The last decade has seen increased interest in various aspects of the UK doctorate. This report brings together issues arising from national policy developments, the doctoral researcher cohort, the diversification of doctoral level provision in the UK and the development of the third cycle in the Bologna process. Through discussions with key stakeholders, the authors have identified the most important themes relevant to the future development of postgraduate research education in the UK. The report examines current provision and future challenges including the reputation and attractiveness of the UK doctorate, the structure and provision of doctoral programmes and the impact of doctoral programmes and doctoral graduates. Three themes emerged as key to the continued success of the UK's doctoral provision: the promotion of the UK doctorate, both within the UK and internationally; ensuring the sustainability of the doctoral provision, including improving the researcher experience; and working to improve the employability and impact of doctoral graduates. The issues raised in this report and the recommendations should not be seen in isolation but as part of the process of developing the strategic UK policy on postgraduate researchers, which was announced in 2009 by Rt Hon John Denham MP, the former Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. A bibliography is included. (Contains 6 tables and 183 notes.)