The Loughborough Doctoral Experience

Transcription

1 Loughborough Doctoral College The Loughborough Doctoral Experience An introduction to postgraduate research from the Loughborough Doctoral College a

2 Welcome Contents Welcome to the Loughborough Doctoral College 01 What is a research degree? 02 Is a PhD right for me? 03 PhD student case study 04 Why choose Loughborough University? 06 How to apply 07 The PhD process 08 PhD student case study 10 Loughborough Doctoral College Loughborough University s research contributes to new knowledge and understanding at the very highest levels. We help businesses and industry to compete more effectively, shape public policy and, ultimately, help to improve the quality of people s lives. All Doctoral Researchers at Loughborough University are welcomed into the Loughborough Doctoral College. You will benefit from our extensive doctoral training programme, alongside our suite of activities designed to provide practical and pastoral support at every stage of the PhD process. We also link with other specialist support services across the University, such as our Careers Network, to enable students to access help and advice in order to realise their ambitions. This booklet has been designed to tell you more about the Loughborough Doctoral College, and how we aim to support your Loughborough Doctoral Experience. Professor Andrew Dainty Director of the Loughborough Doctoral College, Loughborough University The Doctoral Experience at Loughborough University 13 PhD student case study 14 Fees and funding 16 To find out more about Loughborough University s research opportunities, the benefits of a PhD, and what you can expect as a student at Loughborough University, please visit our website: or pick up our prospectus. You ll also find information and guidance on how to apply, and funding your studies. For a list of our current full- and part-funded studentship vacancies please see: b 01

3 Is a PhD right for me? What is a research degree? Degree Duration Key fact PhD 3 years full-time (5-6 years part-time) One of the highest academic qualifications you can attain, and must make a significant original contribution to, and show a critical appreciation of, existing knowledge in the subject. EngD 4 years full-time Available in any area of engineering or applied science. An EngD involves collaboration with industry, and combines formally assessed taught modules with innovative research related to real industrial problems. MPhil 2 years full-time (4 years part-time) Students investigate and evaluate an area which contributes to, and demonstrates appreciation of, existing knowledge in the subject. They must also demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to that area. MRes 1 year full-time The MRes contains some taught elements, similar to a master s degree, but mainly focuses on research skills. Students may choose an MRes as a pathway to a PhD. Is a PhD right for me? Here at Loughborough University we are looking for Doctoral Researchers who have active, enquiring minds; who are really enthusiastic about their research and the impact it could have on society and the world. You have to be flexible, resilient, tenacious and hard-working. If this sounds like you, then a PhD could be for you. In return, you ll develop expert knowledge in your chosen area. You ll gain a wide range of highly sought after skills, such as research governance and organisation, project management, and communication. You ll also enhance your interpersonal skills, such as networking and relationship-building invaluable in your future career. Finally, you ll gain immense satisfaction from the opportunity to focus on a topic that fascinates you, and your contribution of new knowledge to the world. Centres for Doctoral Training 02 Research Council-funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) offer a unique and enhanced experience for Doctoral Researchers. PhD research undertaken in a CDT differs from a typical PhD in that it is carried out over four years instead of three, and brings together diverse areas of expertise. Loughborough University is involved in a number of CDTs, and seeks to provide a supportive and exciting environment for students by creating new working cultures, emphasising transferable skills, and forging lasting links with industry. The Loughborough Doctoral College has provided training throughout my PhD career. The training not only focuses on learning new skills and techniques for research, but has also helped me develop a positive mind-set, and learn how to communicate effectively with other PhD colleagues across the University. Yusma PhD student 03

4 PhD student case study PhD title: Mathematical modelling of gas plasma interactions with liquids Studying for a PhD gives you an opportunity to become expert in a specific area, and develop new things too. Unlike undergraduate and master s degrees, a PhD gives you a consistent creative ability and independence. I love it. Immediately after my first degree in Mathematics, I was employed as an assistant lecturer in a federal institution of learning in Nigeria. I actually came to Loughborough University in 2015 for my MSc in Industrial Mathematical Modelling, finished in 2016, and was given a PhD scholarship which started in October My funding is something I am really grateful for. I attended an education fair back in Nigeria where I had the opportunity to speak to representatives from different UK universities, including Loughborough. From that moment I knew Loughborough was the home outside Nigeria that I was looking for. It had everything I imagined: real academic content, laboratory exercises, sports (I play tennis), culture, and leisure (I dance salsa). I love the fact that my complete life is within the university. I can play tennis for two hours and return to the computer laboratory to continue my simulations without having to travel into town; I can go for my salsa dance classes at the Students Union and still return to the office to move on with my studies. The multicultural nature of the university makes me happy and has given me the great privilege of making friends from different parts of the world. The Nigerian community is so large, with a vibrant Nigerian society. Juliet PhD student 04 05

5 Why choose Loughborough University? We aim to provide the ideal environment for our students to realise their ambitions, and succeed in whatever pathway they choose to follow. How to apply 1 What s available? Browse the information online to learn more about the research activity and expertise at Loughborough University. We also offer a number of part- or fully-funded scholarships and bursaries, which you can search by subject area. Don t forget to check the entry requirements. We offer: Opportunities to work alongside leading academics Dedicated training programmes to hone your research skills A real community spirit amongst our Doctoral Researchers, supported by the Loughborough Doctoral College Collaboration with other universities and industries to maximise the impact of our research Careers advice specially designed to support the specific skills and experience of research graduates State-of-the-art facilities for research and sport Inspiring research opportunities on our two campuses: Loughborough, located in the heart of the UK, and London, on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 2 Contact supervisor Make contact with the department you would like to study with. This is vital to discuss your ideas and ensure we can support the project you want to undertake. 3 Research proposal The research proposal is a short document that summarises the research you want to undertake. You should outline the question you intend to address, the subject background, your proposed research methods, and what your research will contribute to the current understanding in the subject. If you wish to apply for an advertised studentship, you do not need to develop a research proposal; instead please quote the studentship reference number on your application. 4 Think practically Before submitting your application, check visa requirements (if applicable) and what funding is available. You can find more information about sources of funding on our website. 5 Apply online Our online application portal is an easy way to manage your application. Once you have registered, you will be able to save, review and track your application s progress. You ll also need to upload your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s), and references in support of your application. Please ensure if you are applying for a studentship that you quote the reference number. We ll acknowledge receipt of your application, and then contact you with more information. Please be aware that it usually takes a minimum of six weeks to assess your application. 06 Apply now: 07

6 The PhD process 08 09

7 PhD student case study PhD title: Discrimination as interactional practice: a membership category analysis of workplace interactions My research is on communication in the workplace, particularly the types of talk important to staff collegiality and morale, like mundane casual conversation and banter. I m interested in the small talk people do to build relationships in these more formal settings. I decided to undertake a PhD so that I could satisfy a desire of deeper understanding of how people do stuff. My first undergraduate assignment was to answer the question How do we understand each other? and since then I ve constantly asked that question why is that happening now? The thrill of expanding our understanding of talk-in-interaction is hugely rewarding and I love that my job is to be on the cutting-edge of knowledge and I that I get to find new things out every day. Studying a PhD isn t just permission for me to do research for 3-4 years; it s a great investment in myself, giving me special abilities and unique skills for any future career. I am on a fully funded scholarship by the School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences. The application was straightforward and the interview was relaxed and friendly. I enjoy the supportive and relaxed atmosphere at Loughborough. The thing that I enjoy the most about studying a PhD here is the community; there s always something happening to bring postgraduate researchers from across the university together. There s never any feeling of isolation here. Loughborough has a very strong sense of community and an abundance of opportunities to get involved with. It s a high quality, friendly university, and I wouldn t want to be anywhere else. Jack PhD student 10 11

8 Loughborough University The Doctoral Experience at Loughborough The Doctoral Experience at Loughborough University Our network of postgraduate research programmes, and the resulting community of Doctoral Researchers, is a hallmark of the Loughborough doctoral experience. Students from across all disciplines come together as a cohort to participate in seminars, conferences, networking opportunities and social events, in addition to our formal training programme. This approach allows us to add value to your studies. Not only will you benefit from the latest knowledge and training to hone your research skills, but you ll have a support network of other students undertaking research too. We also focus on skills development designed to enhance your employability in whatever field you choose to enter, be that academia, industry or self-employment. Our training programme Our comprehensive training programme is mapped directly onto the Researcher Development Framework developed by Vitae (the UK s national organisation for researcher development), and includes sessions such as: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities eg Finding Information for your Literature Review, Tools for Creative Thinking, Introduction to Statistical Methodology, Reading and Writing Research Articles Personal Effectiveness eg Being Effective as a Researcher, Collaboration: Tools to Help you Share and Communicate your Research, Career Management for Researchers, Preparing for the Viva Research Governance and Organisation eg Managing Personal and Sensitive Data, The Enterprising Researcher, Ethical Thinking in Research Engagement, Influence and Impact eg Working Effectively in a Team, Essential Teaching Skills, Using the Media to Publicise your Research, Delivering an Effective Presentation Our facilities In addition, Loughborough-based researchers have access to Graduate House, a study and social space dedicated to Doctoral Researchers. Here you can find a quiet study space, meet friends and colleagues, or take part in the range of study and social activities organised by the Doctoral College and other support services, such as Loughborough Students Union. Our events The Doctoral College organises and coordinates a range of university-wide events that bring together the PGR community and encourage interdisciplinary working and support. Our events include: Summer Showcase, Research Conference, 3-Minute Thesis Competition, Cafe Academique. PhD Support Network This student led meeting is an informal, weekly lunchtime drop-in for any Doctoral Researcher to stop by, eat their lunch, have a chat with other students from across the University and receive support from those who are also undertaking a PhD research degree

9 PhD student case study PhD title: Mobility as a service for elderly users and inclusive service framework innovation During my MA at Loughborough, I found the University to possess a buoyant atmosphere both in terms of studying and living. At this campus I met with a lot of interesting people who are doing interesting things. Undergraduate study is more about basic skill learning: you know what you are going to do and the teacher would tell you what kind of standard you should achieve. During MA study, you have more practical opportunities and independent projects to undertake by yourself; the purpose of it, I think, is to raise your skills to a higher level and build up your personal ideas and understanding of your professional field. Studying for a PhD is a self-exploring process. I decided to undertake a PhD because of curiosity. No one tells you what to do; the topic you focus on might be new to your supervisor too, so what they can do for you is offering advice when required. There is no reference book, and you need to repeatedly verify hypotheses until you find your own knowledge. The most important thing for me is the research strength of the Design School which ultimately drives me to continue studying here. My supervisors are knowledgeable, responsible and trustworthy; with their support I think I could overcome any difficulties I could encounter in my PhD study. Yuanjun PhD student 14 15

10 The Doctoral Experience at Loughborough Fees and funding Fees for 2017 entry (full-time) Research programmes UK/EU International Band 1 4,195 16,000 Band 2 4,195 20,500 Visit our website to find out which band applies to your programme of study: Scholarships, bursaries and loans We offer a wide variety of scholarships, studentships and bursaries for postgraduate research students. Here is a selection of the opportunities available: New scholarship and bursary for PhD study We are offering a 20% Alumni Bursary on tuition fees to Loughborough alumni and students who are due to complete a Loughborough degree, who start PhD study with us in or after October For more information, please visit We are also offering a limited number of Vice Chancellor s Research Scholarships: a 20% tuition fee scholarship for PhD study to students who have achieved a first-class undergraduate degree, or international equivalent. To find our more, please visit Studentships Studentships are usually aimed at supporting full-time three year PhD programmes, four year EngD programmes, or four year PhDs through Centres for Doctoral Training. Funding normally includes a tax-free living allowance, your tuition fees, and in some cases additional funding for costs of running the project and/or additional training that you wish to access. Find out more: New PhD loans for 2018 Loans of up to 25,000 will be available to English-resident UK nationals who do not have Research Council funding (other eligibility criteria applies) from More information will be available online as details are released. 16

11 General enquiries Loughborough Doctoral College Loughborough University Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK T: +44 (0) /lborouniversity /lborouniversity /lborouniversity 68899/CPS/June17