The PGR StudentSurvey.ie questions are largely based on the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey[22] (PRES) in the United Kingdom. PRES is a UK-wide survey of research degree students, organised by the Higher Education Academy, now part of the UK’s Advance HE Agency.

The PGR StudentSurvey.ie question set shares many common items with the UK PRES whilst also including items specific to the national context, such as elements of the National Framework for Doctoral Education.

[22] www.heacademy.ac.uk/institutions/surveys/postgraduate-research-experience-survey

The focus of the survey is on student engagement with learning rather than student satisfaction. PGR StudentSurvey.ie addresses each of the following engagement aspects:

• Research Infrastructure and Facilities
• Other Transferable Skills
• Supervision
• Responsibilities and Supports
• Research Culture
• Personal Outlook
• Progress and Assessment
• Motivations
• Development Opportunities
• Career Aspirations
• Research Skills
• Overall Experience