Postgraduate Research Experience Survey

Find out more

About the survey

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is open from 2 March to 16 May 2026.

The PRES 2026 survey is your opportunity as a PGR student to share your thoughts about your experience as a research degree student. The results help us compare how we are doing with other institutions, keep doing the things that PGR students value, and make changes that will improve the PGR student experience in the future.

All eligible PGR students will be sent an invitation to fill in the survey on 2 March 2026 and reminders will be sent before and during the survey operation. Check your student email for your unique survey link.

Claim £10 or donate

On completion, choose to receive a £10 Love2Shop e-voucher or donate the amount to one of our chosen charities:

Acorns Children’s Hospice
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid

Shelter UK

Oxfam

RSPCA

Greenpeace

How is PRES used?

Feedback from the 2024 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) has informed several improvements to the postgraduate research experience at Birmingham City University. For example, the survey highlighted that many PGRs wanted more opportunities to connect with peers and feel part of a stronger research community. In response, the University has expanded researcher events and cross-School activities, with a greater focus on networking and interdisciplinary engagement. Communication about opportunities has also been strengthened through the introduction of a fortnightly PGR newsletter, alongside improved promotion of researcher development events, training, and support.

The survey also identified areas where clearer guidance and improved resources were needed. PGRs reported that it was not always clear where to go for administrative support, so the University improved signposting to key contacts through the PGR Handbook on iCity and streamlined guidance on central services for research students. PRES feedback also highlighted challenges around access to laptops and research equipment, leading to the introduction of a dedicated PGR Laptop Deployment Policy that enables PGRs to be loaned a BCU-issued laptop for the duration of their studies, alongside increased access to desktop computers and docking stations in PGR hubs. In addition, the University has introduced new support for viva preparation, including a monthly Exams Clinic and a “Master Your Viva” session where recently awarded PGRs share practical advice and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is a national survey conducted by institutions across the UK and globally. The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete.

Why should I take part?

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is your chance to tell us your thoughts about your course. The results help us compare how we are doing with other institutions, to make changes that will improve what we do in future and to keep doing the things that you value. This will help improve the experience of students like you in the future.

In addition, for each completed survey, Birmingham City University commits to making a £10 donation to a charity, or providing the completer with a £10 Love2Shop e-voucher.

What happens to the results?

Your feedback is important. Over one hundred universities and colleges take part in the UK and globally. This means we can compare your experience against similar postgraduates at other institutions to see if we are supporting your learning as we should. We use the findings to improve our courses and the learning experience for future students.

Your responses are anonymous and reported in aggregate.

What do I need to do?

You will receive an email with a link to the questionnaire on 26^th February. Simply click on the link and complete the online form. The survey is open until 16th May.

Where can I find out more?

If you are unsure about anything to do with the survey, or have any difficulty, please see your course or course leader, or contact Francis Hine-Hughes in the Doctoral Research College by email: francis.hine-hughes@bcu.ac.uk.

Find out more about the survey.