A distinctive and essential component of the SEDarc doctoral training experience is the opportunity to undertake a three-month placement with a partner organisation. These partners may come from academia, policy, business, or the third sector.
The placement is built into the duration of your studentship—whether you are on a +3.5 or 1+3.5 pathway. If you choose not to undertake a placement, your studentship will be shortened by three months. While the timing of placements will be tailored to each student, most are expected to take place during the second year of full-time study.
Placements are designed to be separate from your main research project. They should not be used for data collection or be hosted by one of your project supervisors. Instead, they offer a valuable chance to develop professional skills in a real-world context. Placements should focus on a discrete project, challenge or research question which will enable you to build on the skills being acquired through your doctoral studies.
In exceptional cases, students may apply for funding to support an international placement or overseas institutional visit, particularly where the opportunity offers unique skill development not available in the UK. However, students are encouraged to firstly explore UK-based options in case additional funding is not secured.
Support is available from the SEDarc team covering the whole placement journey, beginning with finding a placement, applying to schemes, and ongoing support during and after the completion of your placement.