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Doctoral Hub

NTSU and PGR Representatives

Learn more about how Nottingham Trent Students' Union (NTSU) support doctoral candidates and the PGR Reps.

Nottingham Trent Students' Union (NTSU)

NTSU is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that supports all students studying at NTU, including doctoral candidates. Not only does this mean you are eligible for student programmes such as Totum and UniDays, it also means that you can access the access additional help and guidance via NTSU.

NTSU provides support and advice in a variety of areas including finances, health and wellbeing, sexuality and gender, and discrimination and harassment. You can request one-to-one appointments with an NTSU advisor.

The VP for Postgraduate works with the Doctoral School and the academic Schools to tackle key issues facing the postgraduate community. They also provide resources and social events, and act as an advocate alongside the PGR Representatives.

PGR Representatives

What is a PGR Representative? 

A PGR Representative is a point of contact and a community leader for doctoral candidates in their academic School and the doctoral community at large.

Each academic School has 1-2, and candidates can reach out to them for support or to share ideas about the doctoral experience at NTU. The PGR Reps then meet with a variety of stakeholders to represent the doctoral voice, including:

  • the Doctoral Communications Executive
  • The NTSU VP for Postgraduate
  • NTU and NTSU committees

The PGR Reps also join inductions for new candidates, help plan community events and develop strategies for elements such as PGR wellbeing and research sharing. They also get involved with the Doctoral Research Festival and the Doctoral Education, Training and Development Programme.

PGR Reps nominations take place in the Spring, and each cohorts term runs from May to May.

What can my PGR Rep support me with?

Your PGR Rep is trained by NTSU to act as an advocate for the PGR in their School.

On a School level, this could be helping to promote research or social events, to boost engagement in a project, or to help set up networks for candidates working in similar areas or with similar frameworks.

If you have ideas about changes that could be made to improve the doctoral experience in your School and/or across NTU, you can discuss them with your PGR Rep who will then bring them to your DDP (Director of Doctoral Programmes) and the Doctoral School.

On an individual level, as they are supported by NTSU and the Doctoral School, PGR Reps can help candidates facing difficulties with their studies find and access relevant services, offer Student Union guidance on University matters, and provide support as a peer.

List of PGR Reps - 2024/25

  • Last updated: 04/02/2025