What You Told Us

PGR StudentSurvey.ie captures the experiences of postgraduate research students, providing insight into research supervision, academic development, research environments and the overall postgraduate research experience.

2025

1. Building a stronger doctoral community

YOU TOLD US

• You want to feel part of a connected postgraduate research community.
• You value opportunities to meet fellow researchers, share ideas and collaborate.
• You want to feel connected to UCC, regardless of discipline or location.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Establishing the UCC Doctoral Institute to coordinate and enhance doctoral education.
• Building connections across Schools, Colleges and disciplines.
• Developing peer mentoring and networking opportunities.
• Exploring dedicated social and collaborative spaces, including a doctoral lounge in the Student Hub.
• Supporting events that celebrate and showcase postgraduate research.

2. Strengthening supervision and academic support

YOU TOLD US

• Good supervision, regular contact and constructive feedback are essential.
• You want clear expectations and consistent support.
• Supervisors also need appropriate training and development.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Providing Staff Supervision Clinics through the Dean of Doctoral Studies.
• Developing further supervisory training, including a proposed supervisor micro-credential.
• Reviewing the University's Supervision of Research Students Policy.
• Promoting good supervisory practice, mentoring and peer learning.
• Providing guidance and support through the Doctoral Institute.

3. Making your research journey clearer

YOU TOLD US

• You want clearer information about research degree requirements and expectations.
• You need accessible guidance on progression, annual reviews, thesis submission and examination.
• You want administrative processes to be straightforward and transparent.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Using the Graduate Education Manager (GEM) to support the postgraduate research journey.
• Improving the recording and coordination of registration, supervisory teams, Research Learning Plans, progress reviews and milestones.
• Developing accessible online guidance through the Doctoral Institute website.
• Strengthening the administration of postgraduate research modules.
• Providing viva preparation workshops and guidance on thesis submission and examination.

4. Expanding research and career development opportunities

YOU TOLD US

• You value opportunities to develop your research skills and expertise.
• You want access to training in research methods, academic writing and communication.
• You want professional development that supports careers inside and outside academia.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Coordinating doctoral skills development through the Doctoral Institute.
• Providing postgraduate research modules aligned with the Irish Universities Association Doctoral Skills Statement, including the minimum 15-credit requirement for PhD students.
• Promoting workshops, seminars and training throughout the year.
• Connecting researchers with the UCC Skills Centre, Library, AI Academy and UCC Innovation.
• Supporting research communication, entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Creating opportunities to showcase research through initiatives such as the Three Minute Thesis competition.

5. Enhancing wellbeing, support and belonging

YOU TOLD US

• Research can be challenging and you want to know where to find support.
• You want to feel connected and supported throughout your research degree.
• You value opportunities to build relationships with fellow researchers.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Bringing together information about postgraduate research supports through the Doctoral Institute.
• Promoting access to UCC wellbeing, mental health and academic support services.
• Developing peer mentoring and researcher networks.
• Strengthening welcome and orientation for new research students, including international students.
• Promoting an inclusive doctoral community that recognises the diverse needs of researchers.

6. Improving research facilities and resources

YOU TOLD US

• Access to suitable research and study space is important.
• You need appropriate computing, library and specialist research resources.
• Access to facilities can vary across disciplines and Schools.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Identifying challenges relating to research facilities and resources.
• Advancing plans for dedicated doctoral community and social space.
• Highlighting the importance of equitable access to research facilities and infrastructure.
• Using student feedback and institutional reviews to inform future planning and investment.

7. Closing the feedback loop: Your voice matters

YOU TOLD US

• You want to know that your feedback is being heard.
• You want to see what changes as a result of consultation.
• You want meaningful opportunities to influence decisions affecting your research experience.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

• Strengthening postgraduate researcher representation and engagement across UCC.
• Supporting PGR representatives to raise issues and contribute to University discussions.
• Using the Doctoral Institute as a focal point for engaging with the postgraduate research community.
• Bringing together feedback from surveys, student representatives and the wider doctoral education review.
• Communicating more clearly what has changed, what is underway and where further action is needed.

2023

Responses were generally positive to questions asking about identified training and developmental needs 

84.3% of UCC respondents (versus 85.0% overall) definitely or mostly agreed their supervisor(s) provides an appropriate level of research support

Broadly speaking, students from the Arts cited personal reasons for considering withdrawal (including health) while the Science students cited financial considerations (including employment

Additionally, the desirability of a Ph.D. in the labour market, also appears to contribute to the intention to complete a Ph.D. programme

2021

2019