Breadcrumbs
Centre For Doctoral Training
Centre for Doctoral Training
We have developed an innovative international cross disciplinary PhD training programme to support the development of a new generation of top flight early career researchers capable of working across disciplinary, cultural and international boundaries in pivotal areas of sustainable consumption and related areas of environmental sustainability.
In addition to conventional School and Faculty based research training, SCI CDT students undertake a rigorous and challenging programme of integrated cross-disciplinary tasks and activities over three and a half years. Funded by a mix of industry and mainstream sources, this innovative programme emphasises cross-disciplinary collaboration through effective communication, networking and team work. Innovative aspects of this programme include:
Added research synergy from belonging to a community contributing to a cross faculty research institute rather than a single discipline focused department or school;Contributing to the development of a best practice model for trans-disciplinary and post-disciplinary research; Helping to take forward University strategic goals such as increased community/public engagement, and embedding sustainable development in the curriculum; Providing the opportunity to develop innovation in curriculum design which can be used elsewhere; Demonstrating the value of research training to industry and other external partners; Providing a model for developing value added doctoral training which can deliver both excellent research and benefits to the wider community in developing sustainable lifestyles and increased wellbeing.
The SCI CDT is the only doctoral training programme that has recruited across all four faculties at the University of Manchester, developing and consolidating an innovative and adaptable model for early career cross disciplinary research training and international collegial community development. UK and international students are recruited on the basis of individual excellence/potential. Currently, in its fifth year, the programme funds and supports 23 students, a dedicated administrator and two part seconded academic staff.
The following outputs and outcomes have resulted from the activities of the SCI CDT.
To date SCI CDT students have contributed towards two published book chapters, eight peer reviewed academic journal papers, forty three conferences, one SCI published report and one SCI working paper.Students have contributed to the development of level one (‘Environmental Challenges’) and level two (‘Manchester Sustainable City Projects’) sustainability themed undergraduate courses (development, delivery and assessment).In their third year each cohort plans and delivers a major community engagement project. To date the projects have involved collaboration with Manchester museums to run all day family events around the themes of sustainable textiles and foods.They have also organised and presented at business engagement events with sponsors aimed at demonstrating the significance of academic scholarship to the commercial sector.
In September 2012, the CDT was awarded the prestigious Green Gown Award for academic programmes, with the judges concluding "An outstanding example of an imaginative, holistic approach to sustainability in post graduate teaching with circular benefits back to the undergraduate curriculum, onwards to employment and to local and green communities". A Case Study and video is available for viewing.
In January 2013 the CDT published its first Annual Report for the period September 2011 - December 2012.
In practice, our doctoral students are registered, supervised and hosted by the most appropriate School for their individual PhD topic. Each student undertakes the appropriate School based specific research training. In addition, we bring them together to undertake a range of problem-based team tasks, and to attend workshops which build capabilities to interact confidently with peers across disciplines, and with a range of non-academic stakeholders including business, policy and non-governmental groups.
The variety of PhD research topics and diversity of student backgrounds gives the CDT its unique profile and reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of the SCI. Information about our students is listed in the ‘People’ section of the website and their research topics are listed under the ‘Postgraduate Research’ section.
Director: Professor: Colin Hughes
Co-Director: Dr. Sally Randles
Senior Programme Administrator: Sue Huzar
For further information please contact Sue Huzar at sue.huzar@manchester.ac.uk