The purpose of this programme is to provide PGRs with a mentor – another PGR further along in their studies – with whom they can have supportive, non-judgemental conversations about their experiences of postgraduate research, as well as their professional and career development. PGR peer mentors can advise mentees about community and development within PGR study. Discussions may include: building networks; personal organisation and workload management; working effectively with supervisors; balancing work and life commitments and managing the demands of personal and professional responsibilities.
The scheme is designed to benefit both mentees and mentors. For mentees, it offers valuable support and a sense of connection. For mentors, it provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. More broadly, the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration and mutual support within the PGR community.
In previous years the scheme has run once a year, from January to June. In 2025/26 we will be establishing a pool of PGR mentors, who we will aim to match with mentees from November 2025 onwards. The difference this time is that mentors and mentees can also join the scheme at any point in the year via an EOI form. This will ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from a mentoring relationship as soon as possible after enrolment. Mentors will be given training ahead of being matched with a mentee and will be supported by regular cohort group drop-in sessions and check-ins with the RIDA team.
It is expected that the mentoring relationship will last for 3-6 months and can last up to a year or more if agreed by both mentor and mentee.
Quotes from previous participants in the PGR Peer Mentoring Scheme
“My mentor has been really friendly, supportive and happy to share useful insights and information. It’s been a very positive addition to my PhD experience.”
“It was a lovely experience and I was lucky enough to make friends through the scheme.”
“I’ve found it (being a mentor) very rewarding.”
Read a PGR Peer Mentor’s thoughts on the benefits of the PGR Peer Mentoring Scheme.
For further information please see the following pages:
How to take part in the scheme
Express your interest in taking part here. The EOI deadline for this term is 31st October.
We will be running an online mentoring information session on Tuesday 21st October, 10-10:30am – sign up here.
Mentoring Process for 2025-26 Academic Year
Sheffield Hallam PGR Peer Mentoring Handbook 2025-26
The recording of the PGR Peer Mentoring Scheme Briefing Session held on 8 November 2023 is now available via Panopto. To access the recording please log in using your usual Sheffield Hallam log in and password.
The Sheffield Hallam PGR Peer Mentoring scheme is coordinated by the Researcher and Innovator Development Academy rida@shu.ac.uk.
Thank you to Nick Russell for guidance and the use of resources developed by the Sheffield Hallam Skills Centre.