PGR Writing Retreats

One of the hardest parts of a PhD is finding the time and space to write. Our PGR Writing Retreats provide a focused, supportive, and distraction-free environment in which you can make meaningful progress on your work. 

Each full-day retreat is structured into focused writing blocks, helping you build momentum and sustain concentration throughout the day. Alongside protected writing time, each retreat includes a short, facilitated mini-session exploring different aspects of writing – from building daily writing habits to recognising and producing sentence-level clarity. Attendees can also receive feedback on their work from experienced academics and writing experts. 

All PGRs, at any stage and in any discipline, are welcome to attend – whether you’re reading and making notes, writing your literature review, preparing your first publication, writing up your doctoral thesis, or simply want a day of undisturbed, structured writing time. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day. 

What our PGRs say 

Our PGR Writing Retreats are highly valued by our attendees, who consistently highlight their positive impact on their research and writing progress, as reflected in the comments below: 

• “It was a great experience.” 

• “I absolutely live for these sessions, seriously if you could run them every day I would be there.” 

• “a nice low-pressure way to do writing” 

• “a really helpful opportunity to focus and get stuff done. I was really productive in a short space of time.” 

• “I have an idea of productive ways to structure my day around writing. I will attend again!” 

• “protected time was helpful … to focus without distractions.” 

• “I particularly benefited from the sense of community from being with other students also participating.” 

• “it helped you realise what you had achieved in comparison to the goal you set at the beginning. It’s a big confidence booster.” 

The benefits of writing retreats 

Writing retreats offer a range of well-established benefits, including: 

1. Protected time and space (dedicated, distraction-free blocks of time for writing in a suitable space). 
2. Community of practice (the opportunity to discuss writing ideas, goals, and challenges with peers).
3. Development of writing competence (developing writing as a skill that can be learnt and honed). 
4. Intra-personal benefits (gaining self-awareness of personal writing preferences and patterns,  and building confidence and motivation through reflection on previous success). 

 Our structured writing retreats aid learning through participation and help academics to mainstream writing in their lives and careers. You can read more about the pedagogy of structured writing retreats here. 

Timetable 

Below is a list of our forthcoming PGR Writing Retreats. Click on an individual session to book your place.