Postgraduate mentoring
MSc students within SSEHS have the opportunity to receive advice from current Doctoral Researchers about applying for and undertaking a PhD in the School, through our postgraduate mentoring scheme.
The scheme will pair MSc students with an SSEHS doctoral researcher with similar research interests. Mentoring will not be academic in nature, and instead should provide a deeper insight into life as a doctoral researcher.
The scheme aims to:
- Increase confidence among MSc students in their abilities to apply for doctoral research, particularly among females and those from backgrounds less likely to complete a PhD.
- Increase the number of current SSEHS MSc students who go on to do a PhD in the School.
The benefits of a mentor
Current Masters students have indicated that being mentored by a doctoral researcher is beneficial due to their career stage and understanding of being in their position. It also helps to build more connections and promote feelings of community within the School.
Feedback from last year’s MSc students involved in the scheme was that the most useful part of the scheme was the support provided by the mentor, and the insight provided into the lives of doctoral researchers. The mentees highlighted that they learned:
- How PhDs work (i.e., thesis, timelines)
- How to improve research proposals, CVs, personal statements and interview skills
- More about the application process.
How to apply
If you are considering a PhD, or would just like to find out more about life as a doctoral researcher, then you may benefit from engaging in the PGT-PGR mentoring scheme.
To register your interest in a mentor, please complete the form linked below by Wednesday 8 January 2025.