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Aims and objectives

Birkbeck is a world-class, research-led university and a centre of academic excellence that hosts a vibrant community of over 700 part-time and full-time postgraduate research students. We are one of the top 250 universities in the world for research and half of our research was in the top 20 in the UK in the most recent REF exercise (the UK Government's periodic audit of research quality).

Our postgraduate research students play a vital role in our research community and their ambitions and successes are supported by the Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS). 

Aims and objectives of the Birkbeck Graduate Research School (BGRS) 

  • We provide a supportive, dynamic environment for the intellectual interests of Birkbeck's postgraduate research students. 
  • We support our postgraduate researchers to enable them to reach their ambitions. 
  • We support the development of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research ideas. 
  • We support the ongoing professional development of our postgraduate research students.
  • We promote good practice in research supervision. 
  • We work with our colleagues in the International Office and International Student Administration to support the specific needs of our international postgraduate research students. 

Responsibilities of the BIRKBECK GRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOOL (BGRS) 

  • Overseeing the examination and awarding process of all research students. 
  • Answering queries from research students, their supervisors, administrators and examiners to ensure that the examination process runs as smoothly as possible. 
  • The maintenance of student records for research students across Birkbeck. 
  • The administration of certain research studentships and scholarships. 
  • Providing input on how current processes and regulations relating to research students can be improved.