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UROP for Students

Applications to take part in the scheme in 2024 are now open. Please click on the 'Placement' tab on the left hand side of this page. When you go through to the Placement page please make sure you have 'Current Placements' selected in order to view the opportunities available in 2024.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with developments of the scheme please join our mailing list via this form.

Applying

The UROP process starts with proposals from members of staff in Autumn Term for six week projects that will present students with an insight into a range of research skills in an area that complements or extends their research interests.

Those projects selected for funding are then advertised to students via the placements page in the Spring Term and there is a competitive application process for students. The application process usually consists of completing the UROP application form. You will find a link to this in the 'How to apply' section on each project description.

Support is provided by Careers throughout the application process and supervisors are encouraged to provide feedback to all applicants, whether successful or unsuccessful.

 Should you have any questions about the scheme, please contact the UROP Manager.

The Project

UROP provides students with the opportunity to gain real research experience with an academic at the university. Each six-week project has been specially designed to provide a genuine insight into the research environment and can make a significant contribution to your transferable skills and employability. By undertaking a research project you can:

  • Develop or boost your research skills;
  • make a significant contribution to your personal and professional development;
  • Increase awareness of research either in your academic field or in a new area together with associated techniques;
  • Gain valuable employment skills, experience for your CV and personal development;
  • Learn more about what academic careers are like while gaining skills that are useful for any career path;
  • Be treated as an important member of the team, supporting University staff, Master's students and PhD students;
  • Use your placement hours and training towards the RED Award;
  • Have UROP recognised on your diploma supplement annex.

Activities

Project Briefing: 'An Introduction to Research'

'An Introduction to Research' will provide essential training to best prepare students for their summer research project. As well as attending a project briefing to be informed of what to expect from their project, previous UROP supervisors will introduce students to several research methods and offer top tips about how to make the most of their project. Students will also learn about the importance of research at the University of Reading from a member of the senior research team.

UROP Summer Social

Each year, we hold social events to bring students and staff involved in the scheme together.

Social Media

  • Join the wider UROP community on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Blog about your experience
  • Share pictures of your placement on Instagram

Project Reviews

Each project will have review to ensure that the project is progressing well. Staff and students will also be introduced to the UROP evaluation forms.

Undergraduate Research Showcase

All students who undertake a project through UROP will present their research at this event. Taking place in early November, each student will present to a pair of judges (a previous UROP supervisor and a previous UROP student), with the projects grouped in alignment with the research themes of the university. The judges will then select a 'best in category' for each research theme, with an external research professional selecting the two overall winners. These selected students will be announced at the presentation evening, which follows the afternoon of judging, and the event will close with a drinks reception.

Poster workshops and other skills sessions

Poster workshops will be run to provide useful information about content, formatting and printing of the conference posters for the showcase and students will also be given the chance to critique and evaluate past posters. Throughout the summer, there will also be opportunities to attend specially designed Careers and Research workshops that have been tailored to our internship programmes.

External Conferences

Students who are selected as 'best in category' for each research theme at the UG Research Showcase will be supported to attend external research conferences. All of the selected students will attend the British Conference of UG Research and the two overall winners will also go on to present at Posters in Parliament.

Undergraduate Research Showcase 2021
UROP Showcase Digital Booklet 2021