The University of Liverpool has launched the 2025 – 2026 programme of personal and professional development opportunities for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs).
The core programme includes a wide range of workshops, masterclasses, boot camps, webinars, practice-based sessions, faculty forums, online modules, and self-paced resources. All are completely free to access, with resources tailored for every stage of your research journey.
The sessions cover a wide array of topics, from Viva Preparation to Academic Writing, Working Collaboratively, Presenting at conferences and Leadership Skills Development.,
New sessions are being added all the time and other highlights include “Uncovering your skills for now and whatever is next”, “Presenting at conferences”, “Academic cover letters”, “The mechanics of academic writing” and “Understanding and planning for a research career”.
Click here for our new downloadable monthly calendar to view all our sessions.
PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme 2025
Are you a postgraduate researcher looking to connect with peers across the University? The Buddy Scheme is a great opportunity to build community, share experiences, and support each other.
Scheme dates: 6 – 24 October 2025
Expressions of Interest: 8 – 26 September 2025
Whether you’re new to Liverpool or simply want to expand your network, sign up and be matched with a buddy group. You’ll take part in an informal meetup designed to foster collaboration and wellbeing.
Visit the PGR Development Hub to register your interest.
You can also win prizes and develop presentation, research communication and public engagement skills by taking part in our prestigious university wide Three Minute thesis (3MT®) competition which opens February 2026.
More information on this year’s offer, helpful resources and recording of previous sessions can be found on the PGR Development Hub.
Opportunities for 2025-2026 include:
- The Central PGR Programme: over 100 sessions delivered via online modules and resources, workshops, masterclasses, boot camps, webinars, Faculty Forums, practical applications and many more.
- Three Minute Thesis: The Three Minute thesis (3MT®) is a prestigious competition which challenges doctoral candidates to give a compelling spoken presentation of their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes, using just one slide. The overall winner will represent the University of Liverpool at the National Vitae 3MT competition
- PGR Development Canvas: access a wealth of online development resources, including self-paced modules tailored to every stage of the PGR process. All PGRs are automatically enrolled on registration, or PGRs can self-enrol using this link. PGRs can access the current version of the Development Needs Analysis (DNA) on this page.
- The PGR Development Group (PDG) is run by PGRs for PGRs. It publishes regular e-bulletins, runs events and activities, and provides a voice for PGRs within the research community.
- FAQs for PGRs with any questions
- A handy tick box guide to help both Supervisors and PGRs beginning thinking about development
We would encourage you to take some time to explore the new programme and associated development resource. Get in touch with the Researcher Development Team (PGR) if you have any questions or suggestions for future activities you would like to see.
Sign up to this year’s sessions here The Central PGR Programme
For more information about PGR development via the Academy, visit PGR Development Hub, or email us at Researcher@liverpool.ac.uk with the email title ‘PGR Development’.