OU PGR experience artwork unveiled

Yesterday at February PhD induction, we unveiled this gorgeous new illustration by OU Graduate School alumna, the incredibly talented Dr Vicky Bowskill. The artwork captures the PGR experience from both an official and a lived perspective, and highlights key sources of support. Vicky developed it in collaboration with the Graduate School and a Neurodiverse PGR focus group, with the aim of representing complex information in a memorable and friendly way. 

Please feel free to download, print, colour in and annotate!

Outline jpg

Outline png

Colour jpg

Colour png

Figure description:
“The Open University PGR Experience” shown as three illustrated columns.

Column 1 – The Process:
A visual timeline of milestones: Registration (MPhil) → Upgrade (“mini viva”, 1 year FT / 2 years PT) → Annual PhD re‑registration → Progress reviews (6–12 monthly) → 3‑month notice to submit → Thesis → Viva voce → Corrections (none/minor/major) → Resubmission → Awesome Thesis. Separate icons also show Research Degree Regulations and Student Handbook.

Column 2 – Your Support Ecosystem:
A central stick figure linked to: supervisor(s), 3rd party monitor, Researcher Development Skills, IT, Library, faculty admin, peers and groups, Disability Support, and the Graduate School.

Column 3 – The Real Process:
Meandering arrows linking reminders and realities: variation by faculty, funding, or study mode; request adjustments early; don’t panic (study breaks, mode changes, extensions); imposter syndrome (“you do belong”); hang in there; it’s your journey; exam panels take time; ending with a stick figure in a mortarboard labelled “PhDone.”