Tuesday 23-06-2026 - 15:14

How the Students’ Union, the Doctoral College, and Postgraduate Research (PGR) students are working together 

PGR students play a vital role in the academic life of UWTSD. They contribute to research culture, teaching innovation, and external partnerships across multiple campuses. Yet, for a long time, many PGR students have told us the same thing: their voices are harder to hear, and their feedback does not always reach the right places. 

“As a PGR student myself, I have seen first-hand how isolating the research experience can be. Unlike taught students, PGRs often work independently, study part-time or at a distance, and are spread across multiple campuses and partner institutions.” – Rainna, Swansea and Cardiff Campus President

Through many conversations with PGR students, we learned they shared similar concerns. They were often unsure who represented them, where feedback should be raised, or whether raising issues would lead to visible change. 

At the same time, strengthening student voice across the University is a key priority for the Students’ Union and its Student Voice Team. Improving PGR representation was therefore identified as an important area of focus, supported by colleagues across the wider University.

Feedback sessions and outcomes

With the help of the Doctoral College, the Student Voice Team and Rainna 4 PGR feedback sessions were held across London, Swansea, Carmarthen, as well as an online session.

Common themes across the sessions were:

• Feelings of loneliness during the research process.
• The want for a community, with more chances for socialising.
• Clearer messaging surrounding course information.

The full feedback from all sessions has been shared with the Doctoral College and will be used to influence future decisions.

The students that attended the sessions were really welcoming of the opportunity for a dedicated space to share their experiences.

The Solutions

A single, clear Post Graduate Research (PGR) representation structure
The Doctoral College will lead a unified structure for PGR Student–Staff Committees, ensuring feedback reaches the Doctoral College, Doctoral College Board and Institutes directly and consistently

PGR representatives in every institute
Each institute will have designated PGR representatives to reflect subject, programme, and location diversity.

Regular PGR Student Staff Committee (SSC) meetings
Having multiple SSCs throughout the academic year, ensuring that feedback is being received and acted on continually.

Stronger feedback loops
Making sure that any actions taken as a result of feedback is being clearly communicated back to PGR students

Students’ Union at the Doctoral College Conference
The Student Voice Team will also attend the Doctoral College Conference in July to run discussion sessions and provide a space for PGR students to talk about their research, their experience and to socialise.

What happens next? 

The Students’ Union and Doctoral College will continue working together to:

• Recruit and train PGR representatives
• Refine the representation system based on student feedback
• Provide regular opportunities for PGR students to give feedback
• Improve communication and reporting back to students
• Ensure PGR voice remains a visible and valued part of university decision-making

This is about creating a system that works not just now, but sustainably into the future.