POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION THAT WORKS FOR ALL!

Postgraduate students are central to our university, yet we are too often overworked, underfunded, and unheard. I’m standing because postgraduate education should be fair, accessible, and supportive, not exploitative or isolating!

I'm a postgraduate MLaw student who has pursued postgraduate qualifications across three different decades. That experience gives me a clear understanding of how postgraduate study changes across life stages, from finances and caring responsibilities to wellbeing and career development.

I am currently a Queen’s University Course Representative, where I have seen firsthand how effective student representation leads to real improvements in teaching, communication, and support. This role has shown me how to work constructively with staff, raise student concerns confidently, and ensure feedback leads to meaningful change, skills I will bring to this role.

1. FAIR FEES & SUFFICIENT FUNDING

Education, Not Exploitation

Postgraduates are paying extortionate fees, while loans and stipends fall far short of the cost of university fees and the cost of living. Many students are expected to carry out unpaid research or placements for the “privilege” of postgraduate study.

I will fight for fair fees, sufficient stipends, and paid postgraduate work. I will challenge unpaid research and placements, campaign for staff-equivalent rights such as sick pay, parental and compassionate leave, and work with the Students’ Union to strengthen cost-of-living support, which includes food initiatives and transport discounts. Postgraduates deserve to be valued!

2. POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY

Community Is Not a Luxury!

Postgraduate life can be isolating. Heavy workloads, financial pressure, and exclusion from student spaces leave many postgraduates disconnected and burned out.

I will work to build strong postgraduate communities by expanding postgraduate-friendly events in clubs and societies, launching peer-led initiatives such as skill-swap workshops, and advocating for healthier workload expectations. I will push for dedicated postgraduate and mature-student spaces across accommodation, schools, and social areas, because belonging should not be optional!

3. EDUCATION ACCESSIBILITY & MENTAL HEALTH

Support Postgraduates. Now.

Postgraduates experience some of the highest levels of stress and mental health pressure, yet receive the least tailored support.

I will push for accessible education and improved mental health provision, including targeted support for parents, carers, and neurodivergent students. This means better training for supervisors and advisors, postgraduate-specific wellbeing initiatives, and accessible study spaces within schools.

4. POSTGRADUATE STUDENT VOICE

Nothing About Us...Without Us.

Postgraduate voices are too often consulted last and ignored first.

I will strengthen postgraduate representation across Schools, the Student Union, and faculty reps to create meaningful change and establish sustainable feedback channels so postgraduate voices are heard consistently, not just during elections.

5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Paid Experience. Real Futures.

Postgraduates deserve more than unpaid experience and vague career promises.

I will advocate for paid placements, practical skills training and ongoing career support beyond graduation. In an increasingly competitive job market, postgraduates need real opportunities!

THE VISION

A Postgraduate Education That Works for All.
One that values learning and research, supports wellbeing, builds community, and listens to students!