Welcome from the Dean
The University Graduate College is here to support the University's commitment to the highest level of quality and relevance in postgraduate research programmes; to promote excellent supervision, monitoring and support; to increase opportunities for postgraduate research; and to provide an environment that nurtures intellectual and professional growth, in which our postgraduate researchers can thrive.
The University Graduate College amalgamates the four Research and Graduate Schools as well as the postgraduate research activity of the Graduate Centre. Building on the existing strengths, it will create a more pro-active, co-ordinated and joined-up approach to strengthening postgraduate provision.
In the first phase of implementation, the University Graduate College will focus primarily on postgraduate research students and the governance arrangements are premised on this basis. However, linkages to the training provision for early career researchers will be retained so that this group will continue to have access to the skills development as presently offered e.g. advanced Research Methods.
All of Cardiff's postgraduate research students and their supervisors are members of the University Graduate College and are strongly encouraged to contribute to its development. The governance and organisational structures are designed to increase participation and linkages with academic Schools.
A Strategic Board, with representation from Heads of Schools, Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies, and postgraduate researchers will be set up to lead the University Graduate College.
The University Graduate College has four interlinked programme areas: training and developing researchers; assuring a quality experience; building capacities for research; and providing world class facilities. School Directors of Postgraduate Research and research students will be invited to participate in the four management groups, which will set priorities and work plans for their areas.
This new structure, with an extended and enhanced remit, will serve students and their supervisors, creating a clear focal point for the research experience at Cardiff University. Current students will benefit from enhanced career development support and a more integrated approach to research and professional skills training, with increased emphasis on meeting the needs of part-time, distance, and international researchers, while their supervisors will benefit from enhanced support and more effective systems to support management of research degrees. All will benefit from the academic-led enhancement of the research environment.
We look forward to your participation in this exciting new venture.
Prof Terry Marsden
Dean of the University Graduate College