New postgraduate researchers

Our website for new researchers is designed to help you navigate the early days of your research degree.

The new postgraduate reseacrcher webpages provide all the information you need to get started, bringing together resources from the main Sussex website in addition to video interviews with Sussex postgraduate researchers and staff, sharing lots of advice on making the most of your time here.

Sussex Researcher School Induction

We were pleased to have welcomed all new PGRs to the Sussex Researcher School (SRS) in February 2024

Our induction events introduced some of the key services that support postgraduate researchers at Sussex, offered a chance to meet other new PGRs and get to know the research community, and provided a space to ask questions of experienced PGRs and staff who support researchers within Schools.

You can see what February 2024's schedule looked like below.

While most of these events were held in person, we know many of you were not on campus in the first few weeks. For those of you who weren't able to join us, recordings and slides of the Sussex Researcher School Induction have been added to our RDP Canvas site. You will also find recordings and slides from induction events from previous years on the RDP Canvas site.

PGR Induction events, February 2024

Sussex Researcher School Induction Wednesday 7 February 2024, 10.30-14.00 - Quiet Room, Meeting House
Are you starting your research degree at Sussex this Spring? Join us for the Sussex Researcher School Induction and get a head start on your PGR journey. The event is designed to be an informal way to find out more about the support available from teams across the University, start to think about the first stage of your research, a chance to ask questions and to connect with fellow researchers.
Registration, coffee and biscuits 10.30-11.00
Icebreaker activity 11.00-11.15
Welcome Session 11.10-12.25 This session will introduce you to the key parts within the University of Sussex that can provide structure and support for you throughout your PGR studies. You’ll also learn more about the key source of structure and support, your supervisor/s, and how to ensure that your relationship is placed on a firm footing.
Networking Lunch 12.25-13.05 Find out about the various services around campus, chat to staff, and get to know other new researchers over food and refreshments.
Workshop on developing a Personal Development Plan 13.05-14.00 The Personal Development Plan (also called a Training Needs Analysis) is a key document that you will revisit throughout your research degree. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn about the concept, purpose and benefits of developing a PDP and have a go at writing your own, with help from your peers. The session will also provide suggestions for training and development during your PGR journey.
Hive Scholars Welcome 17:00-19:00, the Hive Space (the Library) Meet the Research Hive Scholars, three researchers who support the PGR community at Sussex and manage the Hive space with the Library. Further details to follow.

Sussex Researcher School Induction

Wednesday 7 February 2024, 10.30-14.00 - Quiet Room, Meeting House

Are you starting your research degree at Sussex this Spring? Join us for the Sussex Researcher School Induction and get a head start on your PGR journey.

The event is designed to be an informal way to find out more about the support available from teams across the University, start to think about the first stage of your research, a chance to ask questions and to connect with fellow researchers.

Registration, coffee and biscuits

10.30-11.00

Icebreaker activity

11.00-11.15

Welcome Session

11.10-12.25

This session will introduce you to the key parts within the University of Sussex that can provide structure and support for you throughout your PGR studies. You’ll also learn more about the key source of structure and support, your supervisor/s, and how to ensure that your relationship is placed on a firm footing.

Networking Lunch

12.25-13.05

Find out about the various services around campus, chat to staff, and get to know other new researchers over food and refreshments.

Workshop on developing a Personal Development Plan

13.05-14.00

The Personal Development Plan (also called a Training Needs Analysis) is a key document that you will revisit throughout your research degree.

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn about the concept, purpose and benefits of developing a PDP and have a go at writing your own, with help from your peers. The session will also provide suggestions for training and development during your PGR journey.

Hive Scholars Welcome

17:00-19:00, the Hive Space (the Library)

Meet the Research Hive Scholars, three researchers who support the PGR community at Sussex and manage the Hive space with the Library. Further details to follow.

Starting your Research Degree panel
Starting Your Research Degree panel Thursday 8 February 2024, 13:00- 14:15 - online via Zoom Make a successful start to your research degree with this online panel discussion developed to prepare you for the journey ahead. Panellists will include Research and Enterprise Coordinators and Directors of Doctoral Studies, who support PGRs within the Schools, alongside later-stage PGRs who can share their experiences of sitting where you are now! You'll have the opportunity to discuss your hopes and worries with other new researchers, then come together to put questions to the panel. We'll address issues such as managing your research, first year milestones, working with your supervisor, training and development, and dealing with any challenges that come your way.

Starting your Research Degree panel

Starting Your Research Degree panel

Thursday 8 February 2024, 13:00- 14:15 - online via Zoom

Make a successful start to your research degree with this online panel discussion developed to prepare you for the journey ahead. Panellists will include Research and Enterprise Coordinators and Directors of Doctoral Studies, who support PGRs within the Schools, alongside later-stage PGRs who can share their experiences of sitting where you are now!

You'll have the opportunity to discuss your hopes and worries with other new researchers, then come together to put questions to the panel. We'll address issues such as managing your research, first year milestones, working with your supervisor, training and development, and dealing with any challenges that come your way.

PGR Essentials
PGR Essentials: Careers and Entrepreneurship Friday 9 February 2024, 15.30-16.30- online via Zoom This participative event promotes the University's Careers and Entrepreneurship services. You’ll find out how the Sussex Careers team supports researchers and explore various career destinations for PGRs, including setting up your own business or social enterprise. It's never too early to start thinking about what you're aiming for after your degree!
PGR Essentials: Introduction to Ethics Tuesday 6 February 2024, 14.00-15.00- online via Zoom Join Tim Parkinson from the University's Ethics team for a brief introduction to the ethics review process and how to start thinking ethically about your research from the outset. There will be a short presentation after which we encourage you to ask questions relating to ethics and your research.
PGR Essentials: Introduction to the Library Thursday 8 February 2024 15:00-16:00 - online via Zoom One of the first things to do when you start your research degree is get to know your friendly local librarian! Find out about the collections and discovery tools you can access at Sussex, the tailored services available from the Research Support team, and the dedicated Hive study space for researchers.

PGR Essentials

PGR Essentials: Careers and Entrepreneurship

Friday 9 February 2024, 15.30-16.30- online via Zoom

This participative event promotes the University's Careers and Entrepreneurship services. You’ll find out how the Sussex Careers team supports researchers and explore various career destinations for PGRs, including setting up your own business or social enterprise. It's never too early to start thinking about what you're aiming for after your degree!

PGR Essentials: Introduction to Ethics

Tuesday 6 February 2024, 14.00-15.00- online via Zoom

Join Tim Parkinson from the University's Ethics team for a brief introduction to the ethics review process and how to start thinking ethically about your research from the outset. There will be a short presentation after which we encourage you to ask questions relating to ethics and your research.

PGR Essentials: Introduction to the Library

Thursday 8 February 2024 15:00-16:00 - online via Zoom

One of the first things to do when you start your research degree is get to know your friendly local librarian! Find out about the collections and discovery tools you can access at Sussex, the tailored services available from the Research Support team, and the dedicated Hive study space for researchers.