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Your life in the School

As a PhD student in the School of the Built Environment, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative global community of students, staff, alumni and external research partners.

You'll have many opportunities to mix with other PhD students and build your research skills as you work on your doctoral studies.

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A global community

The School of the Built Environment has welcomed students from over 65 countries, and our community of staff is currently comprised of individuals from over 20 countries.

We value the breadth of perspectives, wide range of expertise, and international experience that our diverse student and staff body brings to our learning community.

Conferences and training

You'll have opportunities to communicate and receive feedback on your work and network with other researchers through our lunchtime seminar series and annual School PhD conference.

We also provide you with training in research skills that aim to prepare you for your studies and future career. In addition, there are opportunities to develop presentation abilities and teaching skills. 

Balancing work and life

PhD student Rosalie Callway balanced her studies alongside her responsibilities as a mother.

After taking advantage of the Doctoral and Researcher College's training resources, she felt the additional opportunities helped her immensely.

"There have been diverse interdisciplinary opportunities, including MSc sessions and public lectures hosted by the University, excellent social theory tutoring, and participation in teaching and other research activities.

"These opportunities were invaluable in deepening my knowledge and capacity to understand the area I was researching."

Read Rosalie's story

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Life on campus

Our main Whiteknights campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, only a short walk or bus ride away from our London Road campus. The campus is a thriving community that includes a Students' Union, Library and places to eat.

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Life in Reading

Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train. 

Athena SWAN Silver Award