QUEST: PGR Development Programme

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

We cover the following topics (suggested timeline):  

• Starting your PhD with Confidence (First Year of PhD, typically within the first 6 months of a full-time PhD)
• Developing Good Supervisor Relationships (First Year of PhD, typically within the first 9 months)
• Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning for PGRs (First Year of PhD, but can be taken at any point)
• Your Viva (Priority given to First Year prior to Transfer; Final Year prior to Final Viva)
• Navigating your Independent Research Journey (Second Year of PhD, typically between 12 and 18 months of a full-time PhD)
• Understanding Research Ethics (At any time during your PhD)
• Presentation Skills (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)
• Exploring Leadership for PGRs (Third Year of PhD onwards)

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

• Starting your PhD with Confidence (2 in person; 2 online)
• Developing Good Supervisor relationships (2 in person; 2 online)
• Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning for PGRs (3 online)
• Your Viva (3 in person; 3 online)
• Navigating your Independent Research Journey (2 in person; 1 online)
• Understanding Research Ethics (2 in person; 2 online)
• Presentation Skills (3 online)
• What does Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) mean to me? (1 in person; 2 online)
• Building External Research Partnerships (3 online)
• Exploring Leadership for PGRs (2 in person)

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.

24 September, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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.

8 October, 1pm to 2pm

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.

14 October, 10am to 12pm

Starting a PhD is an exciting but significant transition. This interactive workshop will help you explore what it means to become a postgraduate researcher, develop confidence in your new role, and begin to shape your researcher identity.

Through interactive activities and guided reflection, you will explore your values and strengths, discover the research communities, support networks and development opportunities available at Leeds, and connect with other new PGRs. You will leave with practical next steps to help you navigate the early stages of your doctorate and make the most of your PhD.

4 November, 1pm to 3pm

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 November, 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.

12 November, 10am to 12pm

Starting a PhD is an exciting but significant transition. This interactive workshop will help you explore what it means to become a postgraduate researcher, develop confidence in your new role, and begin to shape your researcher identity.

Through interactive activities and guided reflection, you will explore your values and strengths, discover the research communities, support networks and development opportunities available at Leeds, and connect with other new PGRs. You will leave with practical next steps to help you navigate the early stages of your doctorate and make the most of your PhD.

18 November, 10am to 12:30pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisory team is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, build effective working relationships, and develop practical communication skills.

Through case studies, discussion and LinkedIn AI role-play, you will explore trust within supervisory relationships and practise strategies for assertive communication, responding to feedback and navigating common supervisory challenges. You will leave with practical steps to strengthen your supervisory relationships and communicate more confidently throughout your doctorate.

25 November, 1pm to 3pm

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) encourages researchers to consider the wider implications of their work and how research can create value for society in an ethical and responsible way.

This interactive workshop will introduce the principles of RRI and practical ways to apply them to your own research. You will explore the UKRI AREA framework, map stakeholders relevant to your research, and consider the broader societal, ethical and policy implications of your work.

26 November, 10am to 12pm

Developing as an independent researcher is a key part of your doctoral journey. Designed primarily for PGRs following transfer, this interactive workshop will help you explore what research independence means to you and take intentional steps towards your future development.

Through activities and guided reflection, you will explore how your values, motivations and networks can shape your development and career choices, consider research careers within academia and beyond, and identify environments that align with your goals. You will leave with practical actions and resources to support your continued development as an independent researcher.

8 December, 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.

10 December, 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.

15 December, 2pm to 3:30pm

Building strong external partnerships can enhance the quality, relevance and impact of your research. This practical workshop will help you identify and prioritise external stakeholders, understand their needs, and communicate the value of your research to different audiences.

Through interactive activities, you will map potential stakeholders, use the Value Proposition Canvas to develop a clear value proposition, and identify practical next steps for building meaningful external partnerships.

16 December, 10am to 12:30pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisory team is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, build effective working relationships, and develop practical communication skills.

Through case studies, discussion and LinkedIn AI role-play, you will explore trust within supervisory relationships and practise strategies for assertive communication, responding to feedback and navigating common supervisory challenges. You will leave with practical steps to strengthen your supervisory relationships and communicate more confidently throughout your doctorate.

14 January, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

4 February, 1pm to 2pm

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.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

11 February, 10am to 12pm

Starting a PhD is an exciting but significant transition. This interactive workshop will help you explore what it means to become a postgraduate researcher, develop confidence in your new role, and begin to shape your researcher identity.

Through interactive activities and guided reflection, you will explore your values and strengths, discover the research communities, support networks and development opportunities available at Leeds, and connect with other new PGRs. You will leave with practical next steps to help you navigate the early stages of your doctorate and make the most of your PhD.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

24 February, 1pm to 3pm

Developing as an independent researcher is a key part of your doctoral journey. Designed primarily for PGRs following transfer, this interactive workshop will help you explore what research independence means to you and take intentional steps towards your future development.

Through activities and guided reflection, you will explore how your values, motivations and networks can shape your development and career choices, consider research careers within academia and beyond, and identify environments that align with your goals. You will leave with practical actions and resources to support your continued development as an independent researcher.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

4 March, 1pm to 3pm

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) encourages researchers to consider the wider implications of their work and how research can create value for society in an ethical and responsible way.

This interactive workshop will introduce the principles of RRI and practical ways to apply them to your own research. You will explore the UKRI AREA framework, map stakeholders relevant to your research, and consider the broader societal, ethical and policy implications of your work.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

16 March, 10am to 11:30am

Building strong external partnerships can enhance the quality, relevance and impact of your research. This practical workshop will help you identify and prioritise external stakeholders, understand their needs, and communicate the value of your research to different audiences.

Through interactive activities, you will map potential stakeholders, use the Value Proposition Canvas to develop a clear value proposition, and identify practical next steps for building meaningful external partnerships.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

18 March, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

22 March, 10am to 12:30pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisory team is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, build effective working relationships, and develop practical communication skills.

Through case studies, discussion and LinkedIn AI role-play, you will explore trust within supervisory relationships and practise strategies for assertive communication, responding to feedback and navigating common supervisory challenges. You will leave with practical steps to strengthen your supervisory relationships and communicate more confidently throughout your doctorate.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

23 March, 11am to 12pm

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.

Bookings will be open in December 2026.

13 April, 10am to 12pm

Starting a PhD is an exciting but significant transition. This interactive workshop will help you explore what it means to become a postgraduate researcher, develop confidence in your new role, and begin to shape your researcher identity.

Through interactive activities and guided reflection, you will explore your values and strengths, discover the research communities, support networks and development opportunities available at Leeds, and connect with other new PGRs. You will leave with practical next steps to help you navigate the early stages of your doctorate and make the most of your PhD.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

20 April, 10am to 12pm

Developing as an independent researcher is a key part of your doctoral journey. Designed primarily for PGRs following transfer, this interactive workshop will help you explore what research independence means to you and take intentional steps towards your future development.

Through activities and guided reflection, you will explore how your values, motivations and networks can shape your development and career choices, consider research careers within academia and beyond, and identify environments that align with your goals. You will leave with practical actions and resources to support your continued development as an independent researcher.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

25 November, 1pm to 3pm

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) encourages researchers to consider the wider implications of their work and how research can create value for society in an ethical and responsible way.

This interactive workshop will introduce the principles of RRI and practical ways to apply them to your own research. You will explore the UKRI AREA framework, map stakeholders relevant to your research, and consider the broader societal, ethical and policy implications of your work.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

4 May, 1pm to 2pm

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.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

6 May, 10am to 11:30am

Building strong external partnerships can enhance the quality, relevance and impact of your research. This practical workshop will help you identify and prioritise external stakeholders, understand their needs, and communicate the value of your research to different audiences.

Through interactive activities, you will map potential stakeholders, use the Value Proposition Canvas to develop a clear value proposition, and identify practical next steps for building meaningful external partnerships.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

13 May, 10am to 12:00pm

Building a strong relationship with your supervisory team is key to a successful doctoral journey. This interactive workshop will help you explore expectations of supervision, build effective working relationships, and develop practical communication skills.

Through case studies, discussion and LinkedIn AI role-play, you will explore trust within supervisory relationships and practise strategies for assertive communication, responding to feedback and navigating common supervisory challenges. You will leave with practical steps to strengthen your supervisory relationships and communicate more confidently throughout your doctorate.

Bookings will be open in March 2027.

3 June, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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.

Bookings will be open in March 2026.

8 June, 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.

Bookings will be open in March 2026.

15 June, 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.

Bookings will be open in March 2026.

13 July, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

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.

Bookings will be open in March 2026.