Student societies and groups

All postgraduate researchers in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health are automatically part of DAGS, which provides invaluable opportunities to develop professionally, as well as the opportunity to meet fellow postgraduate researchers at networking and social events.

The society is led entirely by PhD students in the Faculty and organises both academic events, such as the PhD Conference, and social events, including the annual Welcome BBQ and Winter Ball.

Becoming a Committee Member

Are you a PhD student who is passionate about building a vibrant academic community, creating unforgettable social experiences, and fostering a supportive environment for postgraduate researchers (PGRs)? If so, we invite you to take the lead as a Committee Member of the Doctoral Academy Graduate Society (DAGS).

At DAGS, we believe that the journey of pursuing a doctorate should be one filled with camaraderie, intellectual stimulation, and memorable moments. 

By joining the committee, you will develop exceptional leadership skills, expand your network, refine your communication and collaboration abilities, gain event planning and organisational expertise, enhance your resume and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

If you would like to become a member of the DAGS committee, please get in touch with us via dagsoc@manchester.ac.uk

Follow DAGS on:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

The PGR Parents Group is open to all parents, parents-to-be and carers who are postgraduate research students at the University. The group meets regularly and attendees are left alone for the session to run un-facilitated.

These informal sessions provide the opportunity to:

• discuss issues related to returning to your programme after parental leave;
• share experiences of balancing research and caring responsibilities in a safe environment;
• hear about what has worked for others;
• offer peer support.

Information for our next event will be circulated to our members on our mailing list.

If you have any questions about the peer support group or would like to join, please contact us by emailing FBMH.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.

Please see the PGR Parents Toolkit (PDF) for PGR Parents and Carers.

The University recognises that some Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) have, or will take on, caring responsibilities, and wishes to support those PGRs balancing research and care. The PGR Carers’ Policy was introduced last year and it’s important that both PGRs and supervisory teams are aware of the policy. Read the policy. 

The Part Time and Distance Learning network group plans to meet monthly to discuss, listen to or share a range of topics and experiences.

Please feel free to add your comments, topics of interest and contact details for a mailing list and/or to join the WhatsApp group.

If you have any questions and would like to be put in touch with the network lead, then please contact us by emailing FBMH.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk. 

Being a disabled PGR can often be an isolating experience with many students feeling like the 'only one' at the university. Because of their disabilities, many PGRs have difficulty taking part in the usual activities such as networking, seminars, and research groups. A lot of PGRs are also unsure of where to go if they need support.

Challenging Research was set up as a supportive community for disabled PGRs at Manchester, a place where students can come together and share experiences and knowledge without the need to mask how their disability affects them.

The group provide a space for peer support, academic collaboration, advocacy & activism, and socialising. They currently have a WhatsApp group, regular Zoom focus groups with University heads, and Zoom social events like virtual pub quizzes and coffee mornings.

If you're looking for a place for support and friendship, and would like to be put in touch with the network lead, then please contact us by emailing FBMH.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.  

The International Student Network has been created for and by international PGRs to network with each other prior to their arrival in the UK and during their studies.

We have three aims:

• To provide pre-arrival students with the opportunity to receive advice from current students about arrival logistics (for example, visa applications, housing, bringing dependents) and meet other international students who are due to arrive in Manchester at the same time as them. 
• To enable current students to exchange information about existing issues related to their status as international PGR students (such as travelling for conferences on a non-UK passport, understanding the academic culture) and to provide networking opportunities.
• To maintain and updatiethe international student guide to assist future international PGRs.

The network will provide a space for international PGRs to chat about the specific challenges associated with being an international PGR, including actionable steps that can be taken to improve their PGR experience. 

Some current PGRs from the UK and other countries have written a guide for international PGRs (PDF). They have tried to cover potential issues and frequently asked questions that could come up before, during, and after your time as a PGR.

This guide will point you towards official sources of information and University services wherever possible, and will offer personal advice and tips to make your life in the UK easier. 

If you have any questions about the network or would like to join, please contact us by emailing FBMH.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.

You can also follow the group on Twitter: @uom_ISN

The University of Manchester Postgraduate Association (UMPA) is a constituted association affiliated with, but autonomous from, the Student Union. It is run by elected Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) to provide a representative body to promote and protect the interests of PGRs.

Our work is divided into three spheres:

1. Promoting the diverse interests and welfare of all PGR students at The University of Manchester during their study.
2. Providing democratic mechanisms for PGR Students to organise and represent themselves collectively, making their voices heard within representational structures at The University of Manchester.
3. Providing inclusive social, networking, and recreational activities and helping PGRs find their feet to facilitate seamless integration into the Manchester community.

Our past achievements include an accommodation challenge where we assisted a student in securing accommodation.

We relay relevant information to PGRs who needed it, and organise social events to bring PGRs together, thus allowing networking. View images of our social events on the UMPA blog.

If you have questions about the network or have something to discuss with us, please contact us by emailing (Lev Eakins, UMPA's President: lev.eakins@manchester.ac.uk) or visit our website.

You can also follow the group on X (formerly Twitter): @PGRSocUoM

Your PhD does not have to be a solo journey. We are always available to assist you to the best of our ability.