Cardiff Met ranked 7th in the UK for doctoral researcher satisfaction
Cardiff Metropolitan University has been ranked seventh in the UK for doctoral researcher satisfaction in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country's leading universities for postgraduate research support and experience.
The annual Advance HE survey found that Cardiff Met achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 88%, placing the University seventh among 48 participating higher education institutions and five percentage points above the sector average.
The result reflects Cardiff Met's continued investment in providing an outstanding doctoral research environment, with particularly strong performance across key areas of the research student experience.
The University recorded 90% satisfaction for supervision, online learning resources and research skills, while satisfaction levels were also high for progression (85%), professional development and responsibilities (84%), and on-campus resources (83%).
Cardiff Met ranked in the top quartile nationally across four of the PRES survey themes, demonstrating consistently strong performance throughout the doctoral researcher journey.
The University's results were particularly notable across all demographic groups considered in the survey, with Cardiff Met scoring above the sector average in all seven demographic categories. Satisfaction levels were also between 0.1% and 6.3% higher than those recorded by the MillionPlus, Post-92 and University Alliance mission groups.
Professor Sheldon Hanton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation said:
"We are delighted to see Cardiff Met recognised as one of the UK's leading universities for doctoral researcher satisfaction. Achieving seventh place nationally and exceeding the sector average by five percentage points is a significant endorsement of the supportive and inclusive research environment we have worked hard to create.
"These results reflect the commitment and dedication of colleagues across our academic schools and professional services, who work tirelessly to ensure our doctoral researchers receive an exceptional experience. From high-quality supervision and research skills development to professional and personal support, we are focused on helping our researchers thrive and fulfil their potential."
The PRES survey is the UK's largest annual survey of postgraduate researchers and provides universities with valuable insight into the experiences of doctoral researchers across a range of themes, including supervision, resources, research culture, progression and professional development.