sciences, STEM, etc).

A selection will be published by name in the final piece. Share one specific tip (a few sentences) via this 2-minute form. You're welcome to stay anonymous. Contact Max Bennett with any queries.

Deadline: Saturday 26 September

It's that time of year again! Postgraduate Pedagogies are delighted to announce the call for papers for Volume 7 of their journal. If you identify as a PTA or currently work with PTAs, consider submitting a 250-word abstract to our developmental journal. Submit via the website.

The journal welcomes opinion pieces, reflective essays, case studies, book reviews, and more. We welcome papers from underrepresented groups in HE / PGR including but not limited to BAME; mature; disabled; care leavers; GRT; forced migrants; trans / non-binary; international / beyond UK.

For more information and examples of earlier publications, check the website.

Deadline for abstracts: Friday 9 October 2026

• Date: Friday 25 September 2026
• Time: 10.00 to 13.30
• Location: University of Exeter Business School, Creative Quadrant

The Research England funded Developing Business Aware Academics (DBAA) project is partnering with Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) teams from institutions across the UK to deliver this research-industry event. This is an opportunity for PhD students and early-career researchers to meet business professionals who are actively seeking research-informed solutions to address industry challenges.

We are seeking expressions of interest from researchers with expertise in the following areas:
• Sustainable practice
• Leadership and culture
• Marketing
• Digital transformation
• Business strategy

The event will combine short presentations, facilitated networking and interactive discussions designed to spark new ideas and connections.

Participation is free, travel costs will be covered, and lunch is included alongside cakes from the Exploding Bakery.

Find full details of the event and how to sign up on their website

Places are limited and will be assigned according to areas of expertise.

The Dean of the Doctoral College, Professor Stacey Hynd, and the PGR Support Team are pleased to launch a PGR timeline, designed as a visual checklist to signpost and support you from your first day up until your graduation, using the key milestones you will have. The timeline can be found here, pictured in the screenshot below.

If you have any questions about the timeline, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your PGR Support Team.

Date: Thursday 8 October 2026
Time: 11.00-14.00
Location: Mastek UK Head Office and Green Park conference centre, Reading

The Developing Business Aware Academics (DBAA) project is partnering with Mastek, a leading digital engineering company, to host a researcher workplace visit and networking opportunity on Thursday 8 October, at the Mastek UK Head Office in Reading.

The event is free, open to researchers and PhD students with relevant interests, lunch is included and travel costs for attending researchers will be covered.

The development of digital health identity will be explored via discussion on:

• Future directions for UK health policy 
• Healthcare law and regulation - boundaries for implementation and compliance across organisations
• Clinician and patient perspectives - trust and sensitivities
• International precedents for digital health identities and lessons from other sectors

Attending researchers will have the chance to :

· Align their research with industry needs
· Discuss their ideas with Mastek employees
· Lay the foundations for future collaboration

The PGR Community Hub is a collaborative online space for Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Exeter. Posts can be uploaded by PGRs, The Exeter Students' Guild or The Falmouth and Exeter Students' Union, alongside teams that support PGRs such as the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team. Please use this space to discuss ideas, share best practice, ask questions and keep up to date with the latest activities, events and opportunities. Here you can have your voice heard and shape our community and research culture.

Please do not use this channel to advertise/search for rooms to rent; the University has its own Viva Engage channel where you can do this.

Join fellow PGRs in this online space, led by PGRs for PGRs to focus individually on whatever tasks you would like to work on. You can join the PGR Study Space Microsoft Teams Group here.

The PGR Study Space facilitated hours are as and when facilitators are available.

There are unfacilitated sessions outside of these hours so you can fit it around your working patterns.

If you have any queries, please contact Yanira Becerra, PGR Study Space Coordinator, at PGRStudySpace@exeter.ac.uk. 

The Exeter Wellbeing Network is a social group for staff and PGRs run by volunteers, hosting a variety of events to help colleagues based at Streatham, St. Luke's or online to connect with one another. Recurring events include StaffCraft, singing, Walk and Talk and Fika; find the full list on our webpage.

You can also contact us at wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk.

If you are looking for information about activities at Penryn, Falmouth and Truro, please visit the Cornwall Wellbeing Network webpage.

There are a wide range of societies and/or groups that you may like to join, such as the Mature Students Society and the PG Society (Exeter).

Check out the Doctoral College Networks webpage for full information. Don't forget to also take a look at the societies on offer at Exeter Students' Guild and Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union websites, which include a society for international students as well as various sports and interests.

The University has some excellent resources to help with careers. Whether you plan to work in industry, set up your own business, join the third sector, stay in academia, or are not yet sure and want to explore your options, you can find guidance and helpful pointers using these resources:

• PGR Careers Resource – an online resource containing a wealth of PGR-specific information, advice and guidance relevant for all disciplines and career stages. Includes a Career Planning Toolkit where you can personalise the information and create your own Career Plan.
• Career Zone- much of the online content is open to all current Exeter students, including PGRs
• PGR Training & Development Resources SharePoint- contains presentation slides from past training sessions. For career skills, check out the Personal Effectiveness section
• PGR Training and Development Bulletin- find out what courses and opportunities are happening at the University in this monthly newsletter, which all PGRs are signed up to
• PGR Career Planning Guide - a dedicated website to support your career development. This resource provides in-depth information and practical guidance specifically tailored towards postgraduate researchers whether you are thinking about working in academia, industry, self-employment or research.
• Upcoming training courses- our training programme is available to book now

Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. The NHS have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. See their website here.

 

Spectrum.Life
Spectrum.Life provides a confidential telephone, video, and live chat counselling service to help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bereavement and more  (sign up using your University of Exeter email address).. The Spectrum Life web portal offers wellbeing courses, mindfulness, healthy eating resources and online fitness classes to help you to stay well.

Wellbeing Centre
If you would like to speak to PGR Education Welfare Team for Welfare, they can be contacted at welfare.pgr@exeter.ac.uk or tel: 01392 726207. Further wellbeing information, tools and support can be found on our wellbeing webpages.

Mindfulness is a powerful practice of training our attention and an evidence-based way to tackle anxiety, stress and low mood. If you’re interested in exploring more, there is a variety of free internal options available for all colleagues.

Sessions from the internal Mood Disorders Centre mindfulness team include: an eight-week MBCT-L course (2hrs weekly), an eight-week ‘deeper mindfulness’ course for those who’ve completed the MBCT-L course and bespoke ‘healthy mind’ sessions for whole teams, which can be delivered in-person or online.

You may also be interested in trying mindful meditation in 30 min online sessions each Thursday lunchtime. This is a secular practice run by the Chaplaincy.

Details on how you can contact the PGR support team, either via email, telephone or face to face via our hubs (located on all campuses) is available on our contact us webpage.

Remember you can come along and meet the team or to ask any enquiries you might have at either of our helpdesk hubs below at any of our campuses:

The Streatham PGR Hub is open from 10.00 – 15.00 Monday to Friday. The Streatham Hub is situated in the Old Library Ground Floor next to the Quiet Study Space and Bill Douglas Centre.

The St Luke’s PGR Hub is open from 10.00 – 15.00 on a Monday and a Thursday. Students wishing to access the hub should go to the Info at St Luke’s desk and request PGR support, the PGR team will then be called to see you.

The Penryn PGR Support Office is open from 10.00 – 14.00 Monday to Friday. It is based in the Postgraduate Suite in Daphne Du Maurier building 3 (next to the SU and opposite the Stannary).

For enquiries surrounding training and development, please contact the team on: ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk

You can view previous versions of the newsletter here.