Exeter launches Doctoral College

The University of Exeter Doctoral College will support the University’s vision to support and develop postgraduate research by providing outstanding training, resources and facilities for those in the early stages of their careers.

A key role of the Doctoral College will be to support the professional development of future research leaders through a comprehensive range of resources and courses that enhance research, encourage innovative new ideas and nurture the talent of the brightest minds.

Professor Michelle Ryan, Director of the Doctoral College, said: “The launch of the University of Exeter Doctoral College demonstrates our commitment to support and sustain the vibrant interdisciplinary research already undertaken by our post graduates and early career researchers.

“In the Postgraduate Research Survey 2015, the University performed extremely well in overall satisfaction - the development of the Doctoral College will build on this result to create a truly exceptional network of support for the development and management of doctoral research provision across the University and with our partner organisations.”

In addition to the development of outstanding doctoral research, the college will also actively promote the development of personal and professional skills to complement the training provided at academic discipline level. It will also provide a platform to give doctoral researchers an active voice within the University to enable them to participate in decision-making and to take responsibility for shaping their own experience.

The new Doctoral College was officially launched on Tuesday 10 November at the University’s Streatham Campus. Over 300 current postgraduate students and researchers attended an event hosted by Professor Ryan. Guest speaker Jorge Cham, creator of PhD Comics officially launched the college with a talk and screening of his latest film, ‘The PhD Movie 2 – Still in Grad School’.

Further information about the University of Exeter Doctoral College can be found on the college website www.exeter.ac.uk/doctoralcollege.