We are pleased to announce that the University of Bath has signed an agreement with Monash University in Australia to establish a joint PhD degree.

Building on strong links and ongoing collaborations between Monash and the Centre in Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) at Bath, a delegation led by Professor Jeremy Bradshaw, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International & Doctoral), visited Melbourne in October for the official signing ceremony.

The delegation was hosted by Professor Abid Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Engagement) and his colleagues at Monash.

Professor Bradshaw was joined by Professor Matthew Davidson, Whorrod Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technologies & Director of the CSCT, and Professor Janet Scott, Professor of Sustainable Chemistry & Training Director of the CSCT.

The joint PhD with Monash is the first joint research degree Bath has established with an international partner and reflects our University’s commitment to internationalising doctoral provision. A university-wide agreement, it is open to all Bath Faculties and the School of Management and will enable them to set up their own joint PhD programmes with Monash.

Both institutions have also agreed to make funding support available for students interested in undertaking a joint PhD degree, including full scholarships and travel support.

CSCT has partnered with Monash University since 2011. The collaboration with The Chemicals and Plastics Manufacturing Innovation Network and Training Program (C&P GRIP) at Monash has allowed students to spend time at both institutions, produce joint publications, and undertake internships. The joint PhD is a result of this strong and successful collaboration and represents an opportunity for our University to explore student exchanges, collaborative research activities and industry links with Monash in other areas.

Professor Bradshaw said:

This agreement marks an exciting new chapter in our successful partnership with Monash. The joint PhD will offer students a unique opportunity to conduct their studies at two world-class research universities, expand their professional network and graduate with an award from both the University of Bath and Monash University.

Professor Davidson added:

The world is changing at an unprecedented rate, with societies facing a complex range of global challenges. It is vital to train scientists and engineers to address these challenges within a global context and this new joint PhD will significantly enhance our efforts to do this. We have already discussed many exciting potential joint research projects with our partners at Monash and look forward to welcoming the first cohort of PhD students.

During the visit to Melbourne Prof Janet Scott, Prof Matthew Davidson and Professor Catherine Montgomery met with the British Consul General, Mr Chris Holtby, and staff from the Department for Trade and Industry at the British Consulate in Melbourne. This very positive meeting covered opportunities for embedding the new joint PhD in international and industrial communities and activities coordinated by the Consulate.