4.4
The experience of postgraduate research students
(results taken from the postgraduate research survey 2006 and 2007)

4.5.1
Satisfaction regarding academic and social facilities increased in 2007 from 2006 suggesting that the University improved the information for PGR students during the induction period and beyond. However, postgraduate research students still rated their experience lower than their undergraduate counterparts. It is unfortunate that the question regarding induction seminars was not asked in the 2007 survey as it would have been useful to see if there had been an increase. However, post graduate research students commented on the induction period during the focus group. They highlighted the different practices across academic departments in relation to the induction process. A representative from the Science, Technology and Medical Studies (STMS) Faculty commented on the positive experience which he encountered

“The Computer Science Department run a great induction period including an away weekend for both first year PGR students and those who are returning from their first year. This helps everyone to get to know each other really quickly.”

4.5.2
Representatives from the Law School and Film Department felt that induction is quite limited and more could be done to encourage interaction across departments and faculties, and especially for those who come from outside the UK.

A student from the Law School felt that pre-arrival information is limited:

“If students have problems with their registration this does not get communicated to the department but it means that important information does not get communicated to the student. This happened to me and it was only because I did my undergraduate degree at Kent that I knew what to do.”

Despite the improving scores in the University’s survey, Kent Union is still concerned that the post graduate research community do not receive enough information regarding University life.