Postgraduate research external courses and conference attendance

Training courses 

If you have identified an external training course which would be beneficial to the successful completion of your research degree, but a similar course is not available through Proficio at Essex, with the Director of Research Training’s approval, you can use your Proficio funds to pay for the course.

Apply for course funds

To apply for approval to use your Proficio funds to attend a training course not provided through Proficio, please complete an approval form (.docx).

Training course definition

• Will have a tangible outcome such as new skill acquisition.
• Generally will be around a theme and will have longer sessions. 
• Akin to courses offered under Proficio at the University of Essex.

Conference attendance

Doctoral students can use their Proficio funds on conference attendance. Find information and the amount of funds available for conference attendance.

Apply for conference funds 

If you would like to attend a conference using Proficio funds, please fill in a conference approval form. (.docx). Please allow at least two weeks to receive a response from the Proficio team before you receive a reply regarding your application.

Conference definition

• Generally have a broader topic focus.
• Usually comprise of multiple presentations that are short and concise, with the programme often including key note talks that are longer.
• Larger events where multiple sessions are running at one time (not always the case but this would make an event clearly a conference).
• Students may have the opportunity to present their own research, organise a session or just attend to increase subject awareness.