Industrial PhD: Everything You Need to Know

Fri, 01 December, 2023

What is an Industrial PhD?

An Industrial PhD is a research project carried out in close collaboration between a company or an industry partner and a PhD student. The idea behind it is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial innovation. The research project is designed to solve real-world problems faced by the industry and to develop new technologies or products that can be commercialised.

The main difference between an Industrial PhD and a traditional PhD is that the former is carried out in an industrial setting, while the latter is usually carried out in an academic setting, such as a university research institute. A PhD in industry can sometimes lead to the student being employed by the company or industry partner throughout the duration of the project, or after any full time research has been completed. This means that the student not only receives a salary but also gains valuable industry experience, which can be beneficial for their future career prospects in a competitive job market. At NSIRC, our Studentships provide funding to support living costs and tuition fees are often covered.

In the world of higher education, a PhD degree, also known as a doctoral degree, is considered to be the highest academic degree one can earn. It is a prestigious qualification that can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. But have you ever considered that an industrial PhD might be the best option for you? Learn about how it differs from a traditional PhD program and make sure that you understand the benefits of an industrial PhD in detail.

What are the Benefits of an Industrial PhD?

An industrial PhD offers several benefits to both the student and the company. An industrial PhD student gains hands-on experience in an industrial setting, which can be useful for their future career. Moreover, the student is usually involved in a research project that has practical implications and can make a real impact in the industry sector, it could even involve intellectual property. At NSIRC, all our industrial PhD projects are based on urgent calls from industry for research. That means the skills and research of our graduate students are in the most demand.

For the company, doctoral students conducting industry PhDs provide access to cutting-edge research results and helps them to solve real-world problems. The company, and the university, also benefit from the expertise of the PhD student, who can provide fresh ideas, perspectives and research skills. Moreover, the company can develop a long-term relationship with the university, which can be beneficial for future collaborative projects.

How to Apply for an Industry PhD Program:

The application process for an industrial PhD varies from country to country and from university to university. However, in general, the process involves the following steps:

1. Finding a suitable research project: The first step is to find a suitable research project in a subject area that aligns with your interests and skills. You can search for projects on the university website or through industry contacts. Available PhD topics at NSIRC can be found on the PhD opportunities page.
2. Contacting the supervisor or administrator: Once you have identified a project, you need to contact the supervisor or member of staff to discuss the project in detail. The topic supervisor will provide you with more information about the project and its requirements.
3. Applying for the PhD programme: After discussing the project with the supervisor, you need to apply for the PhD programme at the university. The application process usually involves submitting a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references. This differs at NSIRC, because the project outlines and objectives are already established.
4. Interview process: If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. The interview will assess your suitability for the research topic based on your skills and experience.
5. Employment or studentship: If you are selected for the industrial PhD, you will be offered the topic by the company or industry partner.

In conclusion, an industrial PhD is an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in industry or want to gain practical experience in their field of study.

It provides a unique learning experience that combines academic research with industrial innovation. Moreover, it offers several benefits to the company, including access to cutting-edge research and innovation with fresh noval ideas and a very employable member for the team.

Discover how you could become an industrial PhD candidate at NSIRC by visiting our PhD programme page, where you will find our PhD Industrial Engineering opportunities.

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