sparqs is undertaking a project to create a model of the Postgraduate Research Experience to accompany the model available for taught students. The model will play a key role in quality enhancement processes across Scotland, and sparqs is keen to ensure the model is representative of the authentic PGR experience.
sparqs invites Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) from across Scotland to join us for a workshop in 2026 to contribute to the design of the model. We will be hosting three workshops, two for current PGRs and one for staff and sector agencies who support PGRs.
These workshops will be interactive, designed to capture views to answer the question: “what are the key elements of the PGR experience?” All contributions from participants will directly influence the design of the PGR Experience model, including building blocks and reflective questions.
This is an excellent development opportunity for PGRs to contribute to a national resource that will for a part of Scotland’s Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework. The final, published model will be used to make enhancements to postgraduate research programmes across Scotland, and the views and experiences of current PGRs is essential to our work.
Register to attend
Please note, that there are two dates available for current PGRs to participate in a workshop, but both cover the same content. Prospective attendees should choose and register for the one session that suits them best from the available dates:
FAO PGRs: when registering, please select "Student" as your role; and please include your area of research in the "Job Title" field.
- Wednesday 11th March 2026 (2pm-5pm, by VC): with PGRs.
- see the event booking page to register. - Wednesday 18th March 2026 (10am-1pm, by VC): with supervisors/relevant staff, and agencies.
- see the event booking page to register. - Monday 27th April 2026 (2pm-5pm, by VC): with PGRs.
- see the event booking page to register.
How to contribute if you can't attend
PGRs and staff/supervisors in Scotland who cannot attend any of the dates are encouraged to participate through our asynchronous form.
Please advertise to your PGRs
We would appreciate help from students’ association staff and officers, as well as assistance from university staff to reach your postgraduate researchers. Please invite any/all PGRs at your institution to contribute to these events.
To help institutions advertise the events, we have drafted invitations for circulation to PGRs and staff:
Further information
For further questions about this project, please contact Chase Greenfield, Development Consultant - chase.greenfield@sparqs.ac.uk - 07701 273779.