Latest QAA podcast discusses improving support for postgraduate researchers

QAA has released the latest episode in its membership podcast series on the biggest issues facing the higher education sector.

In this month’s instalment, Dr Kerr Castle (QAA’s Quality Enhancement & Standards Specialist) chats with Mercy Mwansa (University of Leeds) and Rachel Van Krimpen (University of Nottingham) about different barriers to success for postgraduate researchers.

The discussion covers issues including mental health and wellbeing, imposter syndrome, the influence of research culture, and perceptions of identity.  

During the episode, the guests discuss the work of their QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project, ‘Defining, measuring and supporting success for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) from diverse backgrounds’ and conclude with suggestions for senior leaders to better support PGRs.

This follows last month’s debut episode on awarding gaps for minority students. 

How to tune in

QAA podcasts can be found on Buzzsprout, as well as other popular streaming platforms including Spotify and Google Podcasts. Please rate, subscribe and share our podcast via your preferred platform.

On these platforms, you can also explore our existing catalogue of podcasts, covering topics including student transitions, experiences of pass/fail assessment, and embedded employability.

Find out more

You can find out more about this and other QAA Collaborative Enhancement Projects on the QAA website.