First year
In the first year, we provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in life sciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through taught units and rotation projects. You will complete:
Two rotation projects
Both projects will be allied with the PhD project, but in different related disciplinary areas. Where possible, this will allow you to refine your PhD project in line with your emerging research interests as the programme progresses.
Three common taught units bespoke for the SWBio DTP
These units will train you in skills that enable you to be at the forefront of cutting-edge bioscience research and equip you with many transferable skills, giving you the agility to navigate different career paths. This includes training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.
You will need to successfully complete the first year to be able to progress into your second year of studies. An MRes exit route is available at the end of year one should this be required.
Second to fourth years
The remaining three years will be more like a conventional PhD. You will be taking on full-time research and are likely to be based in the research group of your main supervisor.
Professional Internships for Postgraduate Students (PIPS)
You will also take part in a three-month full-time placement (or part-time equivalent) outside of an academic research environment. Placements are intended to broaden the scope of your employability after your PhD. In particular, it will encourage you to use your doctoral training skills in a broader range of careers. Examples of placements include working within policy, science communication, charities, industry and publishing.
PIPS is optional for CASE studentships as these projects will involve an industrial placement with the CASE partner for 3-18 months.
Read more about our PIPS scheme.
Cohort activities
You will also have the opportunity to attend a number of SWBio DTP cohort activities held across the partnership. These include annual student conferences, workshops, research theme activities and outreach events where you will get the chance to meet and interact with other students from the partnership, giving you access to a multidisciplinary and supportive student network.
Read further information about our cohort activities.
The PhD thesis must be submitted within 4 years of starting the programme.