What is a PGR Subject Representative?
If you’d like to improve the experience of your peers in your subject area or develop your skills while completing your Research; you may want to stand to become a Postgraduate Research Subject Representative. PGR Subject Reps represent all PGR students within their Subject Area, acting as a channel between students and the university to ensure students’ views are heard.
Role and Responsibilities
As a PGR Subject Rep, you’re responsible for:
- Completing QMSU’s rep training when required
- Collecting feedback from PGR students within your subject area
- Engaging with the Doctoral College, SU and Director of Graduate Studies (or equivalent) on a regular basis
- Preparing for and attending relevant meetings as and when required (the meetings you attend will vary depending on your research area)
- Updating students with any relevant news and giving updates on issues you’ve raised with the university
We expect the role to take up 1-2 hours of your time a week.
Training and Support
Training is provided to reps by QMSU. This training is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to successfully undertake the role and ensure you know where to go for support if needed.
The QMSU student voice team provides ongoing support, advice and guidance to all PGR Subject Reps. You can book a 1-1 drop in with the team by clicking on the link below:
Find out more
Why stand to become a PGR Subject Rep?
As a PGR Subject Rep, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Make a difference for your fellow PGR students, by ensuring their voice is heard and issues they’re experiencing are raised with the university
- Get to know a wide range of staff and students from across Queen Mary
- Gain valuable experience which can be used on your CV
- Develop a wide range of personal and professional skills, helping improve your future employability
- Develop knowledge of issues in Higher Education and how higher education works
What skills could I develop as a PGR Subject Rep?
Being a PGR subject rep is a unique role which can help you develop a wide range of personal and professional skills. These include:
- Communication
- Relationship building
- Meeting skills
- Public speaking
- Problem solving
- Negotiation and conflict management
- Teamwork
- Leadership