Research degree pre-enrolment information

Welcome to our pre-enrolment webpage for postgraduate researchers intending to enrol at Kingston University. We look forward to you joining our research community. The information and links below should help you to understand what is involved in a research degree at Kingston University.

Discussions at the national Postgraduate Researcher Symposium concluded that enabling postgraduate researchers to prepare in advance of enrolling contributed to a smooth and successful start to their research programme; feedback from our own recently enrolled researchers confirms this.

Items marked * refer to resources that will be used at the induction session and we recommend you familiarise yourself with beforehand. 

Postgraduate Researcher Handbook*

The Postgraduate Researcher Handbook (PDF) covers all the basics and explains progression points and key milestones for each research degree. You will be given a hard copy when you enrol.

Code of practice*

Kingston University has a code of practice for research degrees. This document is central to research degree provision at Kingston and is included in the Postgraduate Researcher Handbook (PDF). The code sets out the responsibilities you commit to by registering for a research degree at Kingston, and the responsibilities the University and your supervisors have towards you.

Researcher Development Framework (RDF)

The RDF is a comprehensive approach to enhancing the careers of researchers. It was developed by and for researchers, in consultation with academic and non-academic employers.

The framework was developed by Vitae, the UK organisation championing the personal, professional and career development of researchers, and is endorsed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Quality Assurance Agency (see UK Quality Code: Research degrees) as being central to the academic standards and skills development a postgraduate researcher can expect from the UK doctorate.

RDF briefing for postgraduate researchers*
Before beginning your research degree, we ask that you read the introduction to the Researcher Development Framework which sets out why professional development is so important.

Induction and enrolment – late September each year

You will be invited to these induction sessions by your faculty.

• Graduate Research School induction and training
• Faculty-based inductions

After enrolment

Once you have enrolled and attended the induction programme you will be able to access My Kingston (the student intranet) and our Graduate Research School Canvas module, where you will find more information and resources, including details of the Graduate Research Structured Programme. All handouts and resources used in the induction sessions will also be available on Canvas.

Useful links

You may find the following information useful.

• How to get to Kingston University.
• Arrivals and orientation for international students.
• Welcome information for all students.