Postgraduate Strategy

Sussex aims to train and develop diverse, pioneering and courageous postgraduate researchers (PGRs) who will have a lasting impact, within and outside of the academy. Sussex will support the needs of PGRs in the production of bold and creative research, challenging conventional thinking and tackling the global issues of our time.

Principles Governing PGR Study at Sussex

The Principles Governing PGR Study at Sussex have been drafted with input from Sussex's PGR Committees, including PGR elected representatives, and have been endorsed by the University Executive Group.

Principle 1: Celebrate the Nature of Postgraduate Research at Sussex

i. Recognise PGRs as partners in the research mission of the University

ii. Value the unique position of PGRs, as both students and sometimes staff

iii. Champion PGRs and the making of new knowledge.

Principle 2: Excellence and Quality

i. Enable high-quality impactful Postgraduate Research;

ii. Integrate Postgraduate Research with the research excellence and research strategy of the University and emphasise quality in PGR work;

iii. Enable, wherever possible, the award of external funding, through Doctoral Training Partnerships, Centres for Doctoral Training, research grants/fellowships, philanthropic giving or other funding sources.

Principle 3: Sussex PGR Experience

i. Promote the development of sector-leading practice supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Sussex PGRs;

ii. Assure that the University listens, respects and responds to the views of PGRs, to enhance the PGR experience and create an environment in which issues can be raised securely and with confidence;

iii. Recognise how the PGR experience differs across disciplines, and from that of both taught students and research staff;

iv. Champion the needs of PGRs, embedding high-quality and tailored Academic and Professional Services support.

Principle 4: Research Integrity

i. Support and assure the highest standards of research integrity, including compliance with the Universities UK Concordat to support research integrity.

Principle 5: Employability and Researcher Development

i. Respond to the changing nature of the UK Doctorate, and the broader environment in which it sits;

ii. Equip PGRs for a range of employment opportunities within and outside the academy, by providing research skills, personal and professional development through the provision of quality training opportunities;

iii. Recognise and record the wider activities and skills evidenced by successful PGRs to enhance career opportunities.

Principle 6: Connectivity

i. Acknowledge the importance of PGR as a means to develop rich and enduring global networks and international partnerships;

ii. Promote the benefits of connecting PGRs with students of all levels and research staff;

iii. Promote and enable the progression of the highest quality Sussex graduates to Postgraduate Research.

Principle 7: Supervision

i. Recognise the importance of high-quality PGR Supervision and ensure appropriate training is available to PGR Supervisors;

ii. Foster and recognise best practice in PGR Supervision and promote external accreditation of PGR Supervision;

iii. Develop a flexible and innovative programme of support for PGR Supervision;

iv. Promote evaluation and feedback systems that support the quality of PGR Supervision.

Principle 8: Postgraduate Research Environment

i. Recognise PGRs as an essential component of cross-disciplinary research, through research centres, collaborations or groups;

ii. Promote a respectful and vibrant research culture in which PGRs are both nurtured and empowered.

Principle 9: The Sussex Doctorate

i. Further enhance the Sussex Research Degree as inclusive, innovative and international by considering new forms of structure, support and assessment;

ii. Assure timely, efficient and transparent PGR admissions processes which promote the diversity of the PGR body;

iii. Review the University’s portfolio of Doctorates and consider opportunities to grow international partnerships and collaborations.

Help shape the PGR Strategy Action Plan

We are inviting all Sussex PGRs to help us shape the action plan that will enable us to implement the principles governing PGR study at Sussex. We are also keen to hear from PGR supervisors and professional services staff who support PGRs at Sussex.

There are three ways you can help shape the action plan for the PGR Strategy:

1. Share your ideas with the PGR rep in your area:

Shammi Kabir (Social Sciences Schools)
Nadia Buyse (Arts and Humanities Schools)
Montaser Shaban-Kabakibou (Science Schools)

2. Suggest actions via our short online form

3. Attend a consultation event (details to follow)

Please share your suggestions with us by Monday 30th September 2019.

If you have any questions or queries about the PGR Strategy, please contact Miles Willey, Head of Research Student Administration Office and Sussex Researcher School (SRS). Alternatively, please email researcher-school@sussex.ac.uk.