Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS)

About the project

The Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) offers support and training to Birkbeck's vibrant community of MPhil/PhD researchers.

It encourages and nurtures the development of research across and between disciplines and helps postgraduate research students with their ongoing professional development. It also oversees the examination and awarding process for all MPhil/PhD degrees.

Guidance for Birkbeck PhD students and supervisors is available on the BGRS SharePoint site .

Research links

• Computing and Mathematical Sciences research
• Creative Arts, Culture and Communication research
• Business research
• Law research
• Natural Sciences research
• Psychological Sciences research
• Social Sciences research

Birkbeck 2026 Three-minute Thesis winner: Anna Raynaud

Anna Raynaud, a doctoral researcher in Psychological Sciences, presents this year's winning presentation asking 'Can we train empathy in early education?'.

Aims and objectives

Read more about the aims and objectives of the Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) and our specific areas of responsibility.

BGRS blog

Read our blog posts on highlighted training, events and the activities of Birkbeck's research students. If you have a suggestion for a future post, please let us know via our 'Contact us' page.

Supervisor support

Useful information for Birkbeck academics who are supervising MPhil/PhD research students.

Contact us

If you have queries about training, studentships, MPhil/PhD assessment, or any of the other activities of the BGRS, please contact us.

BGRS Sharepoint

The site gives access to information of specific importance to doctoral research at Birkbeck, such as: information about essential contacts, policies, expectations and processes, and how you can access support.

MPhil/PhD research

Birkbeck has a large, vibrant community of MPhil/PhD researchers. Find out about our lively research culture, our world-leading academics and the areas of supervision we offer.

How to apply for MPhil/PhD study at Birkbeck

Find out everything you need to know about applying for an MPhil/PhD research degree at Birkbeck.

MPhil/PhD research funding

Find out about sources of funding, including government loans and Research Council studentships.

Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) training programme

We offer lecture series, generic skills workshops and social events that are open to all MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck.

Training and careers

The Birkbeck Graduate Research School offers free training and careers support to MPhil/PhD researchers at all stages of their research.

Training needs analysis

All MPhil/PhD researchers at Birkbeck have to undertake a Training Needs Analysis, to identify your training needs and develop skills that will strengthen your career prospects.

Research events

Find out more about research-related events offered at Birkbeck.

Policies, procedures and regulations

Birkbeck takes its responsibilities towards its students very seriously and has formal policies, procedures and regulations in place with which we encourage you to familiarise yourself.

Research student progression, submission and assessment

Find out everything you need to know about formally upgrading from MPhil to PhD status, submitting your PhD thesis and undertaking your viva (oral examination).

Ethics and integrity

Find out about the principles and standards of personal conduct that govern all research at Birkbeck.

Early career research fellowships

We are committed to supporting early career research fellowships (ECR and other) and we will consider eligible PhD, postdoctoral and early career researchers, affiliated with Birkbeck or otherwise.

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)

The PRES is your opportunity to give feedback about your experiences as an MPhil/PhD researcher. Complete the survey and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Research areas