Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)
We’re keen to make sure PhD Researchers have the best possible experience while studying at Ulster University.
PRES 2021 results
We are delighted to share our outstanding PRES 2021 results!
Ulster ranked 2nd in the UK, with an overall satisfaction rate of 88%. Our participation rate (74%) was more than double that of the national average (36%).
Our PhD Researchers ranked provision at Ulster across all indicators to be higher than the UK average.
This excellent result is testament to the hard work, dedication and expertise of our PhD Supervisors, Doctoral College and the wider research community at Ulster.
We have useful feedback on all aspects of the PhD Researcher experience at Ulster and will be considering this feedback at both Doctoral College level and a more local level.
The summary institutional and faculty level report is also available to view, along with two benchmarking reports published by the HEA based on findings from the survey (Global Benchmark Report and Ulster Ranking reports).
PRES Reports and Infographics
2021 PRES Infographic PRES Questions and Answers
In order to make sure PhD Researchers have the best possible experience while studying at Ulster University we need to know what you think we are doing well and what we can do better.
If you’re thinking about taking part this year, these are the answers to some of the questions students often ask:
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What is it?
The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is a national survey conducted by institutions across the UK and globally.
The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete.
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Why should I take part?
The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is your chance to tell us your thoughts about your course.
The results help us compare how we are doing with other institutions, to make changes that will improve what we do in future and to keep doing the things that you value.
This will help improve the experience of PhD Researchers like you in the future.
Because we value your feedback and wish to engage as many PhD Researchers as possible in the survey, we are offering an incentive to participation in the form of a prize draw for two £100 Amazon vouchers.
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What does it cover?
PRES concentrates on the following aspects of your degree programme:
- Supervision
- Resources
- research culture
- progress and assessment
- responsibilities
- research skills and professional development
- opportunities
- overall experience
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What happens to the results?
Your feedback is important. Over one hundred universities and colleges take part in the UK and globally.
This means we can compare your experience against similar postgraduates at other institutions to see if we are supporting your learning as we should.
We use the findings to improve the learning experience for future PhD Researchers.
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Is it anonymous?
Your survey response is confidential to the team processing the results and no reporting outside of this team will identify any individual.
Any results communicated to academic staff will be anonymised.
The survey asks that any comments you make should not identify yourself or any specific members of staff.
If you do have any issues that need resolved, please contact either your Research Director or the Doctoral College team outside of this survey.
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What do I need to do?
You will receive an email with a link to the questionnaire on 1 March 2021.
Simply click on your unique survey link and enter and complete the online form.
The survey is open until 17 May 2021.