Induction for new postgraduate researchers

Induction is the first milestone in your research degree journey. It is designed to help you settle in the world of research. We want to support you from your first day at Bradford with crucial information, resources and knowledge so you can hit the ground running with confidence. 

Induction is delivered as a week-long on campus programme and runs three times per year aligned with the enrolment dates. The upcoming induction weeks are: 

• 1 June 2026 – 5 June 2026 
• 5 October 2026 – 9 October 2026 
• 1 February 2027 – 5 February 2027  

Your essential first steps as a postgraduate researcher

Engaging with induction means you are more likely to succeed in your degree. Our induction events will result in:  

• Increased confidence in your ability to progress with your research  
• A clear 90-day plan for the beginning of your research  
• Connections with other PGRs and the wider university community  
• Awareness of expectations of doctoral study and how to access support throughout your journey  
• Preparation for your first progression milestone which takes place at 3 months (full-time) or 6 months (part-time).  

Recent PGR testimonials about induction: 

"The induction showed me what it means to be a PGR, how to organise my year, meetings and conversations with my supervisors, identifying important and helpful tools for effective learning" 

"Everything was fantastic and facilitators explained everything in detail and showed us where to seek guidance when we may feel stuck" 

“I found it ultimately inspiring and felt much more sure about my immediate goals afterwards” 

“The sessions are interactive, enjoyable, and the large amount of information delivered was the accessible and manageable.” 

Attendance at induction

Attending induction is your responsibility and is outlined in the Research Degrees regulation. We will do our best to accommodate any reasonable adjustments to support your involvement, please contact the Doctoral College with requests.   

Every induction session in the week-long programme is mandatory for all new PGRs. There is no need to book, you simply turn up at the venue at the time shown.  

Once you accept your offer letter, you will be sent Outlook Calendar invites from the Doctoral College to both your personal and Bradford account. Please accept these so you can get reminders of the sessions and contact us with any questions about Induction.  

You can find more useful information on our Doctoral College SharePoint site (login required). 

If you are unable to attend, you must inform the university with an explanation by emailing Doctoral College colleagues via the following contacts: 

• Doctoral College Admin for the Research Institute for Digital and Sustainable Futures: dc-idsf-pgr@bradford.ac.uk 
• Doctoral College Admin for the Research Institute for Health and Social Care: dc-ihsc-pgr@bradford.ac.uk  

 If you are unable to attend your induction week, you will be expected to attend the next Induction and engage with a recovery plan. 

June 2026 induction  

Induction events will run in person on the University of Bradford campus from Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June 2026.  

In person enrolment will be available from 1 June for you to collect your student card from MyBradford in the Richmond Building Atrium.