Joining a new programme can be exciting, but it can also be daunting and overwhelming as you will probably be trying to acquire lots of different bits of information.
This Guide should help you navigate through what you need to attend and do as part of your induction experience at the University.
Welcome checklists
These checklists highlight what you need to do to prepare for the start of your programme and what you need to prioritise and consider in the first few weeks after you start.
Starting your research degree
PhD/IPhD students
When you start your studies, you will be required to engage in any local department induction-related activities. These usually involve meeting key people in the department, understanding local policies and procedures, and any relevant local health and safety information you need to know.
You should receive further information via email from your Doctoral Programmes Administrator before your programme commences.
Meeting early with your supervisor or supervisory team when you start your programme is essential as during this meeting you will discuss the scope of your project and the support you should expect to receive. The first meeting is an opportunity for you to agree a working arrangement with your supervisor(s). You may find our checklist useful to help structure your first meeting.
Please note that if you are part of a Doctoral Training Centre or Doctoral Training Partnership then you may have some additional induction-related activities. Please check with your local coordinator or administrator.
Professional doctorate students
If you are enrolled on a professional doctorate programme, you will have a bespoke induction. Your Doctoral Programmes Administrator will email you details about this induction before your programme begins.
Online training
Upon starting your programme you are expected to undertake some self-directed online training. Please see the courses you are required to take and plan some time within your first couple of weeks to do this.
Mandatory training
Starting your doctorate
You will learn about the milestones of the doctorate and find out about key University services and other helpful information.
You must complete this training within your first two weeks.
Join the Starting your doctorate course for PhD researchers.
Be the Change, Tackling Harrassment
Raising awareness of harassment and signposting how to report incidents.
You must complete this training within the first two weeks.
Join the Be the Change course.
Academic Integrity Initiative and Test
Explains the academic standards required to complete any degree at the University.
You must complete this course, and pass the test, within the first month.
Join the Academic Integrity training and test.
Concordat to Support Research Integrity
Provides support and guidance about doing research.
You must complete this training within the first month.
Join the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
Welcome Workshop Recordings and Useful Resources
Access recordings of our Welcome Workshops, that were held in October, and other useful resources. If you cannot access any of these courses please email your Doctoral Programmes Administrator.
Some departments or programmes may have additional training requirements.
Opportunities to meet other students
Find out about our opportunities for you to meet other researchers within and outside of your Departments.
Doctoral lunches
Run by the Students' Union, these are an ideal opportunity to meet other researchers and enjoy free pizza. The next doctoral lunch is on Tuesday 01 July 2025, noon to 13:00 in the Postgraduate Learning Commons, 10 West 5.07. Book your place here.
Self-guided campus tour
Once you arrive on campus, carry out a self-guided tour at your own pace.
Peer mentoring
If your department is included in the Doctoral Peer Mentoring Scheme you will be assigned a Peer Mentor to welcome you to your doctorate. Your Peer Mentor will email you to arrange a meeting with you in your first or second week of your studies. We would encourage you to make the most of this meeting as it is a useful way to ask any questions you may have in an informal environment.
Help with technology
For any online sessions, if you need assistance with any IT, please contact the IT helpdesk before the start of the session.
First meeting with your supervisor(s)
Please use our supervision checklist to help plan your first couple of meetings with your supervisor(s).
Further information about induction
You can find more information about settling in to the University on our Doctoral Induction page.