In 2023, four Australian institutions took part in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), providing the first Australian benchmark data. Advance HE is looking to build on this for 2024 and we are inviting institutions to participate in PRES at a discounted price for Advance HE member institutions.
PRES is designed for institutions that provide higher degree research programmes. It focuses on respondents’ experiences of supervision, resources, research culture, responsibilities, support, skills and professional development. Survey data can be used to target enhancement at discipline and institutional levels.
The survey will have a window for student participation from 1 February to 16 May 2024. The tailored institutional benchmark report will be published in July 2024.
Register your interest
If you would like to register your interest in taking part in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, complete the form by clicking below and we will send you further information and be in touch shortly.
Discounted access for 2024
Advance HE are offering institutions in Australia discounted access to PRES:
Advance HE Member Price: £1,000
This includes:
- access to the survey plus associated benchmarking reports and summary tables
- a resource toolkit to support you in running and promoting the survey
Members will also need a Jisc online surveys licence, available at £870
The deadline to join is 15 February 2024.
Read the PRES Australia 2023 report
More than 1,500 higher degree by research (HDR) students from four Australian institutions took part in the 2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey.
For the first time, we have created a summary report providing an important benchmark which the sector can use to track progress in delivering the best possible experience for its students.
Benefits of participating
Data from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) allows you to compare your institution’s higher degree research provision against others in the sector at a national, institutional and discipline level. This information can be used to identify areas of strength, as well as to address how provision of teaching may be changed to improve the student experience, student outcomes and the appeal of programmes to prospective students.
"The experiences of ANU HDR candidates have not necessarily been well-reflected in standard national surveys, so in 2015 we piloted the PRES, and since 2021, ANU has been participating in this survey. We use the gathered information to help monitor research training and support: PRES assists us in identifying what works well and what may need attention among our HDR candidates. The ANU 2025 strategy aims to deliver a student experience equal to the world’s best, and the range of participating PRES institutions means we are able to access global benchmarking. However, it is also important that we understand HDR experiences at ANU in a national context, and more Australian institutions participating in PRES would mean enhanced local benchmarking that can help Australian universities to better understand and support the HDR journey."
BO LIU, MANAGER, INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH PLANNING AND SERVICE PERFORMANCE
THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY