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 ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester 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 ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester. The ºüÀêÊÓƵ 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 ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester, including the Researcher Development Programme.

Overview of a PhD at the ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester

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 ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester 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 ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester?

Research being carried out at the ºüÀêÊÓƵ of Worcester has been judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

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