Our guide to being a PGR

The University of St Andrews provides multiple sources of support and guidance for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) - but the quantity of information may make it hard to navigate. Over the next few pages, we'll provide details of the support on offer, and how you can make the most of your time at the University. As well as providing links and advice, we've asked current and former PGR students to give their input, which you can see on the various videos provided.

Meet our PGR students past and present

>> DR SARAH GHARIB SAIF: I'm Dr Sarah Gharib Saif, I did my PhD here at the University of St Andrews, in IR, International Relations. My PhD looks at the relationship between the media and the government when it comes to narratives about terrorism.

>> XI LIN: I'm Xi, I'm having my undergraduate here studying biochemistry, and currently I'm having my masters degree here studying molecular biology.

>> MADDY HAYWOOD: My name is Maddy Haywood, I currently work in the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) at the university here. I was previously a postgraduate research student doing a masters of research.

>> ESTHER ZITTERL: Hi everybody, my name's Esther, I'm a first year PhD student. I just moved here. I'm originally Austrian, I did my masters in Paris. I'm actually at the school of English and I look at British post-colonial literature.

We've separated our information into several pages, each of which is listed below. Read through them in order, or skip to the section which you think will help you the most.

What skills can you develop as a PGR student?

  • Seeking out opportunities
  • Teamwork and Communication Skills
  • Technical, problem-solving and other research skills
  • Social responsibility
  • Networking
  • Workshops available to help develop your skills

Teaching as a PGR

  • Teaching experience
  • Being both staff and student

The Writing Process

  • Starting the writing process.
  • Working with supervisors

The Viva

  • Preparing for your viva
  • What to expect before, during and after your viva
  • Previous student experiences of the viva process

Community

  • Integrating within the community
  • Societies and networks
  • Carers, Commuters, Mature, and Flexible Learners (CCMFL)
  • Research communities

Practical Information

  • Part-time vs full-time study.
  • Returning to study after a break.
  • Research away from St Andrews.
  • Commuting.
  • Communication.
  • CCMFL: Carers, Commuters, Mature and Flexible Learners' Forum.
  • Transport.

Begin - What skills can you develop as a PGR student?