Graduate Research School
PRES 2007
PRES 2007
The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey was run from 19/3/07-18/5/07. At Worcester there were 36 respondents out of an expected 97. This is a response rate of 37.1% which is above the national average response rate and is sufficient to provide a significant set of data.The survey consisted of 8 sections with varying numbers of questions in each section. Questions could be grouped together to form scales. The purpose of using scales rather than individual items is that they are more robust and reliable indicators of the different aspects of the postgraduate research student experience. The PRES consists of six scales:
1. Supervision scale
(1.a) My supervisor/s have the skills and subject knowledge to adequately support my research.
(1.b) My supervisor/s make a real effort to understand any difficulties I face.
(1.g) I have been given good guidance in topic selection and refinement by my supervisor/s.
(1.n) I have received good guidance in my literature search from my supervisor/s.
(2.j) My supervisor/s provide helpful feedback on my progress
(2.m) My supervisor/s are available when I need them
2. Skills development scale
(1.q) As a result of my experience so far I feel confident about managing a research project.
(2.c) My experience so far has improved my analytical skills.
(2.h) My experience so far has helped me to develop a range of communication skills.
(2.l) As a result of my experience so far I have improved my ability to learn independently.
3. Infrastructure scale
(1.f) I have adequate access to the equipment necessary for my research.
(1.h) I have a suitable working space.
(2.a) There is appropriate financial support for research activities.
(2.e) There is adequate provision of computing resources and facilities.
(2.i) There is adequate provision of library facilities.
(2.n) I have the technical support I need
4. Intellectual climate scale
(1.j) My department provides opportunities for social contact with other research students
(1.k) My department provides opportunities for me to become involved in the broader research culture
(2.b) The research ambience in my department or faculty stimulates my work
(2.o) I feel integrated into my department's community.
(2.p) My department provides a good seminar programme for research students
5. Goals and standards
(1.e) I understand the required standard for the thesis.
(2.d) I understand the standard of work expected.
(2.g) I understand the requirements of thesis examination.
6. Thesis examination
(3.a.i) The thesis examination process was fair
(3.a.ii) The examination of my thesis was completed in a reasonable time scale
(3.a.iii) I was given adequate support and guidance in preparation for my viva voce
(3.a.iv) I was given adequate support and guidance to make any changes to my thesis following my viva voce
PRES also contains some ‘stand alone’ items which do not form scales, and cover precepts from QAA Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students which is not covered within the scales.
1. Career/personal development planning:
(1.d) I am encouraged to think about the range of career opportunities that are available to me.
(1.i) I am encouraged to reflect on my professional development needs.
(2.k) I am encouraged to reflect on my career development needs.
2. Selection, admission and induction of students:
(1.o) I understand my responsibilities as a research degree student.
(2.q) I am aware of my institution's responsibilities towards me as a research degree student.
3. Skills training:
(1.o) There are adequate opportunities available for me to further develop my research skills
(1.p) There are adequate opportunities available for me to further develop my transferable skills
The results by section can be seen by clicking on the links below: