Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2023 update

The OU participates in the national Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) every two years. PRES is a valuable way of finding out PGRs’ views about important aspects of their research degree programme. We last participated in PRES 2023 and briefed PGRs on results and planned actions in the All-PGR Town Hall meeting.

PRES details and next steps 

Please note that all documents relating to PRES are for discussion within the University only.

• Some of you asked for more details of the results and you can find them here: PRES 2023 results (pdf). 
• For a narrative explanation of PRES 2023 results and actions, please view: PRES 2023 report (pdf). 

The next step is to finalise a University-wide action plan that includes all Faculty actions. Draft Faculty action plans have been submitted to Research Degrees Committee; these include:  

• clearer expectations of engagement for all PGRs and those who support them, including where in-person experience is desirable 
• suggested ‘All In’ days for greater campus presence across Faculty 
• greater inclusion of PGRS in research groups/seminars 
• greater emphasis on regular supervisor training 
• continuing to offer teaching scheme across Faculties 
• outreach initiatives such as research talks to public audiences. 

Progress against Graduate School action plan 

Culture and community: 

• Graduate School Director met with Senior Team at the University (26 February) to discuss PRES results and the importance of research environment; there was widespread support for PGR students, from the University leadership. 
• Cross-Faculty online and face-to-face writing groups promoted to PGRs. 

Wellbeing and inclusivity: 

• The first PGR cohort has completed its 8-week peer support group facilitated by a Mental Health Advisor and Academic advisor; based on the feedback we receive from the group we plan to run more cohorts. 
• Initial meeting with legal experts consulting on the OU’s interpretation of UKVI sponsorship guidance in February; we will revisit our Academic Engagement and Attendance policy as a result, aiming to balance flexibility and empathy with clarity and effective support. 
• Draft role specification for an International PGR Support role (suggested at 4 days a month at peak times) discussed at PGR Liaison Group and will shortly be advertised for applicants.  

Campus: 

• Offer of student accommodation at Cranfield campus negotiated and offered to PGRs.  

Supervision: 

• A survey of supervisors and their views on the current research environment was made in November 2023 – initial analysis of results shows a varied picture across the Faculties and modes of programme.