Postgraduate Taught Students

Make the most of your Academic Tutor meetings during your PGT course. At the postgraduate level, tutor meetings are critical for refining your academic focus and research skills. Be proactive in seeking feedback on assignments or projects, and use your tutor's expertise to explore advanced concepts or areas of study. These sessions can also help you build a professional network and navigate pathways to further study or your desired career.

PGT Academic Tutor Meetings

Initial Meeting: Introduction and Setup

Introduction to Your Academic Tutor:

o Discuss why you chose to study at Reading and your specific program.

o Share previous experiences with Academic or Personal Tutors.

o Talk about your module choices and any relevant personal commitments (e.g., disability, caring responsibilities).

o Describe your interests, hobbies, and ambitions.

o Explore your thoughts on PhD study and any extracurricular activities you’re considering.

Preparation and Planning:

o Identify your Academic Tutor on RISIS.

o Review the Student Charter.

o Explore the Life Tools programme for additional support.

First Part of Your Programme: Adaptation and Goal Setting

How Are Things Going?:

o Share your experience adapting to postgraduate study, including coursework, lectures, and workload.

o Discuss any challenges related to assignments, deadlines, and external commitments.

Feedback Discussion:

o Review feedback from lecturers and peers, identifying any patterns and how they can guide improvements.

o Discuss strategies to enhance your referencing, literature reviews, and academic writing.

Other Opportunities:

o Explore additional activities for personal or professional development, such as societies or volunteering.

Next Steps:

o Create an Action Plan addressing identified challenges and feedback.

Preparation and Planning:

o Reflect on your academic progress, strengths, and weaknesses.

o Review your assignment deadlines and consider strategies for managing workload.

o Check Life Tools and Careers pages for further support and opportunities.

Second Part of Your Programme: Progress Review and Future Planning

Reflection:

o Evaluate progress on your Action Plan and how effectively you’ve managed feedback and action points.

o Discuss aspects of your course experience compared to your initial expectations.

How Are Things Going?:

o Review how your study skills are developing and your preparation for upcoming assignments or exams.

o Explore opportunities for publishing academic papers, if interested.

Feedback Discussion:

o Share and analyse feedback patterns and discuss actionable steps for improvement.

Other Opportunities:

o Consider reaching out to researchers or industry experts and discuss ways to enhance your experience through societies or volunteering.

o Evaluate the transferable skills you’re developing and how they align with your career goals.

Looking Ahead:

o Discuss career planning, available support, and how to showcase your experience. Contact the Careers Service and consider attending Careers Fairs.

o Review and update your CV, discuss how well it reflects your skills and experiences, and identify any gaps.

Next Steps:

o Refine your Action Plan with detailed objectives and follow-up actions.

Preparation and Planning:

o Reflect on your program’s impact and your progress. Consider project/dissertation topics and any improvements needed in study skills.

o Address any academic, social, or personal challenges and engage with new opportunities.

o Prepare an updated CV and explore Career and PhD study options.

Final Part of Your Programme: Consolidation and Future Focus

Reflection:

o Review progress on your Action Plan and your achievements throughout the programme.

o Discuss your overall experience and the effectiveness of your workload management.

How Are Things Going?:

o Talk about the development of your personal strengths and how they’ve supported your learning.

Feedback Discussion:

o Share feedback from your final assignments, identify any recurring patterns, and discuss improvement strategies.

Looking Ahead:

o Discuss plans for employment or further study, including PhD opportunities. Review and finalise your CV and discuss reference needs with your Academic Tutor.

o Explore the benefits of attending events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Next Steps:

o Reflect on your progress and plan for future steps. Consider how your experiences can guide your next academic or professional phase.

Preparation and Planning:

o Review your completed Action Plan and reflect on key takeaways.

o Finalize your CV and clarify your career or academic ambitions.