Staff who are keen to help you succeed
As well as championing the needs of doctoral research students across the University, the Doctoral and Researcher College houses a team of staff who are experienced in supporting doctoral students through to successful completion. The Doctoral Research Office provides a range of student services, each school or department has a designated PGR Administrator and other staff are dedicated to the provision of excellent training and development opportunities for doctoral students.
A dedicated space
Old Whiteknights House is at the heart of the Doctoral and Researcher College and provides dedicated space for doctoral students to work and relax. Situated on the University's award-winning Whiteknights campus in Reading, it's a beautiful Victorian building, modernised to allow you secure access to a variety of facilities between 09:00 and 17:00.
“More than just a house, Old Whiteknights House has been a home to me during the three years of my doctoral studies.”
Orazio Camaioni
PhD in Classics
Study space
The Doctoral and Researcher College has some study space available for doctoral students. We have hot desking facilities for those PGR students who need or wish to study on campus. There is no need to book. The building is open from 9-5, so please feel free to turn up and use our study space. If you need to use the desks outside of these times – please email DoctoralandResearcherCollege@reading.ac.uk for access and out of hours Health and Safety guidance.
To support your studies, the following facilities are also available in Old Whiteknights House:
- photocopying
- scanning
- printing
- Wi-Fi via the secure eduroam network.
Learning space
Our seminar rooms (G09 and G12) are equipped with state-of-the-art IT facilities and can be used for conferences or training sessions.
Meeting space
Both staff and doctoral students can request to book our meeting room (G08), which makes an ideal workshop or seminar breakout space.
Networking and relaxation space
You can take a break and catch up with friends in our comfortable Common Room which has kitchen facilities and soft seating.
Location
The Doctoral and Researcher College is situated on the University's Whiteknights campus (see Building 9 on the campus map). The campus is conveniently located within the town of Reading in the south east of the UK, which provides excellent transport connections to airports and other major transport hubs.
Discover more about our award-winning campus
Excellent academic and research facilities
University library and collections
Our recently refurbished library is the centrepiece of Whiteknights Campus. It provides access to thousands of digital resources, and inside you’ll find substantial print resources spread over six floors. Individual study advice sessions are available with the Study Advice team. With extensive opening hours, it offers a range of different study spaces and when you need refreshment, there is a large cafe serving a wide selection of options.
Among other specialist collections, the University hosts three that have been recognised for their national and international importance:
- the world-renowned Samuel Beckett collection
- the Museum of English Rural Life and its library
- the Archive of British Publishing and Printing.
You will also find the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and the Cole Museum of Zoology on Whiteknights campus.
Research facilities
Our research excellence is supported by state-of-the-art major research facilities, and you can be confident that the University invests in developing and improving its physical and online facilities.
Over the past decade, we have invested over £400 million in a range of excellent facilities to support and enhance your academic and research experience.
Find out more about our research facilities
Computer laboratories
Throughout the campus, there are computing facilities accessible 24 hours a day, enabling you to work at a time and location that suit you.