Life Beyond the PhD brings together doctoral students from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines to explore the value and potential of academic research, foster collaboration, and develop public engagement skills, as well as providing space to reflect on how research and academic careers might promote more inclusive and just societies.

With input from a range of guest speakers and facilitators, our programme includes:

• a panel of experts to discuss the application of academic research and skills in a range of careers;
• developing communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders, including public speaking and writing for non-academic audiences;
• workshops on wellbeing and overcoming imposter syndrome;
• developing strategies to foster collaboration and teamwork across disciplines; and
• exploring the value and potential of academic research to promote more ethical, inclusive, and just societies.

There will also be time to socialise and enjoy our beautiful grounds in Windsor Great Park.

Life Beyond the PhD has been taking place at Cumberland Lodge since 2009, offering a supportive environment for the exchange of ideas, and planning and preparing for future careers. Hundreds of postgraduates have participated, from over 100 higher education institutions across the UK. As well as providing space to reflect on how academic work and careers might help to promote more inclusive and just societies, the support networks established have proven to be invaluable to many.

Tickets

Tickets for this event are available from our community platform and include four nights’ accommodation, all meals, and all workshop activities.

Single occupancy room with en-suite facilities: £480 per person
Shared occupancy room with en-suite facilities: £360 per person

To help keep the costs to a minimum for participants, delivery of our conference programme is subsidised by our charitable funds as part of our work to support the capacity of young people to become future leaders.

Some universities offer competitive application rounds to secure funding to attend this conference. Please enquire with your graduate office to see whether this support is available to you.

If you have any questions about the conference, or the work of Cumberland Lodge, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Programme Team at programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk

What have others said?

‘Created a warm and welcoming environment for us to bond as a group and develop personally and professionally.’ – Life Beyond the PhD delegate, 2024

‘It was fascinating to meet and learn from so many like-minded people yet with such different academic backgrounds and areas of expertise. Owing to the independent nature of a PhD, it is not often we get to work with others towards a collaborative goal. Therefore, the group project was a great opportunity to develop our teamwork and communication skills.’ – Life Beyond the PhD delegate, 2021

‘I found Life Beyond the PhD an exceptionally positive experience, far more so than I had expected. The discussions were open and generated good dialogue among participants, and the range of topics selected suited the audience well.’ – Life Beyond the PhD delegate, 2019