University joins prestigious Doctoral Training Partnership

Released: 08.11.23

Plymouth Marjon University is embarking on a new journey as it joins the prestigious South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the SWDTP offers bursaries for PhD students in the social sciences, as well as enhancing collaboration between the partner universities, with all benefitting from each other’s leadership and research.

In addition to funding, the SWDTP facilitates the sharing of best practice, resources, and academic knowledge between institutions to support PhD student and staff development. It also supports a wide variety of collaborative activities including events and student placements at private, public, and civic organisations.

The ESRC is the UK’s largest funder of postgraduate training in social sciences. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Marjon, allowing students to apply for fully funded studentships at the University.

The SWDTP now consists of eight prominent universities, including Plymouth Marjon, and offers PhD bursaries and advanced training for students across social sciences. Led by the University of Bristol, the partnership also includes the Universities of Bath, Exeter, UWE, and Bournemouth. Together, these institutions are committed to investing in the next generation of researchers and ensuring the delivery of excellent research training across the Southwest region.

The SWDTP is set to support five cohorts of PhD students, commencing in October 2024. The consortium anticipates awarding approximately 170 ESRC scholarships and providing training in advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as broader skills. The total funding for the SWDTP exceeds £15 million, and with a growing demand for doctorates across the UK, this funding marks a significant leap forward in shaping the future of social sciences research and training in the region.

Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth Marjon University, said:

"Securing ESRC funding for the SWDTP is a brilliant advancement for our academic community. We are proud to be part of this partnership and excited about the opportunities it will provide for our students, researchers, and the Southwest. Through collaboration, we will advance knowledge, address societal challenges, and contribute to positive change."

Dean of the Marjon Doctoral College, Professor Debby Cotton, added:

"I'm delighted by the success of this bid and look forward to recruiting more PhD students through this partnership. The DTP will offer a wealth of opportunities for PhD students to study at Marjon, adding to our fast-developing community of researchers. These opportunities will equip students with the research expertise and skills that will allow them to go on to a wide range of careers in academia and beyond."

The Marjon Doctoral College is set to launch on Wednesday 22 November, showcasing the University’s commitment to research and firmly cementing its position as a beacon of development in the city and wider region. Prospective PhD students at Marjon can apply for ESRC bursaries in three critical areas: education; health and wellbeing; and climate change, sustainability, and society.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 89% of Marjon’s research was internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance, and rigour. 55% was rated in the highest scoring 3* or 4* categories, as internationally excellent, and 100% of Marjon’s research was rated as nationally recognised.

For REF 2021, research by Marjon academics published between 2014 and 2020 was assessed for quality, originality, and impact. Impact case studies are submitted, detailing the real-world benefits the research has delivered, and universities are also scored on how they nurture and encourage a dynamic research culture.

Of the case studies submitted, 100% of them were rated as internationally significant, demonstrating how Marjon's research is focused on having a positive impact on individual lives.

If you’re interested in PhD study at Plymouth Marjon University, find more information here or join our Doctoral College launch event this November here.