Report Launch — Mental Health & Wellbeing of Online PGT Students
This session will feature the launch of the report ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing of Online PGT Students: Pinch Points & Good Practice’ along with a companion self-assessment tool, which has been developed to support programme teams in translating principles into action.
This guidance document, developed by the Collaborative Research for Online Postgraduate Studies Network (CROPSNet) and commissioned by the UK Council for Graduate Education, sets out how programme teams can more effectively support the mental health and wellbeing of online postgraduate taught (PGT) students.
Drawing on both student and staff co-design workshops, current practice in the sector, and relevant literature, the document identified ‘pinch-points’ across the online PGT student journey, from pre-application through to dissertation. These ‘pinch-points’ represent times where pressures relating to workload, isolation, and managing competing responsibilities can be most acutely felt by students.
Rather than focusing on interventions which directly target mental health, the guidance emphasises that student wellbeing can be most effectively supported through programme design and delivery. It provides practical, evidence-informed approaches centred on clear communication, structured learning design, visible and proactive support, and intentionally designed opportunities for connection.
Alongside the guidance, a companion self-assessment tool has been developed to support programme teams in translating principles into action, facilitating reflection, prioritisation, and continuous enhancement within their local context.
You can access the report here.