What is a PhD and who is a PhD for?
What is a “funded” PhD?
What is a CDT?
What are the benefits of a CDT?
A PhD is a postgraduate research degree whereby a student conducts an original research project guided by academic supervisors.
A PhD is for anyone that is both curious and committed and there is no single route into a PhD. While some students may come to a research degree straight after their taught degree, candidates that have taken time away from academia are certainly welcome to apply.
Securing funding for PhD removes financial barriers so students can focus on work. When a PhD is funded, it is usually for the duration of the programme of study.
Funding can take different formats, but usually tuition fees are paid on the students behalf and the student can receive a stipend, which is a tax free monthly salary.
CDT stands for Centre for Doctoral Training. A CDT will offer cohort-based research degree programmes funded by UKRI in specific research areas.A Centre for Doctoral Training will provide training in new and emerging themes, combining expert supervision, tailored training courses and events, and often industrial and non-academic partnership.
Students that belong to a CDT will be in receipt of a studentship from UKRI. This means that for the duration of their programme, students will have their tuition fees paid, receive a stipend set at UKRI rates (which is a tax-free monthly salary) and also benefit from a research training support grant to spend on materials, consumables and conferences.
CDT students will benefit from cohort-based activities – beginning their PhD programme alongside a group of like-minded researchers which acts as a built-in support network.