What are they?

Co-funded PhD studentships enable students to receive high-quality research training in a mutually beneficial collaboration with a business or organisation. By working with the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø in supporting a PhD student, your organisation will be at the forefront of research and support an independent and original contribution to knowledge. 

How do they work?

Co-funded studentships are supported by a contribution by your business or organisation, which is added to by the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø. The University will fund the fees and possibly contribute to other research related expenses. The student will have access to the full range of support offered by the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø, including the Researcher Development Programme.

Overview of a PhD at the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø

A PhD is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and higher education institutions to a candidate who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field.

The duration of a PhD at the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø is usually 3 years and is structured as follows:

A group of mature students are standing outside and drinking coffee
  •  Induction
  • Researcher Development Programme 
  • Annual Progress Review
  • Ethical approval (where required), research and data collection
  • Thesis writing
  • Examination of thesis
    • Original contribution to knowledge?
    • Literary presentation
    • Up-to-date knowledge?
    • Viva voce
      • Student’s own work?
      • Able to answer any significant queries?
      • Potential publication of research output

Why the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø?

Research being carried out at the ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø has been judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 revealed ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø to be the most improved university in the UK on the measure of research power. In the 2021 assessment, ³Ô¹ÏÉçÇø improved further with almost half the research submitted judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting the University’s progress in fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary culture and commitment to creating a powerful research environment.