Postgraduate research students’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and student-led policy solutions

Abstract

ABSTRACT In response to the rapidly deteriorating pandemic situation, a national lockdown was imposed in March 2020 which had profound effects for students across the UK higher education sector. Given their precarious and isolated position in UK higher education, understanding how the pandemic has affected postgraduate research (PGR) students, relating to their mental wellbeing, social lives, and study experiences is very timely. This article explores the experiences of PGR students during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential policy solutions, drawing on a national online survey on the “Impact of COVID-19 on Doctoral and Early Career Researchers” (N = 3,432), and qualitative data collected from students during the initiation of public lockdown in the United Kingdom (N = 882). Specifically, this article investigates student experiences in five indicators using multilevel modelling: (1) mental wellbeing, (2) loneliness, (3) access to research resources, (4) social connection, and (5) training availability. Primary qualitative data is then used to draw policy solutions from students, who were offered an opportunity to suggest how they might best be supported during the pandemic. In doing so, student-led policy suggestions at both national and institutional levels are provided drawing on the lived experiences and voice of PGR students. The findings demonstrate the need for generalised and specific support combining financial assistance, mental health and pastoral support, communication, and academic study support.