Student representatives

The role of a representative of Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) is to serve as an effective channel of communication between PGRs and the University. This involves representing relevant groups of postgraduate research students in discussions on University postgraduate research policy formulation and development, with the aim of helping the University identify ways to enhance the PGR experience.

Main Responsibilities

• Attend relevant Departmental/Programme and potential School committee meetings or other appropriate forums to represent the views of postgraduate research students. Discuss, negotiate, and find solutions to the issues raised;
• Attend training sessions on postgraduate research student representation;
• Proactively consult with and listen to fellow postgraduate research students’ views, concerns, and academic issues to effectively represent their academic interests;
• Provide feedback on the outcomes of representations to fellow postgraduate research students via chosen means (physical or electronic);
• Liaise with other PGR representatives within the Department/Programme and across the Faculty to initiate collaborations and share ideas;
• Coordinate postgraduate research student representation within the area, where appropriate;
• Liaise with the nominated member of academic or administrative staff appointed as the first point of contact for support;
• Promote the role of the PGR representative and raise student awareness of the support the role can offer;
• Be an active member of the PGR community and take positive actions to improve the PGR experience for all PGRs in the Department/Programme;
• Actively promote awareness of ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’ (EDIA) issues and enhance and embed EDIA across the PGR community;
• Participate in Departmental/Programme events, such as PGR Open Days and PGR Welcome events.

You can find more information about this role by reading the PGR Representative’s handbook, and visiting the Students’ Union’s website.

The University of Manchester Postgraduate Association (UMPA) is a constituted association affiliated with the Student Union but operates autonomously. Elected Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) lead UMPA to serve as a representative body, dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the interests of PGRs.

Our efforts are structured across three key areas:

• Advocating for the diverse interests and well-being of all PGR students at The University of Manchester throughout their studies.
• Establishing democratic mechanisms that empower PGR students to organise and represent themselves collectively, ensuring their voices are heard within representational structures at The University of Manchester.
• Offering inclusive social, networking, and recreational activities to assist PGRs in seamlessly integrating into the Manchester community.

We share pertinent information with PGRs and coordinate social events to foster connections among PGRs, facilitating networking opportunities. Explore our social activities on the UMPA's blog.

For inquiries about the network or to discuss any matters, please email Lev Eakins (UMPA's President) or visit UMPA's website.

You can also stay updated by following the PGR group on X (formerly Twitter): @PGRSocUoM

As a PGR at The University of Manchester, there are several additional avenues through which your student voice is given priority. The Students’ Union elects a full-time PGR Officer dedicated to representing PGRs across the university. To find out more about this role: email our PGR Officer, Ansab, or visit him at the Students’ Union’s website.

In addition, The University of Manchester Postgraduate Association (UMPA) organises a variety of events throughout the year. Learn more by visiting UMPA on X (formerly twitter).

As a postgraduate researcher, if positions become available, you can nominate yourself to become a PGR Representative for your Department in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Skills development

PGR Rep training will be conducted by the Students’ Union and the FSE Doctoral Academy, offering you the opportunity to enhance the following skills:

• Communication, presentation and diplomacy
• Teamwork
• Assertiveness
• Networking
• Organisational and management skills

Being a Rep is an excellent way to engage, influence the PGR experience at both local and University levels, and build experience in leadership, negotiation, and communications.

Time commitment

There is no set time commitment for this role, but the minimum expectation is that you attend three Departmental PGR Staff-Student Liaison Committee (SSLC) meetings and gather feedback before these.

Useful documents

You may find the following documents useful:

• PGR Student Representatives Policy
• PGR Student Representatives Procedure

Apply

If you are passionate about making a positive impact and eager to represent your fellow PGRs, should positions become available, we invite you to complete this recruitment form.

You can learn more about this role by reading the PGR Representatives' handbook and visiting the Students’ Union’s website.