Why Loughborough?

There's plenty of reasons why you should choose Loughborough to do your PhD.

We're University of the Year (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2020) and one of England’s top 10 research-led universities (REF 2014), so by undertaking your PhD at Loughborough, we’ll support you to become a world-class researcher whilst offering an award-winning student experience.

Develop yourself along the way

We strive to create well-rounded, resilient and employable researchers. There are a range of opportunities available to help you develop both personally and professionally, which are mapped directly onto the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) developed by Vitae (the UK’s national organisation for researcher development).

These include:

formal training workshops and courses
University-wide events, such as the annual Research Conference and Summer Showcase
school or department events, such as a seminar series or journal club
engagement with international research leaders through the Institute of Advanced Studies events and bespoke workshops for doctoral researchers.

There are also less formal opportunities to meet and network with other researchers, such as Café Academique, which gives you a chance to share and discuss your research in a relaxed setting.

Training, development and events
Two female students looking at a laptop screen

Access careers support

Our award-winning Careers Network is here to help you capitalise on your PhD and boost your employability by providing the best advice and guidance about your future career opportunities. Consultants can help you to explore opportunities in academia, industry and beyond, and they will support you with mock interviews and assessment centres, and placement opportunities. We are also home to one of the UK’s largest annual careers fairs to help connect you with potential employers.

Careers Network

Pastoral and academic support

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It is important to us that you are fully supported throughout your research and so you will have access to a wide range of academic and pastoral services.

Our Doctoral College also holds regular events and workshops across the year to bring you together with our researchers, including a Doctoral Wellbeing Week.

Our student support services include:

Student Support