PGR Policy, Strategy & Support

PGR Surveys

For a number of years, the University participated in the national Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), which gave students the opportunity to share their views on conducting research at Glasgow. However, while comprehensive, PRES was a lengthy survey and primarily used agree/disagree scale questions. We found that this format did not always provide enough detail to clearly identify the issues that most affected PGR students’ experiences.

In June 2021, the University’s PGR Policy Team introduced a new, shorter PGR Experience Survey designed to encourage more detailed responses and provide clearer insights into students’ experiences. In November 2023, we also launched a PGR Support Survey intended to act as a second part of the experience survey. However, to help reduce survey fatigue, this additional survey will no longer run.

Furthermore, the PGR Policy Team also conduct a PGR Exit Survey and PGR One-Year On Survey. These surveys gather feedback from students at the point of completion and one year after graduating, helping us better understand their overall experience and outcomes following their research degree.

Click on the links on the right to access the results of the 2021–2025 surveys carried out by the PGR Policy Team. Whilst the PGR Experience Survey reports are published annually, please note that PGR Exit Survey and PGR One-Year On Survey results are published every two years.

To find out more about PGR surveys or if you have any queries, comments, or ideas, contact the PGR Policy Team.

 

PGR Experience Surveys

PGR Support Survey

PGR Exit Survey

PGR One-Year On Survey

Why should I take part?

Your experience matters. By taking part, you help us understand the PGR experience across the University and identify areas where things could be improved.

We use survey findings alongside other sources of feedback to inform discussions, projects and initiatives relating to the PGR experience.

You can see how PGR survey feedback has helped shape the PGR experience by clicking the 'Beyond the Survey' link above.

What will I be asked about in the PGR Experience Survey?

For the PGR Experience Survey, you will usually be asked about:

  • Confidence in timely completion
  • Satisfaction with supervisory support
  • PGR community and sense of belonging
  • Overall satisfaction with your PGR experience
  • Research integrity
  • Researcher development
  • Opportunities for improvement feedback

The questions may change from year to year, so some topics may be added, removed or updated.

When will I be surveyed and how will I be invited?

SurveyWhen?How will I be invited?
PGR Experience Survey Usually April or May each year You will receive an email from Qualtrics (noreply@qemailserver.com) on behalf of the PGR Policy Team, sent to your UofG PGR email address. The survey is accessed through a personalised Qaultrics link.
PGR Exit Survey As you complete your research degree You will be invited to complete the survey through your Notification of Award email, final thesis submission email, and/or graduation emails. The survey is accessed through an anonymous Qualtrics link.
PGR One-Year On Survey Approximately one year after graduation You will receive an email from the UofG Alumni Team to your personal email address. The survey is accessed through an anonymous Qualtrics link.

How are my responses handled?

PGR Experience Survey

PGR Exit Survey

  • Information about how your responses are handled is provided within the survey.

PGR One-Year On Survey

  • The survey is administered by the Alumni Team and is covered by the University's Alumni Privacy Notice.