DTP 2018-19 University of Kent

The University of Kent supports exceptional PhD candidates through its EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. EPSRC PhD studentships are available in the following schools:
School of Physical Sciences
School of Computing
School of Engineering and Digital Arts
School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Our aim is to align the EPSRC allocation with our strategic plans such as the development of our Interdisciplinary Centre for Cyber Security and the research priorities of our schools. The School of Physical Sciences focuses on physics and chemistry with substantial research capacity in condensed matter, materials for energy, supramolecular chemistry, polymer materials and healthcare technologies. The School of Computing specialises in programme languages and computing, computational intelligence (including cognitive neuroscience) and security computing education data science. The School of Engineering and Digital Arts focuses on healthcare, manufacturing, energy, communications, RF & microwave technology, mobile computing and human computer interaction. The School of Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences has a broad portfolio in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and actuarial science with a longstanding reputation in integrable systems, algebra and applied statistics (particularly statistical ecology).
Each autumn, schools are invited to propose PhD projects which both support their own
departmental objectives as well as describe their relevance to EPSRC research areas and the EPSRC Outcomes Framework. These projects are reviewed by a panel comprising the Graduate School
Dean, Sciences Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Sciences Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) who make the final selection for advertisement. Our PhD opportunities are advertised on the Kent Postgraduate Funding Pages , jobs.ac.uk, FindaPhD.com and social media as soon as possible or by January at the latest. High-quality candidates are shortlisted and interviewed in the spring by school selection panels chaired by Directors of Graduate Studies and comprising at least three members of academic staff. A deadline for applications will be set in spring each year with applicants informed of the outcome of the selection process by the end of March.
Students have access to excellent supervisory support, resources & subject-specific research training provided by schools. Our schools have strong links with a range of industrial partners who collaborate with Kent to deliver joint PhD projects, training or placement opportunities for students. Partners have included Microsoft Research, BT, GCHQ, NHS Trusts and DSTL. Kent is active in seeking out new partnerships in line with its research interests. All students will attend a 1st year PhD workshop organised by the Graduate School, which provides them with the information, tools and approaches required to enable them to embark on their research effectively. Students are also required to undertake a training needs analysis, which is reviewed annually, to identify areas for development and to produce a personal development plan in consultation with their Supervisory Team. The students have access to the Graduate Schools Researcher Development Programme which provides over 200 sessions annually. Courses offered as part of the programme include scientific writing, getting published in the sciences and research ethics for scientists. The programme is mapped to the four domains of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. Third year students have access to support and advice for developing their future careers as researchers through support for CV writing, interviews and writing EPSRC grant applications. Kent Innovation and Enterprise works with researchers who have undertaken placements with partner institutions to explore opportunities for KTP development.