QUEST: PGR Development Programme

QUEST is for postgraduate researchers who are working towards their PhD.

We cover the following topics (suggested timeline):  

• Developing Good Supervisor Relationships (First Year of PhD, typically within the first 9 months)
• Research Culture: Values & Belonging (First Year of PhD, typically within the first 9 months)
• Your Viva (Priority given to First Year prior to Transfer; Final Year prior to Final Viva) 
• Presentation Skills (At any time during your PhD)
• Leadership Skills for PGRs (Third Year of PhD onwards)
• Understanding Research Ethics (At any time during your PhD)
• What does Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) mean to me? (At any time during your PhD)
• Building External Research Partnerships (At any time during your PhD)
• Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning for PGRs (First Year of PhD, but can be taken at any point)

The QUEST Programme runs in three cycles: Sept to Dec; Jan to March; April to July

• Your Viva (4 in person; 2 online)
• Research Culture: Values & Belonging (3 in person; 2 online)
• Developing Good Supervisor relationships (3 in person; 2 online)
• Presentation Skills (2 in person; 2 online)
• Leadership Skills for PGRs (Parts 1 and 2) (1 in person)
• Understanding Research Ethics (2 in person; 1 online)
• What does Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) mean to me? (2 in person; 1 online)
• Building External Research Partnerships (2 in person; 1 online)
• Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning for PGRs (3 online)

When you sign up for a QUEST workshop, you’re not just booking a place — you’re joining a shared learning space.
Our Sign Up, Show Up ethos is about mutual respect, clear communication, and making the most of every opportunity.

Key Principles:

• Sign up with intention
  Only book sessions you know you can attend. Cancel early if your plans change.
• Show up on early to start on time, stay for the duration
  Starting together keeps focus and flow. Let us know if you’ll be late or need to leave early.
• Respect others’ time and experience
  Every place is valuable. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows prevent others from taking part.
• Prioritise your development
  Plan ahead with your supervisor, and make space for training alongside your research.
• Support an inclusive environment
  Listen actively, share constructively, and respect all voices.

By embracing “Sign Up, Show Up”, we create a culture that is supportive, respectful, and accessible — where every researcher can thrive.

14 April, 11am to 12pm

Delivering clear and engaging presentations is a vital skill for researchers. This practical workshop will help you plan, design, and deliver presentations that connect with your audience and communicate your key messages with confidence.

You will explore how to structure your content, design accessible and engaging slides, and practise strategies for confident delivery, including managing nerves and handling questions effectively.

30 April, 1pm to 3:30pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisors is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, reflect on how to establish positive working relationships, and develop proactive approaches to your doctoral study.

Through group discussions and activities, you will compare perspectives on supervision, consider how to build trust and communicate effectively, and develop strategies to address challenges constructively. The session is delivered face-to-face to encourage peer support, informal discussion, and practical advice.

7 May, 10am to 12pm

Research culture is the environment in which your research takes place. It includes the ways we collaborate and communicate, the behaviours, values, and expectations that shape the research process, and the mechanisms by which work is recognised and rewarded.

This workshop will help you reflect on your own values, explore how they shape your research environment and career, and consider how you can positively influence the culture around you. Through group discussion, you will also share perspectives with other researchers from across the university.

13 May, 10am to 12:30pm

This interactive workshop introduces the core principles of research ethics through case studies and group discussion. You will explore how ethical frameworks, governance, and research integrity support good research practice, and see the ethics review process reframed as a supportive step rather than a hurdle.

The session includes a live demonstration of the Phoenix online ethics system, with time for Q&A to build your confidence in navigating ethical approval.

14 May, 10am to 12pm

This workshop is designed to prepare you for your viva by offering a practical experience of answering viva questions and reflecting on your performance. It covers both the transfer viva stage and the final doctoral viva.

This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the viva process.

This session is aimed at postgraduate researchers who are approaching their transfer or final doctoral viva (typically within the next few months).

As places are limited, we ask participants to register only if their viva is approaching, so that those preparing imminently can be prioritised.

19 May, 10am to 11am

LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of tools to support your personal and professional growth. In this interactive online session, you will learn how to navigate the platform, personalise your learning journey, and use features such as Skill Evaluation, My Career Journey, and Role Guides.

You will also discover how to showcase your development with certificates, practise real-world conversations with AI Role Play, and work towards professional certifications. By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident using LinkedIn Learning to support your career anytime, anywhere.

20 May, 1:30pm to 4pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisors is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, reflect on how to establish positive working relationships, and develop proactive approaches to your doctoral study.

Through group discussions and activities, you will compare perspectives on supervision, consider how to build trust and communicate effectively, and develop strategies to address challenges constructively. The session is delivered face-to-face to encourage peer support, informal discussion, and practical advice.

3 June, 10am to 12pm

This workshop is designed to prepare you for your viva by offering a practical experience of answering viva questions and reflecting on your performance. It covers both the transfer viva stage and the final doctoral viva.

This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the viva process.

This session is aimed at postgraduate researchers who are approaching their transfer or final doctoral viva (typically within the next few months).

As places are limited, we ask participants to register only if their viva is approaching, so that those preparing imminently can be prioritised.

10 June, 2pm to 4pm

Research culture is the environment in which your research takes place. It includes the ways we collaborate and communicate, the behaviours, values, and expectations that shape the research process, and the mechanisms by which work is recognised and rewarded.

This workshop will help you reflect on your own values, explore how they shape your research environment and career, and consider how you can positively influence the culture around you. Through group discussion, you will also share perspectives with other researchers from across the university.

24 June, 2pm to 4pm

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is about ensuring that research is conducted in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with societal needs. It encourages researchers to anticipate impacts, engage stakeholders, and promote transparency throughout the research process.

This workshop will introduce the principles of RRI and show you how to apply them in practice. You will explore the UKRI AREA framework, map stakeholders relevant to your research, and reflect on the broader societal and policy context of your work.

8 July, 1pm to 2:30pm

Building strong external partnerships is an essential skill for researchers who want to extend the reach and impact of their work. This practical workshop will help you identify and connect with external stakeholders, prioritise opportunities for collaboration, and develop a clear value proposition.

Through interactive activities, you will map potential stakeholders, practise using the Value Proposition Canvas tool, and create an action plan to begin building meaningful partnerships that support your research goals.