Introduction for Postgraduate Research Students
Research students
As a University of Reading research student you will be studying at one of the UK’s 10 most research-intensive universities. Throughout your time with us you will work with international authorities in their fields and be at the frontiers of knowledge. You will be part of an active research community that thrives on challenging ideas and pioneering solutions to complex problems.
We value knowledge creation for the potential benefits it promises society. As a result of our real-world focus we enjoy great success in bidding for research funding. Of our current £45 million annual research funding, around £25 million comes from external grants and contracts.
We are home to several centres of excellence and conduct world-class research across a broad range of disciplines. Some of our recent projects cover genetically modified crop production, gerontology, breast cancer, jury behaviour and climate change. Many programmes have an international focus, involving collaboration with our overseas educational partners and alumni.
The quality and diversity of our research is recognised nationally and internationally, with a number of our researchers receiving awards for their work.The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 results confirm the standing of the University of Reading as a research-intensive university. Published in December 2008, the outcomes recognise over 87% of the university's research to be of international standing. The work of over 600 University of Reading research active staff was submitted to the Higher Education Funding Council for England for the RAE (88% of our eligible staff), demonstrating the breadth and quality of research across the university.
In carrying out research you will have support from world-class researchers and access to excellent facilities. These include the University’s library with over a million volumes, our 24-hour computer laboratory, online virtual learning and a wide choice of professional development courses.