The University’s UK Student Recruitment team are looking to create a pool of volunteer doctoral students to support activities with schools and colleges across the region.

This unpaid role will involve using your personal experience, subject knowledge and enthusiasm to help run activities with local school and college students, which may include:

  • Delivering inspiring lectures on your subject area for younger age groups
  • Developing taster activities and demonstrations to support visits and events
  • Sharing your own background and experiences of study and research with younger students
  • Joining advisory groups to support the planning for flagship events or programmes like Family Fun Day or Science Week

We are looking for individuals who are:

  • Passionate about raising the aspirations of young people and encouraging them to progress within education
  • Reliable
  • Willing to use their initiative and think creatively about their subject
  • Comfortable with delivering activities to groups of young people

Some familiarity with the British education system is also preferable but not essential.

This is a great opportunity to:

  • Try out creative teaching methods and gain experience of working with school- and college-age students
  • Gain experience of public engagement activities where you can make your subject meaningful to others and inspire
  • Play a role in support the University’s strategic aims relating to widening access and student recruitment
  • Develop transferrable skills in project management and events, as well increasing confidence and communication skills

Opportunities to be involved in projects and activities will be available throughout the year and are flexible to fit around your studies. You will work closely with our experienced project co-ordinators who will support you to understand the nature of the projects you will be involved in and the role you will have in each activity.

If you are interested in joining our doctoral student volunteer pool then please register here. Once you have registered we will add you to our mailing list where you will receive notifications of upcoming events and opportunities. Please note if you are selected to work on a project you will need to attend any relevant briefings or training required to fulfil the role.

If you have any questions about the role or the work of the Widening Participation and Outreach and School and College Engagement teams please feel free to contact us on

Phone 0114 225 4777 or email