The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is conducted online, normally between March and May in years that Queen’s participates in the survey. Queen’s has a response rate of around 50%, which represents approximately 1,000 students.

 The results are analysed and reported to senior management committees, where they inform the development of new policies and the monitoring of existing ones. The results are also sent to Schools and areas of academic support which provide key student services, where they are considered alongside other feedback mechanisms. Student anonymity is attempted to be preserved at all times, and no reports or analyses of results contain references to individual students.

 The PRES survey consists of 30 questions divided into 8 thematic areas:

• Supervision
• Resources
• Research Culture
• Progress and Assessment
• Responsibilities
• Research Skills
• Professional Development
• Opportunities (including teaching / demonstrating)

There is also a question about overall satisfaction with the quality of research degree experience, expectation relating to the completion of research degree and motivations. Respondents can provide qualitative feedback on any of the thematic areas, or on general enjoyment of the course, and areas that would improve their experience. Respondents are also asked about their motivations for studying their course. Respondents can choose to provide demographic details which may help analysis of groups of students with specific characteristics (e.g. age, disability, ethnicity), or relating to the stage of research degree study. The University may choose to add institutional questions, for example relating to perceptions of equality and diversity.

 If you would like a copy of the questionnaire or would like more information, please contact The Graduate School (graduateschool@qub.ac.uk).