Postgraduate Students’ Association
All postgraduate students receive a warm welcome from the Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA). The Association, on behalf of the Students’ Union, runs social events, organises sports teams, looks after welfare issues, and represents postgraduate interests on University and external committees.
Postgraduates from across all disciplines meet to enjoy an array of events and activities including salsa classes, wine tasting evenings, comedy nights, barbeques and the popular annual Postgraduate Summer Ball.
The PGSA also organises day trips to top UK locations like York, Edinburgh and Alton Towers and, in collaboration with the Graduate School and International Office, hosts regular Coffee, Cake and Catch up socials.
PGSA teams enter inter-mural football, basketball, netball and hockey events, giving you the chance to compete against University halls and other associations and societies. There are also one-day events and taster sessions, with activities ranging from fun runs and climbing to horse riding and water sports.
So, whether you want to continue a long-running pursuit or want to try something new, PGSA sports events and socials are a good way to unwind and meet like-minded postgraduates.
In recognition of the different study patterns, family, geographical and employment commitments which postgraduate students have, events are arranged at postgraduate-friendly times.
There is also a Mature Students’ Association, and international students are welcome to join the International Students’ Bureau.
“Whether you decide to be part of the PGSA’s committees; come to one of our days out or big nights out; join one of our sports teams or just call on us with a query, we’ll endeavour to make sure your time in Nottingham is as enjoyable as possible.”
Morgan Stankey, Postgraduate Officer 2010/11
Student life as a postgraduate
Nottingham’s Students’ Union, which received the NUS Participation Award in 2008, is the focus of student life on campus. The Union is one of the most active in the UK and offers over 200 societies and sports clubs. With so much on offer you can try your hand at practically any sport, learn a new skill, like photography or film making, or take up something unusual like capoeira, bell-ringing or juggling.
The Students’ Union runs its own theatre group, the New Theatre, and its own cinema. It arranges social events and excursions across the UK, organises celebration meals and parties throughout the year, and offers the opportunity to meet people of different cultures from all walks of life.