What are we offering?
The DTP provides a more flexible route to a PhD or integrated PhD (iPhD) through a modular approach. This allows candidates to complete the programme through a series of research projects and provides sufficient flexibility to accommodate changes in time commitments faced by candidates throughout the period of study. The programme is aimed at existing company staff, or those wishing to transition into a civilian defence/security role.
The DTP management team will be happy to discuss the routes of study in more detail with either potential candidates or employers. Please use the contact us page for any queries.
The Goals of the Programme:
- To develop a personalised and flexible approach to studying for a doctoral level qualification.
- To increase the skilled workforce within the D&S sector through the training of returners to work, or those transitioning from military or police roles.
- To enable innovation through the translation of cutting-edge research into business needs.
- To produce a connected and employable cohort of students offering potential new collaborations between industrial partners and a network of peers.
Benefits to Industry
The DTP will provide an opportunity to:
- realise a cost-effective way to upskill, re-skill and reorient staff.
- development of highly trained returners and transitioners to fill capability gaps or key-staff shortages.
- co-investigate research solutions with world-leading experts to business-related problems in a flexible format fitting within various constraints, including both time and financial aspects.
- access further CPD (by agreement) for the company’s broader workforce.
Benefits to the Individual
The DTP will provide an opportunity for candidates to develop their careers and be provided with the opportunity to enhance the skills, assets, and networking opportunities to innovate in their chosen subject of interest and the wider Defence and Security Sector. This could enable a mid-career change of direction or advancement; or a transitioning between military and hi-tech D&S related civilian roles. The candidate will be supervised by world-leading experts drawn from across the University of Southampton, and it is intended that this academic supervision will be complimented by opportunities for placements with companies and industrial mentoring for transitioners. The programme is intended to provide a flexible approach to ensure a balance between work, life, and study commitments.
Unfortunately, the DTP is not able to consider candidates who have recently finished, or are currently undertaking their undergraduate studies (including Masters level undergraduate degrees).
Recruitment
Recruitment is via open calls, in agreement with a candidate's employer where appropriate.
We will facilitate the planning of research proposals, projects and training, which includes the carefully tailored creation of supervisory teams.
Internship
Prior to acceptance, applicants can undertake a University of Southampton supported week long internship. This will evaluate prior learning, allow further dialogue between candidates, the management team and potential academic supervisors, promote networking, kick-start cohort building and deliver introductory research skills training. This internship is designed to allow both the candidate and the management team to assess if this unique route to a PhD is ideally suited to them. Formal offers to enrol on the PhD programme will be made following the internship.
