Starting a postgraduate research degree is an exciting step. By actively planning and engaging with your personal and professional development, you will gain the skills, experiences and competencies needed to succeed throughout your research degree and to support a flourishing career beyond it.
At Liverpool, you won’t be taking that journey alone. The Academy’s PGR Development Hub is here to support you with a comprehensive and free development offer, designed with PGRs at its heart.
Based on consultation with current researchers, supervisors and sector experts, The Academy has shaped a programme that helps you build skills, broaden networks and prepare for your future career. Whether you’re looking for in-depth workshops, flexible online courses or informal peer connections, there is something to support every stage of your PGR journey.
What’s on offer?
- Central PGR Development Programme – With more than 100 sessions available, you can choose from online modules, workshops, webinars, masterclasses, bootcamps and practical forums. Explore the full programme.
- Making an Impact – An award-winning annual event series that helps researchers at all career stages showcase their research and strengthen knowledge exchange skills.
- Pop -up PGR Development Sessions – Responsive events shaped by your ideas and emerging priorities in the research sector.
- PGR Development Group (PDG) – Run by PGRs for PGRs, the PDG hosts community events like Coffee & Connect and Lunch & Learn while sharing a monthly bulletin packed with opportunities.
- PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme – A joint initiative with the Research Staff Association, this scheme pairs PGRs with postdocs for networking and informal support.
- LEAP – PGR Leadership Programme – A selective, externally facilitated course for aspiring research leaders, offering tools and strategies to lead with purpose and authenticity.
- Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) – Join this international competition and develop your ability to present complex research clearly and persuasively to non-specialist audiences.
Academic Writing Support from the English Language Centre (ELC)
For international researchers, the University’s English Language Centre (ELC) provides specialist thesis-writing classes tailored to disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering & Medicine, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences. These sessions are led by PhD-qualified tutors and include opportunities for individual feedback.
The ELC also offers:
- 1:1 Academic Writing Consultations
- Know How Academic English Classes (open to all international students and staff)
More information is available at the ELC website.
Additionally, Researcher KnowHow provides a wide range of resources for researchers at all stages of their careers: libguides.liverpool.ac.uk/researcherknowhow.
Preparing for the future with Careers & Employability
Looking ahead, we understand the importance of supporting employability and entrepreneurship for our PGRs. The development offer from our Careers & Employability team includes:
- Career-focused workshops, webinars and resources tailored for researchers
- Dedicated online career management tools
- Additional support through the University’s Careers and Employability service
Getting started
Your development as a researcher is about more than just your thesis – it’s about building confidence, capabilities and connections that will shape your future. Take advantage of the Academy’s wide-ranging opportunities and start unlocking your full potential today.