As part of the MHWB survey we conducted with our PGRs in the Autumn of 2021, 89% of you said that you would like an online MHWB module just for PGRs.  Not only have we developed this LibGuide resource for you for that purpose, we have also identified a recently developed course specifically designed to support the MHWB of PGRs!  This online educational course was developed by one of the HEFCE PGR Catalyst Fund projects designed to improve support for the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate research students. The projects developed new practice for pastoral support and training materials for students, supervisors and other staff across the sector, and the course is shared below for the benefit of our University of Hull PGRs.   

The course was developed in response to a number of reports and academic papers investigating the prevalence of mental health issues in PGR students, and research into some of the causes of this distress.

The modules are shared here for PGR students but are also useful for PGR supervisors. They present research evidence on the mental health of PGR students and offer you guidance on how to navigate the supervisory relationship if there are mental health difficulties.

The aims of the course are to:

• Identify and address mental health needs within the supervisory relationship to promote early intervention
• Recognise the specific role of supervisors in supporting mental health and wellbeing, and identify the limits of that relationship for resolving wider mental health difficulties
• Prevent the development or exacerbation of mental health symptoms by identifying the helpful and unhelpful relationship patterns that can emerge in supervision.

The modules have been designed:

• To be accessed by students and supervisors, so that all parties receive the same training
• For individuals to access at the point of need (to support their own wellbeing, that of a peer, or if a supervisor has a student experiencing difficulties)
• To be used as a basis for group trainings (student induction events, supervisor training courses, or departmental away days
• With a summary module that could be made compulsory for all, containing key information, and more detailed modules for those with the need and interest to gain further awareness and skills

Outline of the Modules 

Module 1 contains research evidence into the mental health experiences of PGR students and how we can all support wellbeing, as students and supervisors.

Module 2 provides information about mental health and how to respond to students in distress. This will provide information to help supervisors to provide an appropriate level of support and to signpost appropriately. It will help students understand the signs of distress in themselves and their peers.

Module 3 'Supervising in the context of the mental health' will give both students and supervisors the tools to reflect on how their own style of supervising and being supervised may be impacted by PGR mental health. 

Course development partners

Durham University, supported by Prof Stan Taylor, three Doctoral Training Partnerships - NINE, Northern Bridge and IAPETUS – and the Durham Student’s Union was awarded a grant to develop an online educational resource to support postgraduate research students’ mental health and wellbeing.