The Department has more than 20 research-active staff members available to supervise our PhD students.
If you’re involved in interdisciplinary projects or projects with an external partner, you may be supported by a supervisor from outside the University and interact with a wider range of staff.
Expert interdisciplinary supervision and training are provided by specialist supervisors, a biannual Advisory Panel, and, by application, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Science of the Environment: Natural and Anthropogenic Processes, Impacts and Opportunities (SCENARIO) Doctoral Training Partnerships.
Academic support in the Department
Support from the Doctoral and Researcher College
The Doctoral and Researcher College is the University of Reading's hub for doctoral students, based in a dedicated building on Whiteknights campus. It provides advice, training, study facilities and professional development for all doctoral students at the University.
The Doctoral and Researcher College is dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your PhD and fulfil your potential as a researcher. It runs a number of free programmes to help you develop academically and professionally.
The Doctoral and Researcher College is dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your PhD and fulfil your potential as a researcher. It runs a number of free programmes to help you develop academically and professionally.
Reading Researcher Development Programme
This core training programme is designed to help you successfully complete your PhD and improve your personal effectiveness.
It includes sessions on writing skills, managing data, interviews and how to get your work published.
Leadership Programme
Designed in partnership with Henley Business School, this programme is designed specifically for you to develop your skills in leadership.
You'll enhance your understanding, experience and practice of leading and have the opportunity to explore your own capabilities.
You'll enhance your understanding, experience and practice of leading and have the opportunity to explore your own capabilities.
Preparing to Teach
Preparing to Teach equips you with the teaching skills you'll need if you're considering a career as an academic.
You'll develop knowledge on effective teaching and learning, how to assess students' work and how to provide feedback.
You'll develop knowledge on effective teaching and learning, how to assess students' work and how to provide feedback.
English language support
If English is not your first language, the University's International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) can help you develop your academic English skills.
ISLI also offers three doctoral thesis writing programmes in partnership with the Doctoral and Researcher College. These are available free of charge to EU and international students.
Disability support
The University provides a number of support services for people who have accessibility or additional learning needs.
Wellbeing support
The University’s dedicated range of specialist support teams are here for you, whether you are on campus or studying remotely.
We also offer the Life Tools programme, a series of free talks designed by experts to help you take control of your personal and professional development.
