- Latest Doctoral College updates for PGR students
- PGR Student Conference 2025
- Doctoral College study space (L280)
- Doctoral College Handbook 2025/26
- Researcher Development Programme (RDP) updates
- Researcher Development Programme (RDP) events
- The Brilliant Club
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- PGR Student Representatives Forum
Latest Doctoral College updates for PGR students
Check this page regularly for the latest news, events, opportunities and resources for postgraduate research (PGR) students.
PGR Student Conference 2025
The PGR Student Conference is an opportunity to share your research, connect with other researchers and learn from the wider PGR community.
Book your place: PGR Student Conference 2025 booking form
Doctoral College study space (L280)
L280 is a dedicated study and collaboration space for PGR students in the de Havilland Learning Resources Centre (LRC).
To book the room, email research-degrees@herts.ac.uk.
To check availability before visiting, view the weekly timetable in the Doctoral College Space channel on the PGR Community Microsoft Teams site.
Doctoral College Handbook 2025/26
The Doctoral College Handbook includes key information about:
- Research degree study
- Researcher Development Programme (RDP)
- Regulations and procedures
- Student support services
- Research student opportunities
Researcher Development Programme (RDP) updates
Funding has been secured to enhance the Researcher Development Programme (RDP).
The first phase of this project is the development of a Qualitative Methodology Resource Index, which will be available through the RDP Canvas site.
If you would like to find out more or contribute to the project, contact Dr Jed Hopkins.
Researcher Development Programme (RDP) events
The Researcher Development Programme (RDP) supports your research degree and future career by helping you develop research and transferable skills. It is open to all research students and is free to attend.
You can:
- Attend online and on-campus sessions
- Learn from internal and external experts
- Develop research, professional and career skills
- Connect with researchers from across the University
You can browse and book sessions via RSMS.
Find out more about RDP events and how to book on the RDP HertsHub site.
The Brilliant Club
The University has partnered with The Brilliant Club, a charity that helps widen access to higher education.
Selected PhD students can:
- Receive training in research communication and teaching
- Develop skills in widening participation
- Deliver programmes for pupils in UK state schools
- Be paid for taking part
To find out more, email research-degrees@herts.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can my assessment meeting or viva be online?
Yes. Assessment meetings and final examination vivas can be held online or in person.
For viva enquiries, contact doctoralcollegeexams@herts.ac.uk.
2. How do I submit for final examination?
Please email a PDF of your final submission to doctoralcollegeexams@herts.ac.uk and complete your candidate declaration form on RSMS.
3. How can I arrange supervision meetings?
Contact your supervisory team directly to arrange meetings.
Meetings can take place:
- In person
- By phone
- On Microsoft Teams or other online platforms
You can record meeting notes and agreed actions in RSMS.
4. Where can I get help and support?
You can get support from:
- Your supervisory team
- Your Research Tutor
- Associate Directors of the Doctoral College
- The Doctoral College team
- Student Wellbeing
- The Office of the Dean of Students
PGR Student Representatives Forum
Student representatives help share feedback and raise issues with the Doctoral College's senior management team.
You can:
- Become a student representative
- Contact your current representatives
- Attend forum meetings
- Share feedback about the PGR student experience
For more information, email research-degrees@herts.ac.uk or visit the Student Forum channel on the PGR Community Microsoft Teams site.