No images? Click here
Doctoral College Newsletter: April 2026
Welcome
Hello and welcome to your April 2026 edition of the Doctoral College Newsletter!
If you missed our previous newsletters or are new to the University: the newsletter is emailed to all postgraduate researchers (PGRs), PGR supervisors and other PGR related academic staff to keep you informed of any important updates. We appreciate that the amount of email communications you receive can sometimes be overwhelming. For this reason, the newsletter will be sent out quarterly and will focus on information such as policy updates, new resources and training.
PGRs should continue to check the PGR Teams space for other news, events, and opportunities. If you are a PGR and you aren't currently a member of the PGR Team, please request to be added via the PGR Teams link.
Archived versions of the newsletter are available on the PGR pages of the Students website, under 'Doctoral College newsletters' so you can always check back.
SPOTLIGHT: University of Leeds Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final 2026
The University of Leeds Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final 2026, held on Wednesday 18 March, was a fantastic showcase of the talent, creativity and passion of PGRs from across the University. In just three minutes each, finalists brought their research to life and showed how powerful clear and engaging communication can be.
You can catch up on the presentations on YouTube but read on for more information about the event and the winners...
Spanning subjects from performance and languages to health, education and the environment, this year’s finalists highlighted the incredible diversity of doctoral research at Leeds, and made it an outstanding event.
The competition was judged by Professor Luke Windsor, Professor Catherine Noakes, Gareth Scargill, Professor Yolanda Cerdá and Dr Peter Laslo, with the audience also having their say through the People’s Choice Award.
🏆 2026 Prize winners
Winner: Kearn Christopher Williams – From Sugar to Sequins!
School of Performance and Cultural Industries, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
Runner‑up: Gergely Kajos – What if I don’t have my own words?
School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences
People’s Choice Award: Hannah Wainwright – What happens when people make home anyway?
School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences
👏 Our 2026 finalists
Alongside the prize winners, we’d also like to celebrate the outstanding contributions from:
Hilary Lewis – Invisible Symptoms, Real Suffering: Designing a new treatment for Persistent Physical Symptoms.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health
Mian Feng – The Lost‑in‑translation Swamp: Listening to the West Yorkshire Accent.
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
Constantijn Vleugels – Ultrasounding the planet for rapid disaster response.
Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics, Faculty of Environment
Kalyani Meshram – From Trash to Treasure.
Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment
🎤 Watch the talks
Want to see how our finalists rose to the challenge? All 2026 3MT Final presentations are now available to watch on YouTube via the 3MT University of Leeds: Final 2026 YouTube playlist.
Whether you’re considering entering 3MT in the future or simply want to be inspired by the work of fellow PGRs, we’d strongly encourage you to take a look!
Once again, huge congratulations to all finalists and prize winners, and a big thank you to everyone who attended, voted and supported the event. Your enthusiasm helped make the return of 3MT at Leeds a real success!
General updates and news
NEON Postgraduate Diversity Summit
On Tuesday 12 May the University of Leeds will host the second Postgraduate Diversity Summit in collaboration with the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) at Cloth Hall Court, Leeds City Centre.
The Summit is an opportunity for students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to come together and explore opportunities to enhance the experience of postgraduate study and research for students from underrepresented and minoritised groups. Speakers include Professor Chris Milward (Office for Students), Professor Dame Jessica Corner (UKRI) and Julie Posselt (University of Southern California).
If you are interested in attending, please note that a discounted rate of £100 per delegate for University of Leeds colleagues is currently available.
Register your attendance and check out the brilliant programme that is lined up for the day.
If you have any questions, please contact studentsuccess@leeds.ac.uk
July graduation: registration and eligibility
PGRs can now register their attendance choice for the July graduation ceremonies. Registration is open from 13 April to 1 May. To be eligible to attend graduation, PGRs must appear on a pass list by Friday 26 June.
PGRs who expect to complete soon are encouraged to register by the deadline even if they are not yet eligible, as eligibility will be confirmed once pass list requirements are met. Internal examiners are also asked to help support timely completion by scheduling vivas and submitting examiner reports promptly. Further guidance for PGRs regarding eligibility for graduation, reward statements and certificates is available on the Get your research degree award and graduate page of the Students website.
Planned IT maintenance: brief internet outage
The University will carry out essential maintenance to its internet connection on Sunday 26 April, between 7am and 8am. During this time, there may be a brief outage of up to six minutes, affecting wired and wireless internet on campus, in student residences, and at several off campus locations.
This work is intended to improve the stability, speed and capacity of the University’s internet connection. More information is on the University of Leeds IT service website.
Reminder: external emails and quarantine messages
Staff and PGRs are reminded of a recent update to email quarantine messages. As a result of this change, some staff and PGRs may not receive emails from external senders, including important notifications.
This item was included in a recent staff eNews update and is shared here as a reminder. Please check quarantine settings regularly if you are expecting external emails.
Policy and processes
Reminder: thesis examination updates for 2026/27
This is a reminder of the upcoming changes to thesis examination, previously outlined in the January 2026 newsletter. From 1 September 2026, correction timescales will be extended: editorial/presentational corrections up to 6 weeks and minor amendments up to 6 months. Distinctions will also be available for Masters by Research and MPhil candidates who require minor amendments at first submission.
These changes apply to theses submitted on or after 1 September 2026; current timescales remain for earlier submissions. For full details and guidance on the planned changes please check the Doctoral College SharePoint page Extended standard timescales for corrections for award.
UKRI guidance webpages updated
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have updated their studentship guidance webpages for UKRI‑funded PGRs. The guidance brings together key information on funding, entitlements, leave and support, and what you can expect from your institution as a UKRI‑funded PGR.
There is also now a dedicated webpage for supervisors, outlining expectations and responsibilities when supervising UKRI‑funded PGRs.
We encourage UKRI‑funded PGRs and their supervisors to take a look at the links and familiarise themselves with the updated guidance.
Training and skills
New online learning: Dealing with Disclosures
A new online learning module, Dealing with Disclosures, is now available to staff. The training offers practical guidance on recognising concerns, responding appropriately and making referrals if responding to disclosures from students and PGRs.
The module forms part of the University’s wider commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. The module is essential for any colleagues who may come into contact with students and/or postgraduate researchers, including academic staff, professional services colleagues, postgraduate researchers with teaching responsibilities, those in student-facing roles, service managers and senior leaders.
Find out more and read our helpful set of frequently asked questions explaining the module in more detail.
Alongside this learning, staff can also access a growing Staff Toolkit on the Staff Intranet, which brings together guidance, reporting routes and further resources to support students effectively.
QUEST and Career development opportunities
A range of QUEST workshops running from April to July is now open for booking. These sessions are run by Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) and are aimed at PGRs, with topics including time management, CV writing and career development.
In addition, OD&PL provide the BOOST Programme which offers workshops designed to help PGRs think about their next career stage, including non-academic career options, networking and making the most of conferences. Booking information is available in the link provided.
Reminder: Staying safe and secure while travelling for work
Travelling can sometimes come with its fair share of risks, and being prepared can make all the difference. The University offers two distinct workshops designed to help colleagues identify and manage these potential hazards while travelling for work.
They are relevant for all colleagues, including professional services, academic staff and PGRs who travel as part of their role.
There are two modules:
Essentials: This session covers foundational safety and security practices and is relevant to all those who travel as part of their role. Next availability for the Essentials course is Wednesday 29 April.
Advanced: This workshop covers everything in the essential module, as well as additional guidance covering travel to higher risk destinations overseas. The Advanced module includes content from the Essentials module, so there is no need to attend both. Next availability for the Advanced course is Thursday 30 April.
Useful resources
Preparing for your next year of research
As you move into the next stage of your postgraduate research degree, it’s a good time to reflect and plan ahead. It’s also worth reviewing your training and development needs, as these may change as your research progresses. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of the opportunities available across the University.
Each stage of your candidature has specific progression and administrative requirements, so checking what’s expected, and when, can help avoid last‑minute pressure. Read further guidance on our SharePoint page Preparing for your upcoming year of study.
Also, even if submission feels distant, looking ahead can be reassuring. Guidance on thesis submission and the viva is available on the Students website.
Support for PGRs affected by the Middle East conflict
Support continues to be available for PGRs affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Dedicated guidance is available on the Students website for those impacted directly or indirectly.
PGRs are reminded to complete the form confirming whether they are currently in the UK or abroad, and to update their Graduate School if their circumstances change. A range of support services are available, including Student Counselling and Wellbeing, Chaplaincy and Graduate School Offices.
Commuter student accommodation for PGRs
Need to stay overnight in Leeds? Flexible commuter accommodation at Central Village is available for registered PGRs and students, whether full or part time. Book ensuite rooms for 1 to 14 nights, with access to secure bike storage, the common room and limited parking. Rooms include a double bed, desk, storage, bed linen and towels, plus 24-hour reception support.
Fixed rate: £35 per night. To apply, complete the request form and allow two working days for a response (Monday - Friday). Cancellation fees may apply.
Find out more and apply on the Accommodation website.
Digital Declutter Campaign
Launched in January, the Digital Declutter Campaign aims to inspire staff and students to practice responsible digital housekeeping. By regularly reviewing, deleting, or archiving unnecessary files, we can help reduce our energy consumption and lessen the environmental impact caused by digital waste. The campaign raises awareness about how digital clutter, such as old drafts, duplicates, and unused data, contributes to greater energy usage and carbon emissions.
These resources offer useful tips and encourage everyone to make mindful decisions about managing digital files.
PGR+ support and events
PGR Plus (PGR+) is a dedicated support programme for PGRs from minoritised backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups, disabled students, care-experienced students, those from low-income backgrounds, and students with caring responsibilities. The programme offers a range of opportunities such as a Buddy Scheme, professional development workshops, social events, and mentoring. Alumni from widening participation and sanctuary backgrounds are also welcome.
Discover more about PGR+ on their SharePoint, join their mailing list, or contact pgrdiversity@leeds.ac.uk for further information.
Keeping up to date
PGRs: For information about your studies please see the Postgraduate Research pages of the Students website. New PGRs can find lots of information in the Doctoral College Induction Programme.
You can also keep up to date with events, opportunities and other news and information on the PGR Teams space and the Doctoral College Events calendar.
If you have any questions relating to your studies, then please get in touch with your Graduate School.
PGR-related staff: You can find information relating to PGR processes and supporting PGRs on the Doctoral College for staff SharePoint pages.
With best wishes,
The Doctoral College Student Support and Communications Team