QMU tops the rankings for the experience of postgraduate research students
In the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2024, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, has beenâŻranked first among all participating institutions for doctoral studentsâ overall satisfaction of their research degree programme.
In addition, QMU ranks 2nd top for âProgressionâ, âResponsibilitiesâ and âSupportâ, and is in the top 25% of institutions on half of the survey measures overall.
QMUâs score for âSupervisionâ has improved since the last survey, with the institution now placed 2.5 points above the global benchmark (as opposed to -7.9 points in 2022).
The survey also provides the University with insights on aspects of the student experience that could be enhanced. It highlights some areas for improvement, notably in âResourcesâ and âProfessional Developmentâ, where QMU was placed 49th (75% of 34 respondents âdefinitely agreeingâ or âmostly agreeingâ that they were satisfied) and 40th (77% of 38 respondents âdefinitely agreeingâ or âmostly agreeingâ that they were satisfied) respectively.
Administered by Advance HE, PRES provides robust, benchmark data from a large number of higher education institutions across the UK and beyond to drive enhancement of the postgraduate student experience. In 2024, more than 12,000 students responded from over 60 institutions in the UK and Australia.âŻ
Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU said: âThe survey results demonstrate the successful work of colleagues right across QMU to provide excellent support and development opportunities for our research students, and to foster an inclusive, interdisciplinary and vibrant research community where our students can succeed.âŻWe are committed to continuing to enhance the student experience, drawing on the findings of this survey, and all other feedback from our students.â
For more information on PRES, see the .
Notes to Editor
More information on the categories mentioned and on QMU response rates:
Overall
The specific question is worded as follows: âto what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement â overall, I am satisfied with the experience of my research degree programmeâ with agreement on a five-point scale. The results for this question, and for other similar scale questions in the survey, combine the proportion who said they either âdefinitely agreeâ or âmostly agreeâ that they were satisfied. QMU had 38 respondents to this question.
Professional Development
This category assesses the development of essential professional skills and networks during the research degree programme. It includes questions on project management skills, effective communication with diverse audiences, building professional contacts or networks, and self-management of professional growth. QMU had 38 respondents to questions in this section.
Progression
This category evaluates the clarity and understanding of key aspects related to advancing through the research degree programme. It includes questions on the initial induction process, understanding of monitoring requirements and deadlines, comprehension of the expected standards for the thesis, and awareness of the final assessment procedures. QMU had 38 respondents to questions in this section.
Resources
This category evaluates the adequacy and accessibility of various resources necessary for conducting research and studying, both on-campus and remotely. It includes questions on the availability of suitable working spaces, access to physical and online library resources, IT resources, and specialist resources (such as equipment, software, and materials) needed for research. QMU had 34 respondents to questions in this section.
Responsibilities
This category assesses the awareness and understanding of roles and responsibilities within the research degree programme. It covers the institution's responsiveness to student feedback, the student's own responsibilities, the supervisors' responsibilities, and knowledge of who to approach for concerns beyond the supervisor. QMU had 38 respondents to questions in this section.
Supervision
This category includes four closed questions and one open question. The questions aim to evaluate the effectiveness of supervision in supporting research students, focusing on whether supervisors possess the necessary expertise and knowledge, the frequency of contact, the provision of constructive feedback, and the extent to which supervisors actively assist in identifying opportunities for the students' professional and academic development. QMU had 38 respondents to questions in this section.
Support
This category gauges the adequacy and effectiveness of various support services provided to research degree students. It includes questions on the support available for academic skills, IT and resource access, and health and wellbeing services. QMU had 33 respondents to questions in this section.
