Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2008 Final report

Intellectual climate
Nine out of ten students rated the research environment as important to successful
completion, but only about half were satisfied with it. This was the lowest scoring scale in
PRES. Only around half of the students agreed they had access to a good seminar series,
had opportunities for social contact with other research students, had opportunities
to become involved in the broader research culture, were stimulated by the research
ambience in their department or felt integrated into their departmental community.
Goals and standards
Students regarded this as the least important item in successful completion, although
more than two-thirds agreed that they understood the standard of work expected and the
required standard for the thesis.
Thesis examination
Only students who had submitted their thesis could answer these questions. Most of
them agreed that their work had been examined in a reasonable period of time and they
had received adequate support and advice in revising their thesis after the viva. They were
least positive about the support and advice they had received in preparing for their viva.
Personal factors
Students were very positive about the support they had received from friends, family and
employers, but much less positive about the impact on their personal finances.
QAA Code of practice
Around three-quarters of students agreed that they understood their responsibilities as
research students and the requirements and deadlines of formal progress monitoring.
They were most critical about their institution valuing and responding to feedback from
students, being encouraged to reflect on their professional development needs and career
development needs, and the range of career opportunities available to them.
4 The Higher Education Academy – PRES 2008