Research
Postgraduate researcher services, funding and support
Access support, guidance, and funding for postgraduate research.
We are committed to helping our postgraduate researchers to become future research leaders, producing impactful researchers who benefit society.
To find out more about our plan to grow and support postgraduate researchers, view our Commitment to Postgraduate Research.
We offer a range of support, funding opportunities and programmes. Find out more using the links below:
- Postgraduate researcher induction
- Virtual Graduate Centre
- Postgraduate Researcher Project Fund
- Conference, Exhibition and Performance Fund
- Postgraduate Research Skills Programme
- Library and Learning Services
For questions about any of the support we offer, email us at ResearchOffice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Postgraduate researcher induction
We run a tailored induction for postgraduate researchers (PGRs). The PGR Induction takes place both in person on our York Campus and online, for those who are unable to attend campus.
Our three inductions take place on our York campus on the first Monday and online on the first Tuesday of October, February and June. This is in line with the 1 October, 1 February and 1 June start dates for postgraduate researchers.
During the induction you will meet other PGRs across a range of disciplines, find out what it's like to be a PGR at York St John University, and discover the support available to you from our professional services teams. This includes the Library, Digital Training, Wellbeing, Careers and International Student Support teams.
You will also learn about the postgraduate research student lifecycle. This tracks the key milestones throughout your degree and the information you will need to succeed at York St John. It also includes details of useful research policies and documents.
Within the induction, you will have the chance to meet the PGR School team who provide support throughout the PGR lifecycle.
All October, February and June intakes will be sent the Induction Programme prior to starting your course, with all the relevant details on timings and locations.
Virtual Graduate Centre
We provide resources for postgraduate researchers in our Virtual Graduate Centre on SharePoint.
In the Centre you will find information, policies, guidance and regulations including more information on Researcher Development Sessions, PGR Funding, reviews and transfers, change of circumstances, PGR examinations and a range of blog posts from PGRs and Academic staff.
Postgraduate Researcher Project Fund
As a doctoral postgraduate researcher (PGR), you can apply for funding of up to £500 (full time) or £250 (part time) for the current financial year from the PGR Project Fund. Funding can be used for the following activities:
- Fieldwork
- Specialist equipment
- Technical training
- Materials for Practice-Led PhD
- Participant incentives
- Exceptional requests
All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the PGR School. To apply you need to complete and submit a Project Fund application form.
Any purchases made without approval cannot be reimbursed.
Postgraduate Researcher Conference, Exhibition and Performance Fund
In addition to the PGR Project Fund, the PGR School is also happy to support Postgraduate Researchers by offering the opportunity to apply once per academic year for up to £1,000 towards presenting at an in-person conference, exhibition or performance (international or domestic) or up to £250 for an online conference.
PGRs must be post-transfer in order to apply to the fund.
To apply you will need to complete an application form submitted to PGR.School@yorksj.ac.uk.
Any purchases made without approval cannot be reimbursed.
Postgraduate Research Skills Programme
The PGR School Researcher Development Programme is a suite of workshops, talks, and practical training sessions designed to support the professional development of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at York St John University.
The Programme is aligned with the Vitae Researcher Development Framework and draws on the collective skills, knowledge and expertise of YSJU's academic and professional services staff, as well as special guest contributors from academia and industry.
A core of 12 'Essential' sessions dealing with fundamental skills and knowledge is supplemented by a wide-ranging portfolio of further training and development opportunities structured around the following themes:
- Methods, tools and techniques
- Communicating your research
- Career development
- Professional practice and conduct
- You and your research
Please follow the links below to the Researcher Development Programme brochure and the Virtual Graduate Centre, where more information about the Programme can be found.
Associated documents:
PGR School Researcher Development Programme 2025-26 (PDF, 3.8 MB)
The PGR handbook
The PGR handbook includes essential information for your research journey. The content of the handbook is updated every year to provide you with the latest information and guidance. Inside you will find the people, departments, and initiatives dedicated to getting you started, being an active member of our PGR community, and successfully completing your research with us.
A downloadable PDF version can be found below.
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