Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
It can be daunting starting your studies somewhere new, particularly if you’ve been out of education for a time. You may think postgraduate clubs and societies are only for undergraduates, but there are plenty set up especially for postgraduates.
Postgraduate clubs and societies are a great way to make the most of your time as a postgraduate student. They can help you be part of the university’s postgraduate community. Get the most out of your degree through supporting academic and social activities.
Activities may be academic, social or sports-based, or combination of all three. Postgraduate societies based around a subject area are open to Research or Taught students, or both. A “club” usually indicates a sport activity, whilst a “society” will be round a special interest.
Check if you are automatically enrolled once registered as a postgraduate student at your institution. Membership is usually free but there are some that require payment.
Search for the student managed university-wide Postgraduate Society. Look up subject based postgraduate societies in individual departments.
If there isn’t a Postgraduate Society, you could always start one. Start by talking to the Students’ Union, and the Graduate School.
The Students’ Union will have a list of all their Clubs and Societies: although many will be open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, there may be some that are specifically set up for postgraduates. The Students’ Union may also have a Postgraduate Officer who will be able to help you with academic issues, social activities or representation.
As well as social activities (the variety is endless!) postgraduate societies often offer other forms of peer support and academic activities for both masters and PhD students. These could include buddy schemes, skills development, networking opportunities and professional development to help build your career after your course. Some hold academic conferences and invite speakers from industry and academia, which include competitions (often with a prize on offer) such as the Two Minute Thesis Competition.
Take a look at Graduate School, department and University and Students’ Unions websites to see what Postgraduate Clubs and Societies there are, and what they do. Follow them on social media and get in touch and make connections before you even start your course.
