Placements scheme
The IGNITE Placement Scheme is designed to help postgraduate researchers enhance their academic journey by stepping outside the traditional boundaries of their PhD project. Whether exploring the application of research in a commercial environment, contributing to evidence-based policy development, or engaging in collaborative scientific research, placements offer doctoral researchers a unique opportunity to expand their experience and impact.
Placements can range from one to three months and provide invaluable real-world exposure, support career development, and enable doctoral researchers to build lasting professional relationships with host organisations in the UK and nationally.
Placements are funded, and the maximum amount is agreed annually.
There are many different directions a placement project can take, however, they must be distinct from your PhD project.
Placements can take place between months 18 and 30 of your candidature.
You may complete one Research Placement and one Industry or Policy Placement.
Types of placement
| Research Placements | Industry / Policy Placements |
|---|---|
| Conducted with UK or international academic or research organisations. Fieldwork or specimen harvesting Data cleaning and analysis Lab-based sample work Methodology development Research cruises | Typically with UK-based or UK/International-relevant organisations in the policy or commercial sectors. Policy briefings Market or stakeholder research Workflow or product testing Policy event organisation Data-driven policy input |
“This placement was definitely a life-changing experience. It really helped me to reflect on what I love about research, and where I might want my focus to be in the future.”
“I had a great time on my placement and believe that it was a fantastic opportunity that has opened doors and provided me with great connections in my field, and gave me an opportunity to try living abroad.”
“I learned so many practical technical skills that I have not had to opportunity to incorporate into my PhD research that will make me a more desirable candidate to join other research groups in the future.”
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity – to live in almost any country of your choosing for 3 months.“
“The chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people and work on new exciting research should not be missed.“
“A potentially career changing experience and one of the best things I’ve done in my life. I relished the chance to study something different (and more exciting than my normal PhD work).”
