It is not unusual that something will come along to affect your postgraduate studies. We are proud to be a diverse institute, and the challenges reflect that: poor health; relationships with family or colleagues; money worries; pregnancy, to name just a few.
In the first instance, we would always advise you speak to your supervisors. Of course, there are times when that is not possible, or when your supervisors have recommended action that needs further support.
The Student Wellbeing team are based in King’s Gate and can support on a huge range of issues. They are happy to help even on the day-to-day things that might not be obvious to a new student; finding your way around, or signing a contract for a flat.
The role of the postgraduate team
Alternatively, and particularly if your academic progress will be affected, then you should contact a member of the postgraduate team; this might be one of us in the Institute, or a member of the graduate school. You can be assured that anything you share with any of us will be treated sympathetically and confidentially; our primary concern is to resolve your difficulties in a way that is best for you and your research career.
We can advise on choices that very often include an extension or interruption of studies. These requests are always treated sympathetically, and in most cases are all that is needed to get past an immediate problem.
In the Institute we may be able to resolve practical difficulties, such as with your office space or other day-to-day issues. In a minority of cases, a more substantial intervention is required. It is rare but not unheard-of that students change supervisor or project. This need not be because of a conflict; more often, the direction of research has changed. The right match between project, supervisor and student is important.