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Academic support in the School

We are there to support you during your time at the University.

You will be supported by two academic supervisors, as well as by independent assessors. Our supervision is designed to ensure you receive a wealth of experience and assistance to avoid potential challenges. Our staff are approachable and on hand to advise and assist you throughout your time at University.

We offer several opportunities to enhance your development personally and professionally. Opportunities include workshops, research group meetings and seminars, presentations of your own work, and teaching within the School. 

Five people at a meeting sat around a table in a modern office with glass walls

Support from the Doctoral and Researcher College

The Doctoral and Researcher College is the University of Reading's hub for doctoral students, based in a dedicated building on Whiteknights Campus. It provides advice, training, study facilities and professional development for all doctoral students at the University.

The Doctoral and Researcher College is dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your PhD and fulfil your potential as a researcher. It runs a number of programmes to help you develop academically and professionally, which are all included as part of your PhD at no extra cost.

Reading Researcher Development Programme

This core training programme is designed to help you successfully complete your PhD and improve your personal effectiveness.

It includes sessions on writing skills, managing data, interviews and how to get your work published.

Leadership programme

Designed in partnership with Henley Business School, this programme is designed specifically for you to develop your skills in leadership.

You'll enhance your understanding, experience and practice of leading and have the opportunity to explore your own capabilities.

Preparing to Teach

Preparing to Teach equips you with the teaching skills you'll need if you're considering a career as an academic.

You'll develop knowledge on effective teaching and learning, how to assess students' work and how to provide feedback.

English language support

Male student working on his laptop at a desk, wearing white headphones

If English is not your first language, our International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) can help you develop your academic English skills.

ISLI also offers doctoral thesis writing programmes in partnership with the Doctoral and Researcher College. These are available free of charge to international students.

Pre-sessional English
Academic English Programme
Thesis writing programmes

Disability support

Close up of woman's hands spelling out a word in sign language

The University provides a number of support services for people who have accessibility or additional learning needs.

Wellbeing support

Student seeking support

The University’s dedicated range of specialist support teams are here for you, whether you are on campus or studying remotely.

We also offer the Life Tools programme, a series of free talks designed by experts to help you take control of your personal and professional development.

Life Tools programme
Athena SWAN Silver Award