The Graduate School Board is the primary deliberative and decision-making body with institution-wide responsibility for oversight, leadership, and direction of the Graduate School, and for the quality assurance of Research degree programmes.

The Graduate School Board reports to Academic Council and is responsible for operating two sub-committees: the Research Degree Progression Committee (RDPC) and the Doctoral Researcher Development Programme Committee (DRDP).

Representation and feedback

The Graduate School Assembly

The Assembly occurs twice a year and is the focus for integration and representation for internal stakeholders (staff and students). An open invitation is sent for the meetings which take place in the winter and summer terms of each academic year. Feedback from the Assembly informs future activities and year plans for the Graduate School.

External Advisory Group

This group meets twice a year with members of the Graduate School Board. Nominated by colleges and selected by the Board, our external advisors have expert knowledge and experience at discipline and/or sector level. The group provides important external views and guidance to the Board which informs policy and practice in relation to doctoral degree provision and strategic objectives.

Resources and communication

Doctoral researchers manage their programme of study through the VRE which is a holistic resource facilitating their academic progression, supervision, assessment and personal development. The regulatory framework and a dedicated Research Degree Handbook are available for download. Resources supporting the DRDP are made available on the VRE. More information is available on the DRDP page.

The GS hosts a range of events each year, including an Annual Lecture and an Annual Reception, which seek to engage staff, students and external audiences with the work of the doctoral research community and to explore key themes in the wider research environment. These are publicised through our regular e-newsletter and email announcements. News about recent and upcoming events can be found on our homepage.

You can follow us on Twitter @uw_gs

We organise a number of tailored events and development opportunities for doctoral supervisors over the course of each academic year. Further information, resources and a Supervisor Handbook are also available.