University receives strong results from key postgraduate researcher survey

The annual survey by AdvanceHE provides insight into the experiences of research students across the UK

Middlesex University achieved strong results in a major survey of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) with nearly all research students who responded saying their skills and knowledge have improved. 

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2025 is run annually by AdvanceHE and provides insight into the experiences of research students across the UK, including supervision, research culture, progression, skills development and community engagement.  

The 2025 survey had the highest Middlesex response rate ever at 57% - well above the sector average of 33% and a nearly 17% improvement on last year. This shows that the University's results represent a wide range of experiences from its community of more than 450 research students. 

 Results showed that the University performs strongly in other key areas, including: 

• Overall, 93% of PGRs surveyed said their supervisors had the necessary knowledge and skills to support their research  

• Around 92%, higher than the sector average, agreed that both their skills in applying research techniques, as well as their understanding of ‘research integrity’, had developed during their programme 

• Nearly 9 out of 10 MDX PGRs surveyed feel confident about completing their degree on time which is positive as self-doubt and imposter syndrome are not uncommon experiences of the doctoral journey 

• In total, 71% said they have opportunities to connect with the wider research community, significantly exceeding the sector average of 60%. 

Middlesex also scored in the sector’s top 25% for progression, community, research culture, research skills, and online learning resources.  

“Working with research students is incredibly rewarding, and these results reflect the exceptional commitment and passion that both our supervisors and professional services colleagues bring to the research degree programme. However, there is still more to do. We welcome the thoughtful and, particularly this year, detailed feedback from our postgraduate researchers, which will help us to chart our next steps in strengthening the support we provide.” 

Dr Nico Pizzolato, Director of Postgraduate Research Studies

Areas for improvement highlighted by PRES include clearer guidance at induction about research stages and expectations; increased financial support and practical financial assistance; and more in-person engagement, including vivas, training, and workshops. 

Find out more information about PRES and explore MDX’s postgraduate research degrees.