P21 - Research at a distance - more than just Skype?

UK Universities are working to grow their PGR numbers (Smith McGloin & Wynne, 2015), with many looking to recruit students from new and diverse markets. To support this, Universities will need to provide flexible learning and development opportunities, and clear communication and support mechanisms. Whilst advances in technology allow for distance and flexible learning, how do Universities ensure that their at a distance research students are receiving the same level of support, and are able to develop personally and professionally, given their distance and isolation, as their on-campus counterparts? This poster will explore some of these issues, and aims to engage delegates in conversations about the support offered to their flexible and distance learning research students.