Welcome for new doctoral students
Welcome to Manchester Met’s doctoral community
Welcome to our doctoral community
We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to do your doctoral degree with us. You’re joining a community of ambitious and talented researchers who are making a real contribution to the world on a local, regional and national level.
Beginning a doctoral degree is exciting, and there are a lot of things you’ll need to know when you start. This page provides essential information about welcome events and induction sessions.
We recommend referring to our Student Life pages as well for useful information and an overview of what services are on offer for you.
What you need to know
Each faculty will host a series of induction events throughout the year for new doctoral students.
New students will receive information about these events directly and they will also be published here with each student intake.
You can get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
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Welcome and Induction Events
Autumn 2024 new starters: We have an exciting schedule of welcome events planned for you - please watch this space as we will be releasing details shortly.
Your Faculty induction will take place on Wednesday 16 October – save the date! Your Faculty induction session is a fantastic way for you to meet your Doctoral College Faculty Head, other tutors and fellow doctoral students. During the induction, you will learn more about your faculty and what support is available to you both academically and pastorally. We highly recommend attending your induction to give you the best possible start to your doctoral degree. Please visit your Faculty’s welcome webpage for more information about your induction.
The annual Doctoral Student Welcome Fair will be held on Wednesday 23 October - save the date! During the fair, you will have the opportunity to hear from key members of our doctoral community, including Professor Anya Ahmed (Academic Director of the Doctoral College), Doctoral Services and our Doctoral College Faculty Heads. You will also have the chance to speak with key support services and external companies, including our careers team, the Brilliant Club, our international team and library team. Lunch will also be provided. More details about the fair will be shared closer to the time.
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Your Faculty Welcome pages
Visit your faculty page for more information on resources, key contacts and details on your faculty induction programme.
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Enrolment and ID cards
There is more information about your ID card, including how to get one on the ID cards information webpage.
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Systems you'll use
SkillsForge
You’ll keep records with your supervisory team throughout your research journey using Skillsforge.
Moodle
Our Moodle site is a one-stop shop for information for doctoral students.
Visit Moodle and sign in with your Manchester Met username and password to access the information. The Doctoral Student Community Hub will be visible on your dashboard within 72 hours of completing your online enrolment.
EthOS
All staff and students must obtain ethical approval for projects, using our EthOS system. For more information, visit the ethics and governance page.
Information Systems and Digital Services
The Information Systems and Digital Services team (ISDS) provides IT support and resources to students. They offer 24/7 support and help accessing our IT platforms.
You can download and access a number of software packages to assist with your research. From Microsoft Office to the Adobe Suite, NVivo to SPSS, and Teams to stay in touch. You can find everything you need on our software download centre.
For help with anything on this page, contact IT services. There is further support available on working online on Moodle.
Systems List
For a full list of systems you may encounter, visit the postgraduate research systems list.
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Your training, development, and events
An introduction to training and development
Hear from Dr Cathy Coombs about our training and development opportunities. Please note that this video does reference some old terminology - we are currently filming an updated video.Our development brochure
Each year, we curate a programme of development sessions, events and opportunities for doctoral students across the University. You can find out more about training and development opportunities in Moodle.
Events at Manchester Metropolitan University
We host three major events as part of our development calendar:
- Three Minute Thesis, which challenges you to present your research in just three minutes, as part of a national competition.
- The Doctoral Student Conference, which is planned and organised by a group of students every year, and is a fantastic opportunity to present your work in a friendly and supportive environment.
- Images of Research, a competition for staff and students, inviting you to present the impact of your research in just one image and short abstract.
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Supervision and getting started
Getting to know your supervisor
Your supervisors will be your main contact throughout your research studies. Dr Cathy Coombs and Stephanie Barker speak with some of our academic staff members to get their advice on how to foster a good relationship. -
Advice from Manchester Met doctoral students
Making the most of your studies
Matt Hutchinson, talks about his doctoral journey, the importance of developing your writing practice, getting involved in development opportunities, and advice to help you prepare for your first supervisory meeting.Advice from a doctoral student
Elena Artamonova shares her experience studying at Manchester Met, exploring everything from tips for getting to know your supervisors, to development opportunities and your future career prospects. -
Your Doctoral Services team
Your Doctoral Services team are here to support you with all aspects of your degree.
Doctoral Student Digest from Doctoral Services
You’ll be hearing from us regularly through our Doctoral Student Digest - our community bulletin. In these we’ll let you know about headline news from around the University, upcoming events and opportunities for you to get involved in, news and the doctoral research blog. Check your university email inbox regularly to find out what’s new.
Do you have something exciting you’d like to shout about, or have included in our Digest? Contact [email protected] and let us know.
Doctoral Student Hub
The Doctoral Student Community Hub provides a wide range of information relating to your research degree and is the first point of call for any questions you may have. You will find information on getting started, Turnitin, our regulations, training and development as well as wellbeing support.
Contacting Us
If you need to speak to someone in Doctoral Services, you can find a full list of contacts on this webpage.
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Your online doctoral community
Our social media channels
There are lots of ways to keep in touch with your fellow research students and Doctoral Services. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where we regularly share news from our community, upcoming events and opportunities.
Writing Groups
We hold writing retreats for students to meet with one another and set aside dedicated time to write.
Events
You can book onto our events via Eventbrite. Our events are regularly publicised in the Doctoral Student Digest. If you have any questions about our events, please email [email protected].
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The doctoral research blog
The doctoral research blog is hosted by Doctoral Services, but written by you. Share your research, experiences, opinions, and advice to current and future students.
To pitch a blog post, contact [email protected].
Recent posts include:
- ‘Stress Awareness Month’, by Mark Machin
- ‘Field update from the Tambopata Reserve, Peru’, by Lucy Millington
- ‘Be More Deaf Aware: Deaf Awareness Week’, by Jemma Lakmaker
- ‘Platelet Society Conference 2024’, by Bismah Mateen
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The Library
Library staff are always on hand to help whether you visit the Library in person or contact them online. Visit the library website for further information about using the Library and view our welcome screencast to find out more about Library and Cultural Services and how we support your learning, research and professional development.
Please note, our library is currently relocating to the former John Dalton East building on Oxford Road to help us prepare for our state-of-the-art library building. Once the relocation is complete, all our printed books will be available via a click and collect service. Please visit our website for updates regarding the relocation.
Library Search is your starting point for accessing the huge number of print and electronic resources available to you as a researcher at Manchester Met. Check out the subject guides to identify a range of resources relevant to specific disciplines and to contact your Academic Liaison Librarian.
Library Support for Researchers is our essential guide to information that will be useful to you throughout the research lifecycle.
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Student Support Services
We have a huge range of support services ready to help you with all aspects of university life.
Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
Offering support through one-to-one appointments, group workshops, self-help articles, podcasts and more. The service provides confidential, professional help and advice for any issues impacting on your university experience. More information about their services can be found on the Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing website.
Chaplaincy
Whether you follow a faith or not, our university chaplaincy can provide guidance on issues like faith and spirituality or a listening ear if life ever feels challenging.
Disability Service
If you have a disability, a long-term health condition or a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, our disability service makes sure you aren’t disadvantaged in your studies. Register with the service as early as possible to get help with coordinating the support you need.
Inclusion Service
If your life away from being a student is complex, you may be able to get extra help. If you’re a carer, a care leaver, estranged from your family, or pregnant the Inclusion Service can provide specialist support and advice.
Sport and fitness
We have a wide range of sport and fitness opportunities for students, including free fitness activities through our Active Campus programme and discounted gym memberships.
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The Union
Find out more about your Students’ Union by watching this video and visiting their website.