OVERVIEW We have a thriving doctoral research community made up of full-time and part-time UK, EU, and international students. Through the impact of our research we strive to make a substantive contribution to academia, society, and the economy. Studying for a doctorate offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. As a doctoral researcher, you will be responsible for managing your own schedule and developing your own ideas and approach, while being supported every step of the way. The aim of a PhD is to make a novel contribution to knowledge and to discover something that no-one else has done before. You may have already identified the research area which interests you, in which case you will need to see if this is something we specialise in. OUR RESEARCH Our research stretches across a broad spectrum of expertise spanning Design, Creative Arts and Human Factors, and is characterised by transdisciplinary and collaborative working within the School, across the wider University, and alongside industry specialists. YOUR DEVELOPMENT Doctoral researchers will have the support of two supervisors who will provide expert guidance during your PhD.. The Director of Doctoral Programmes can provide additional guidance and pastoral support, as can other academic staff as appropriate. You will join a lively community of researchers and staff, becoming an integral part of the school’s research culture. Conference and symposia attendance is encouraged and these activities are partially supported by a dedicated fund, open to all doctoral researchers.

PhD students also enjoy close interaction and collaboration with academic staff - pre-eminent researchers who are well regarded within their respective fields and active in research, publishing and academia. The Doctoral College at Loughborough provides additional support for research students, including a range of training programmes aimed specifically at PhD students. We also provide regular research seminars and training courses, opportunities to support undergraduate teaching, special tutor sessions in your first year, and student led initiatives to provide support throughout your studies. YOUR FUTURE CAREER A PhD will give you the opportunity to develop new and highly sought after skills which can set you up for a range of careers. It is a chance to make a novel contribution to knowledge, to become a world expert in a particular field and it can open a range of doors with different employers. You will also enhance your interpersonal skills, such as networking and relationship building, which will be invaluable in your future career.