The University welcomed over 200 postgraduate research students to the University from September 2021. In the Doctoral College we hosted a range of activities for doctoral students to meet other students across the University.

Our main Doctoral Welcome Reception took place on Thursday 21 October 2021 in the Claverton Rooms. The packed event provided a great opportunity for researchers representing every Faculty and School to network with fellow students and staff while enjoying food, drinks and music.

Our Doctoral Engagement Ambassadors, a group of existing doctoral researchers, were on hand to answer questions, share their own experiences and encourage students to get to know each other through planned networking events. Throughout the evening, a doctoral 'wall of research' was created using postcards to provide an insight into the breadth of research areas chosen by the new starters.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University, officially opened the event to welcome everyone to the University. The Vice-Chancellor gave an overview of why it's an exciting time to join the University and shared his experiences of completing his own PhD programme.

Professor Cathryn Mitchell, Academic Director of the Doctoral College, followed the Vice-Chancellor and gave an overview of the Doctoral College and the range of support and opportunities available to doctoral students.

Before leaving, researchers were treated to a presentation of last year's Three Minute Thesis^® winner and national finalist, Mike Richardson.