- Postgraduate Research (PGR) student FAQs
- Your University account, password and email
- What do I get as a PGR student?
- I studied at Herts before. Will I get a new account?
- I'm also a member of staff. Do I need a separate student account?
- How do I receive my University account details?
- When can I use my account?
- How do I change my password?
- Do I need multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
- Will I receive a University email address?
- Will I need different passwords for different systems?
- Your PGR student ID card
- How do I get a PGR student ID card?
- I have more than one role at the University. Which ID card do I need?
- How do I update my personal details?
- Communications and HertsHub
- How will the University contact me?
- What is HertsHub?
- Library resources and study support (Learning Resources Centres LRCs)
- I'm new to research. Where can I get help?
- What library services are available?
- How many books can I borrow?
- Are there dedicated study spaces for PGR students?
- How do I access Turnitin?
- When are Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) open and what services are available there?
- Computing, software and Microsoft 365
- How do I connect to Wi-Fi on campus?
- Will the University provide a computer?
- How do I access the VPN?
- What software can I use?
- Do PGR students get Microsoft 365?
- I need specialist software for my research. What should I do?
- Printing services
- Where can I access printing services?
- Research systems and RSMS
- What is RSMS?
- How do I access RSMS?
- What research systems can I access?
- Data storage and research files
- Where should I store my research files?
- I'm both a member of staff and a PGR student. Should I keep files separate?
- What happens to my files when I leave Herts?
- Careers and training
- How do I book training courses?
- Can I access Careers and Employment support?
- Can I apply for a parking permit?
- Can I apply for University accommodation?
- Will I become a Herts alumnus when I finish?
- Get help and support
- Further information
Postgraduate Research (PGR) student FAQs
This page answers common questions about University services for Postgraduate Research (PGR) students.
It covers your University account, email, ID card, library access, software, research systems, data storage and support services.
For information about your research programme, regulations and milestones, refer to the Doctoral College resources.
Your University account, password and email
What do I get as a PGR student?
As a PGR student you will have:
- access to University systems and services
- opportunities to collaborate with the University research community
- a University email account, typically in the format initial.surname@herts.ac.uk
I studied at Herts before. Will I get a new account?
If it has been less than four years since your previous studies ended, your previous student account will normally be reinstated as your PGR account.
Following registration, you will receive details of your account by email.
I'm also a member of staff. Do I need a separate student account?
Yes. PGR students who are also staff members require a separate PGR student account.
How do I receive my University account details?
Once you have accepted your offer, the Helpdesk will contact you using the personal email address held on your student record.
You will receive:
- A request to set up your University login account.
- A confirmation email once setup is complete.
- After registration, you can update your personal email address through Student Record.
When can I use my account?
You can normally access Student Record immediately after setup.
Some University systems may take up to 48 hours before they become available.
How do I change my password?
Visit the Your University login account page on Ask Herts.
Do I need Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Yes. MFA provides an additional layer of security for your account. PGR students are required to use MFA to access University systems. [Multi | SharePoint]
Find out more on the Ask Herts MFA page.
Will I receive a University email address?
Yes. You will receive an official Herts email account in the format:
Will I need different passwords for different systems?
Most University services use single sign-on, meaning the same username and password are used across systems.
Some specialist software provided by Schools may use separate login arrangements.
For account-related queries contact:
Your PGR student ID card
How do I get a PGR student ID card?
PGR student ID cards are available from an Ask Hub on either campus.
The PGR ID card is orange.
See the Student ID Cards page for collection information.
I have more than one role at the University. Which ID card do I need?
- Staff member and PGR student
You should keep both your staff ID card and your orange PGR ID card.
- PGR student only
You need an orange PGR ID card.
- PGR student and taught student
You will usually only need your PGR ID card unless separate library loans, printing allocations or access permissions are required.
- Moving between roles
You may need to exchange your card when changing between staff, taught student and PGR student status.
- How do I access buildings, rooms and laboratories?
Your PGR ID card provides access to approved areas.
Your School or supervisor will arrange any specialist access requirements.
Always carry your ID card while on campus.
How do I update my personal details?
You can update your contact information and personal details through Student Record.
Visit the Your Student Record page on Ask Herts.
Communications and HertsHub
How will the University contact me?
The University communicates mainly by email, so check your University email account regularly.
You may also receive updates from:
- your School
- the Doctoral College
- your Research Team
- University news channels
Find out more about how the University communicates with you.
What is HertsHub?
HertsHub is the University's staff intranet.
As a PGR student you may be directed to HertsHub for research information, researcher development activities and research support services. The Doctoral College also provides dedicated resources for research students.
Find information here for early career researchers and support available from the Research and Scholarly Communications (RSC) Team.
Library resources and study support (Learning Resources Centres LRCs)
I'm new to research. Where can I get help?
Library SkillUP helps you develop skills in:
- finding information
- searching academic literature
- critical reading
- evaluating sources
- referencing
It is particularly useful if you are returning to study or undertaking research for the first time.
What library services are available?
Ask Herts provides information on:
- Library catalogue
- Book borrowing
- How to find books and e-books in Library Search
- How to find and read the full text of a journal article in Library Search
- Accessing Herts Library Resources from off-campus and Athens accounts
- Interlibrary loans (ILLs)
- Request a scan
- Additional online information resources for your subject
- How to find theses
- Referencing
- Support from your Academic Liaison Librarian
How many books can I borrow?
As a PGR student you can:
- borrow up to 25 items
- benefit from automatic renewals every seven days (unless another user requests the item)
- access unlimited interlibrary loans
Are there dedicated study spaces for PGR students?
Yes.
Available spaces include:
- Room L280 in the de Havilland LRC, managed by the Doctoral College
- Dedicated postgraduate group study rooms on the ground floor of R block on the de Havilland campus
How do I access Turnitin?
Visit the Turnitin page on Ask Herts.
When are Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) open and what services are available there?
Find out about the opening times and available services on our LRC page
Find out about accessing resources at other libraries and the SCONUL Access Scheme
Computing, software and Microsoft 365
How do I connect to Wi-Fi on campus?
Use eduroam, which is the recommended wireless service for staff and students.
Will the University provide a computer?
This depends on your School and research programme.
You can also use:
How do I access the VPN?
Use the University's Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to access protected services remotely.
Your PGR account provides access to the staff network through VPN.
What software can I use?
You have access to:
- software installed on University PCs
- software available through remote desktop services
- specialist software provided by your School where applicable
Do PGR students get Microsoft 365?
Yes.
PGR students have access to:
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Teams
- downloadable Microsoft applications for personal devices
PGR Teams accounts also include audio and video calling features.
I need specialist software for my research. What should I do?
Speak to your supervisor or School first.
Software may already be available through:
- specialist laboratories
- high-specification LRC PCs
- remote desktop services
Where additional licences are required
Printing services
Where can I access printing services?
Self-service printing, copying and scanning facilities are available across campus and within the LRCs.
For larger or professionally finished work, contact Document Services.
Information on printing on campus
Research systems and RSMS
What is RSMS?
The Research Degrees Supervision Management System (RSMS) provides secure access to your research degree record, milestones and research supervision processes.
How do I access RSMS?
- Visit rsms.herts.ac.uk
- Sign in using your Herts username and password
- Access quick-start guides, how-to guides and FAQs if you need support
What research systems can I access?
UH Research Archive (UHRA)
PGR students can access the University Research Archive (UHRA).
Research Information System (RIS)
PGR students do not normally have direct access to RIS because of licensing restrictions.
If you publish research outputs, ask a supervisor or academic colleague with RIS access to deposit them on your behalf.
For advice contact:
Data storage and research files
Where should I store my research files?
You can store files using:
- OneDrive
- If you need to access the X-drive (shared departmental storage) your local X-drive 'owner' will need to submit an X-drive group access rights form (available on HertsHub)
- R-Drive (where applicable)
Your supervisor or School will advise on the most suitable storage location for your research data.
Find out more on our storage and security page on HertsHub
I'm both a member of staff and a PGR student. Should I keep files separate?
Yes.
You should keep staff and PGR materials separate wherever possible.
For example:
- store research degree work in your PGR account
- store employment-related files in your staff account
What happens to my files when I leave Herts?
Your University account closes six months after your official leaving date.
After closure:
- emails cannot be recovered
- saved files cannot be recovered
Make sure you download any personal files before your account closes.
Careers and training
How do I book training courses?
Contact:
for Researcher Development Programme training requests.
Can I access Careers and Employment support?
Yes.
PGR students can access the University's Careers and Employment service and related support through Ask Herts.
Can I apply for a parking permit?
Yes.
Refer to the student parking information page on Ask Herts for eligibility and application information.
Accommodation
Can I apply for University accommodation?
Yes.
Once you have:
- a Student ID number
- a conditional or unconditional offer
you can apply for accommodation.
PGR students are encouraged to apply as postgraduate applicants so they can be housed alongside other mature students where possible.
Alumni
Will I become a Herts alumnus when I finish?
Yes.
Students who receive a final University award become members of the Herts Alumni community and can access alumni benefits.
Get help and support
|
If you need help with |
Contact |
|
Research programme and supervision |
Your supervisor |
|
RSMS and research degree processes |
|
|
Technical problems and University accounts |
Helpdesk |
|
Publishing and research outputs |
|
|
Library resources and academic skills |
Helpdesk or an Academic Liaison Librarian |
Further information
You can find additional information through: