Programme of study for Doctor of Philosophy – Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicines and Development Manufacturing 2024/25

This programme is delivered as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in CEDAR (Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicines and Development Manufacturing), and is delivered in partnership with University of Strathclyde (lead partner), University of Sheffield and Imperial College, London. 

Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class (2:1) honours degree. International postgraduate reseachers (PGRs) will normally be required to have achieved at least 6.0 on IELTS (with no component below 5.5) or an equivalent English language qualification. 

Equivalent academic and English Language qualifications can be found on the Applying for research degrees page.

There is normally one entry point in October of each academic session.

This programme is not available for study on a split-site or distance learning basis.

Four years full-time.

Year 1 

• University of Leeds induction.
• One-week induction to the CEDAR programme, at University of Strathclyde in October.
• Six weeks of in-person training (three at University of Strathclyde, one each at University of Leeds, Imperial College and University of Sheffield). Cohort-wide, multidisciplinary technical and transferable training.

All PGRs will enrol on the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Researcher Professional Development delivered by the University of Strathclyde. After successful completion of the 60-credit CDT training programme the PGR will be awarded the PG Certificate from the University of Strathclyde. Successful completion of this 60 credits is not a requirement for progression.

• Commencement of PhD research.
• The first formal progress report must be submitted by the end of month six.
• Full-time candidates must submit their transfer report and undergo assessment by no later than 12 months from the start of the candidature and will be required to successfully transfer to full PhD status by no later than month 18 in order to progress on the programme. Other details of the transfer assessment and possible outcomes are set out in the Programme of Study for Doctor of Philosophy.

Year 2

• Continuation of PhD research.
• PGRs will undertake an industrial placement, normally of 6 months’ duration (pro rata for part-time candidates), which will be linked to their research project. The placement will take place after transfer.

Year 3

• Continuation of PhD research.

Year 4

• The PGR will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s).

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their thesis within the standard period of study (four years full-time), which will usually coincide with the funding period for CDT-funded candidates.

Where an overtime period is required to complete the writing up of the thesis, the thesis submission deadline is the end of month 60 (full-time).

Other details of the examination and assessment and possible outcomes are set out in the Programme of Study for Doctor of Philosophy.

On completion of the research programme PGRs should have shown evidence of being able to:

• discover, interpret and communicate new knowledge through original research and/or scholarship of publishable quality which satisfies peer review
• present and defend original research outcomes which extend the forefront of a discipline or relevant area of professional/clinical practice
• demonstrate systematic and extensive knowledge of the subject area and expertise in generic and subject/professional skills
• take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others where appropriate
• independently and proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to design, develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these
• critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
• to demonstrate systematic knowledge of and be able to critically assess, analyse and engage with the ethical and legal context of their research and any ethical and legal implications of their research.

PGRs will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities through the research training and research specified for the programme:

• the skills necessary for a career as a researcher and/or for employment in a senior and leading capacity in a relevant area of professional/clinical practice or industry
• evaluating their own achievement and that of others
• self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations
• independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development.

This will include the critical analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable professional and/or clinical situations. The structure of the programme will provide research and/or professional training, breadth and depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques. Opportunities will be provided for PGRs to:

• develop to a high level interests and informed opinions
• develop to a high level their design and management of their learning activities
• develop to a high level their communication of their conclusions
• make an original contribution to the field
• PGRs will be expected to engage in the exercise of autonomous initiative in their study and work in professional environments.

Achievement will be assessed by the examination of the candidate’s thesis and performance under oral examination. Assessment will involve the achievement of the candidate in:

• evidencing an ability to conduct original and independent broad and in-depth enquiry within the discipline or within different aspects of the area of professional / clinical practice normally leading to published work
• drawing on and/or developing a range of research techniques and methodologies appropriate to enquiries into the discipline/area of professional practice
• demonstrating independent critical ability in the application of breadth and depth of knowledge to complex issues within the discipline or specialist area of professional/clinical practice
• drawing on a range of perspectives on the area of study
• evaluating and criticising received opinion
• making reasoned and well-informed judgements on complex issues within the specialism whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data
• the written style and overall presentation of the thesis.