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PhD for Professional Researchers

Introduction

The Computing Department has launched a new doctorate scheme for professional industrial researchers. High quality research work carried out within industrial projects may now be used as the basis for PhD research enabling a PhD to be completed in as little as two years part-time. The final PhD thesis is expected to be of the same format as a standard PhD but with the advantage of reduced study duration due to the large proportion of relevant prior research already completed.

• Fast track PhD Overview
• Negotiable IPR
• Excellent supervisor support
• Resources of the Computing Department

General PhD information is available in the Postgraduate PhD Prospectus

This programme is designed to allow industrial researchers to complete a part-time PhD using research material and data they have previously collated. If you have already done a large part of the ground work it is acknowledged you will be able to complete a thesis in much less time than would normally be expected from a researcher starting from scratch. Eligible students may complete in as little as two years part-time compared to the minimum four years of a standard part-time PhD.

Qualification criteria

Previous research must be highly relevant and quite substantial to be eligible for this scheme. It may not be in the form of academic research or be complete at the time of application, but it is expected to be novel and offer a substantial grounding towards the final piece of research work.

In general, once embarked on the scheme most students need to complete a thorough literature review, review the depth and breadth of their research project and complete the research data accordingly. You should expect to spend up to a year, part-time, writing the final thesis.

Each students prior work is assessed on a case by case basis to deduce the minimum period for which they may register. The period assigned may be either two or three years of part-time study.

If eligible for the scheme, you may combine your current industrial research with your PhD studies if it is relevant. It should be noted, however, that the presentation and thoroughness of the final thesis should be exactly the same standard as normal PhD.

We acknowledge much of the relevant research is commercially sensitive and so we are flexible in negotiating the terms of the IPR ownership. Confidentiality is honoured.

As with our standard PhD programme the supervisor support is seen to be a very important aspect of the PhD. As you will already be committed to your particular field finding the right supervisor to help you take your research further is even more crucial. Through detailed discussions with our academics you will be assigned a supervisor who we are sure has a strong interest in the area of your work. You will expect to meet him/her at least four times per year at Lancaster with your supervisor meeting you at your location at least twice a year.