Join us at Cumberland Lodge, in the heart of Windsor Great Park, for four days of thought-provoking discussions and interdisciplinary conversations with fellow doctoral students from across the UK.
This annual conference offers PhD students and early career researchers the opportunity to share their experiences with each other.
What's in it for me?
Our varied programme is designed to help you develop the transferable skills you will need to maximise the impact of your academic work in the wider world, both within and outside of academia. We focus on communication, public engagement, and interdisciplinary working, through a series of skills sessions, a group project, and with the help of guest speakers.
Sessions include:
- presentation skills and writing for non-academic audiences
- sharing research with non-specialists
- CV writing skills
- collaboration skills to optimise social impact.
This unique event presents the opportunity to explore the social value of PhDs, and aims to develop long-lasting support networks across traditional, institutional, and disciplinary boundaries.
Our guest speakers are set to include:
- award-winning BBC journalist and documentary-maker, and Professor of Journalism Kurt Barling
- Northern Ireland Assembly Member Dr Patricia O'Lynn MLA
The delegates from Life Beyond the PhD 2021 in front of the Tapestry Hall doors.
Tickets
To apply for a place at this year's conference, or for further information, please contact Charlotte Henderson (Programme Administrator) at programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk or follow the 'Make Enquiry' button at the top of this page. When applying please specify your university and department.
Tickets include accommodation from Monday 15 – Friday 19 August, all meals, and sessions.
Single occupancy room: £425
Shared occupancy room: £315 per person
What have others said?
More than 530 students and early-career researchers, from 113 different higher education institutions across the UK, have already benefited from participating in this event.
‘It was fascinating to meet and learn from so many likeminded 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
'After attending, I understood that a PhD can and should be about more than simply a volume that a handful of people read: it was an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a future employee and employer, and to disseminate my knowledge to wider audiences.' – Life Beyond the PhD delegate, 2018
Delegates in discussion at Life Beyond the PhD 2021.