You have access to dedicated career support throughout your postgraduate research degree. You will find lots of vital support, guidance and advice on your career and employability whether you are new to the world of work, or looking for that next promotion.

Did you know, BU graduates also have access to our Careers and Employability expertise and resources for up to three years following graduation?

PRES: In 2024 around 80% of our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) who responded to the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) agreed that as a result of their research degree they felt better prepared for their future career.

Researcher Development Programme workshops

As part of your bespoke Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme, all BU PGRs have access to online workshops to directly support their career development. These include: 

  • Careers: Applying your skills outside academia
  • Careers: Understanding and planning for a research career 
  • Applying for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
  • Introduction to education practice for PGRs.

Full details on each workshop and the links to book are accessible via the dedicated Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme Brightspace unit. If you have any questions, please email the Researcher Development team at [email protected].

Introduction to Education Practice for PGRs

The Introduction to Education Practice for PGRs course is delivered over 2.5 days.

Run at least twice per year, this is the course which helps PGRs to understand some of the important issues of the day connected with teaching in higher education, and is compulsory for PGRs who wish to undertake part-time hourly paid teaching at BU alongside their research degree.

For those PGRs thinking of a future academic career, this form of teaching and training can provide helpful experience for inclusion on your CV. See what some of our recent attendees say: 

The Introduction to Education Practice for PGRs is a valuable course to gain a real insight into teaching at BU. The course was split across multiple units and the various teaching methods instilled within the course helped me to consolidate my learning. I really enjoyed the community spirit gained through the course and it was a great opportunity to hear about the fascinating research being conducted across Bournemouth University. As a result of my teaching experience, I have successfully obtained Associate Fellowship recognition through Advance HE. I would highly recommend the Introduction to Education Practice for all PGRs to gain confidence in teaching, build upon personal development and facilitate future careers. 

Emily Bird, PT PhD student, Faculty of Science & Technology

Shortly after enrolling on the PhD programme at Bournemouth University, I was given the opportunity to teach mathematics to undergraduate students. This led to me completing the Introduction to Education Practice for PGR’s course. I gained great insight into teaching methods and an understanding into the different types of learners. Overall, I really enjoyed the course and has given me the tools to being an effective instructor and improving the classroom experience. Afterwards, I obtained my Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) demonstrating professionalism and commitment in Higher Education, which has led to more invaluable teaching experience.

Adam Witt, FT PhD student, BU Business School

The Introduction to Education Practice for PGRs course was pivotal in the development of my role to support teaching and learning at BU. In addition to providing a thorough overview of teaching and learning theory, practice and technology, the course offered an opportunity for me to reflect on my individual teaching goals and receive feedback on my practice. Importantly, the course introduced the HEA Fellowship scheme to me, providing a clear overview of the process involved to apply for a fellowship through TeachBU. I gained the confidence to prepare and submit my application, and in December 2021 received the Associate Fellow award. This award has strengthened my career portfolio and has led to new teaching opportunities at BU and other universities. 

Louise Burgess, PT PhD student, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

I always had a keen interest in teaching and enhancing student experience through efficient integration of novel strategies and model education practice. I took part in the course offered by the Doctoral College, 'Introduction of Education Practice for PGRs' and found it to be quite useful for learning strategies as well as technologies that I could use to help students in realising their true potential. I then went on to gain some valuable experience working with module leaders in supporting them in delivering modules at all levels. Due to the valuable experience I gained at BU, I then applied for Associate Fellowship offered by Advance HE and was successful in obtaining the qualification. I want to thank the Doctoral College and TeachBU teams and also to teaching faculty at BU for helping me through my journey so far.

Rushan Arshad, FT PhD student, Faculty of Science & Technology

Support available via MyCareerHub

As a postgraduate researcher, you have access to all the careers support available through MyCareerHub.

CareersBU Support & Resources

CareersBU Events & Webinars - Access the latest events and webinars hosted by the CareersBU team including their Work It Series on the Job Hunting and Application Process and Meet the Professionals Panel Events which explore careers within specific job sectors. Webinar Recordings - Access all the recordings from previous CareersBU Webinars all in one place on MyCareerHub.

Make an appointment with a Careers Advisor - Speak to one of our careers advisors 1:1 either face to face, virtually or by telephone about your career planning needs.

Continuous Access to Careers support after your Studies - Did you know that once you have completed your studies at BU you can continue to use the services of the Careers & Employability Service including access to MyCareerHub.

Resources on MyCareerHub

Career Assessment Tools - Understand your motivations, preferences and values when considering your future career path with these careers assessment tools.

Starting a Business/Going Self Employed - Interested in setting up your own Business or going Freelance? This info guide is full of helpful resources and links to support networks to get you started!

E-Learning Hub - Access comprehensive advice on a range of careers and employability topics via videos and online materials.

CV & Covering Letter Booklet - Produced by the BU Careers Advisor Team, this comprehensive guide provides advice and templates on creating an effective CV & Covering Letter.

Interview360 Practice Tool - Practice your Interview technique and access typical interview questions and how to answer them with advice from employers themselves.

Create a perfect Pitch with the Elevator Pitch Tool - Create a 60-second pitch about yourself to engage your listener.

Virtual/Remote Working Opportunities - Access virtual and remote working and online learning opportunities to develop your skills.

PGR student stories

Read about some of the diverse career directions of our recently graduated PGRs in our student stories series.