Writing retreats for postgraduate research students building community across LBU

Delivered throughout the 2025/26 academic year, the programme included online writing mornings, one-day retreats in different formats and a four-day residential retreat for those in the final stages of thesis writing.

Developed in response to feedback from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and wider engagement with the PGR community, the programme was supported through the University’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund. It offered structured opportunities for researchers at different stages of their journey to step away from competing demands and focus on their writing.

Across the year, retreats were facilitated by Professor Louise Warwick-Booth, Dr Steven Gerrard and Dr Madeleine Castro, each bringing their own experience and approach to creating supportive, productive writing environments.

Participants used the retreats to make progress on thesis chapters, articles, conference papers and other writing projects. However, the value of the programme extended beyond dedicated writing time.

For many PGRs, one of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to work alongside researchers from different disciplines, Schools and areas of study. The retreats created space for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, exchange ideas and build relationships across the University.

Reflecting on the experience, one participant said: “Being in a setting where everyone had similar goals, even though our areas of research were different, was refreshing and a great opportunity to exchange ideas.”

The programme concluded with a four-day residential writing retreat, bringing together ten doctoral researchers nearing completion. The retreat gave participants the opportunity to step away from everyday responsibilities and focus entirely on their writing, while benefiting from the encouragement and support of peers at a similar stage in their research journey.

Reflecting on the residential retreat, Dr Steven Gerrard said: “This was our second residential writing retreat as part of the programme, and it was a tremendous one. The students were really into cracking on with their work, and all were clearly enthused by their chance to be not just working on their theses, but also to feel part of a community. I am in genuine awe of these students, and they are all so near to completing their studies and then the viva examination to follow. I hope to celebrate them all becoming Doctors soon.”

The retreats form part of Leeds Beckett’s wider work to support postgraduate researchers and strengthen the research environment across the University. They recognise that doctoral research can often feel like a solitary endeavour, but progress is often helped by connection, conversation and a sense of belonging.

Feedback from this year’s programme highlighted the value of giving PGRs room to think, share ideas, build confidence and feel part of a wider research community.