Students using a laptop on the lawn

Support while you study

At Southampton, we welcome you into a supportive community of researchers. As part of our student community, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships, attend specialist events and share your research.

Training workshops and courses

We bring together learning opportunities including workshops, webinars and standalone learning modules for research degree students.

When you take part in workshops and courses you’ll:

  • develop your personal and professional skills
  • learn how to communicate your research and the significance of your work
  • develop and refine your career plan
  • enhance your employment prospects

Our workshops and courses will help you to plan and review your development. You can book your place as soon as you join us.

Subject based support

We host subject specific opportunities and seminars in your research group to help your development. 

Research group seminars are a great way to share work, receive feedback and practise your presentation skills in a friendly environment.

Student community

As one of our researchers, you’ll have different ways to meet fellow PhD students for social activities and support. We offer informal weekly virtual coffee sessions and regular seminars on current issues.

Events for PhD students

We host an annual Festival of Doctoral Research. The festival celebrates the past year of hard work through award ceremonies, a research showcase, Three Minute Thesis competition and other activities, bringing together our PhD community.

Shared workspace

When you spend time on campus you’ll have access to a shared office or workspaces to help you build relationships with other PhD research students. This shared space will give you a base to work and socialise at the university.  

Humanities research students based at our Avenue campus have access to postgraduate research student study rooms. Each room has multiple workstations and access to technical support.

Students with disabilities, mental health conditions or learning difficulties

We offer additional support and advice to help you whilst you study, for example:

  • mental health and wellbeing support 
  • disability support
  • dyslexia and study support
  • postgraduate support
  • help and advice before you start studying

Find out more about the types of support we can offer you

Doctoral College

Our Doctoral College provides training, networking, events and community activities across subject areas.

Introduction video to the Doctoral College.