Support and wellbeing
Conducting a large research project is challenging work. We provide a range of support services to help you through your studies.
Holiday entitlement
Postgraduate researchers are entitled to the same annual leave as members of staff. Subject to any conditions imposed by a research council or other sponsor or funding body, the holiday allocation for full-time PGRs is normally 38 days in any year, including public holidays and University closure days (pro-rata for part-time PGRs).
"Comprehensive and sector-leading" support
The York Graduate Research School (YGRS) is recognised for its work at the forefront of PGR wellbeing, winning the FindAPhd Outstanding Contribution to Postgraduate Student Wellbeing award 2022.
The award is for the suite of PGR support and wellbeing activities run by the University's Building Research and Innovation Capacity (BRIC) team, and includes buddy and mentor schemes.
L-R: Karen Clegg, Head of the Building Research and Innovation Capacity Team; Kathryn Arnold, Dean of the York Graduate Research School; Sarah Masefield, Research Associate, Department of Health Sciences
PGR buddying scheme
The buddying scheme matches up new PGRs with existing postgraduate researchers to help you settle in.
PGR mentoring scheme
The mentoring scheme matches 2nd, 3rd and final year postgraduate researchers with a postdoctoral researcher.
Support and advice
It's good to know who to turn to if you need help, whether it be with your studies, your personal life or your physical or mental wellbeing. The Student Hub can provide support and advice on a range of issues, including money, accommodation, health concerns, immigration advice, and more.
Research funding
See details of organisations offering tailored funding for specific events and opportunities. We also offer the YGRS Conference Fund for self-funded PhD students to apply for funding to attend research training events when other funding options have been exhausted.
Assistance funding
If you find yourself in financial difficulties, take a look at our general assistance funding for students.
Cost of living support
We're very concerned about the impact of money worries on postgraduate researchers. Support can be found on our cost of living hub.
Success at York Toolkit
Are you looking for motivation? Feeling stressed? Dealing with a setback? Not sure how to think about your future? Use our Success at York Toolkit to develop skills and motivation to ensure you get the most out of your time at York.
Your wellbeing
Our health and wellbeing information includes an Advice A-Z on issues many students experience.
There are various ways we can help and support you, including providing 24/7 support through the TalkCampus app.
We also provide advice if you are feeling in crisis now.
We recommend The Wellbeing Thesis for advice specific to the postgraduate researcher journey.
Distance PGRs
We want you to get the most out of your research experience with the University of York, no matter where you are based.
Being a postgraduate researcher can be challenging - and studying at a distance can add to that challenge. Our aim is that you feel supported and can access any help you need.
Your Students' Union
The University of York Students' Union provides independent and confidential advice and guidance to students on academic issues, University policies and procedures, and personal and wellbeing issues.
