USW joins UK-wide development of doctoral training partnerships

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced it is to invest in 15 DTPs over the next five years. A revised vision for postgraduate training is now being implemented following ESRC’s response to the Review of PhD in the Social Sciences in 2021.

Investments in DTPs are an important component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and ESRC’s overarching vision to develop research talent and skills.

These investments will provide a breadth of professional development training opportunities to enhance the capabilities of doctoral candidates and further develop a world-class, highly skilled workforce for the UK.

The new DTPs demonstrate ESRC’s commitment to its revised vision for doctoral training, that reflects the findings of the Review. This includes:

• adopting a more bespoke student-centred approach to the content and delivery of training increasing the PhD duration from three to 3.5 years to incorporate a three-month placement and additional training
• introducing Research in Practice as a core component to ensure that students have the skills fundamental to both academic and non-academic career pathways
• embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles at all levels
• ensuring innovation in core training content and delivery, particularly in relation to data management, digital skills and the skills to analyse large and complex data.
• strengthening supervisory guidance and professional development opportunities for supervisors

USW is part of the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership / Ysgol Graddedigion Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol Cymru which also includes the University of Cardiff, Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Gloucestershire, and Swansea University.

Professor Martin Steggall, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, University of South Wales, said: “The University of South Wales (USW) is proud to be part of the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS).

“USW has a long and distinguished history of impactful research in social sciences/policy, evidenced by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 outcomes that placed our submission as first in Wales for impact.

“We pride ourselves on not only the strength of our research but also the opportunities and experiences made available to our students, which is reflected in USW being voted the top university in the UK in the recent postgraduate research experience survey.

“Being part of the WGSSS, will further enhance the research and training opportunities open to social sciences students and we look forward to working in collaboration and partnership with colleagues across Wales and beyond.”

Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: “Our vision for postgraduate training is that it will develop globally competitive social science researchers who can operate in interdisciplinary, collaborative, and challenge-led environments across a range of sectors and who have a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

“This redesigned and expanded doctoral training opportunity will enhance the experience for PhD students and boost the UK’s capability.”