South Coast DTP Research in Practice Placement
Your Research in Practice (RiP) placement is a three-month (or part-time equivalent) work-based learning opportunity with an organisation that can offer a suitable project. The placement should make use of your existing skills and help you develop any skills gaps identified through your Development Needs Analysis.
Placements can last between one and three months, and may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. You may also undertake placements with more than one provider.
There are many types of organisations that can benefit from hosting an SCDTP student, including:
- Public sector | Government (local or national)
- Private sector | Industry
- Third sector | Charities | NGOs
- Academic organisations
You cannot undertake a placement with your current supervisors, your research team, or within your home department.
Although the skills and networks you develop may support your PhD and future career, you cannot use the placement to generate PhD data, nor can you use your PhD fieldwork site as your placement setting.
You may select your own placement organisation, or the Research in Practice Team can help you find a suitable host.
The RiP placement is funded by the ESRC, meaning you will continue to receive your stipend for the duration of the placement.
The host organisation is expected to contribute to your business-related expenses, such as travel and accommodation. If additional funding is required, contributions may be available from your supervisor or the South Coast DTP.
As a South Coast DTP student, you will not be expected to cover any costs associated with the placement.
Timing of Your Placement
The timing of your placement will depend on several factors and will vary for each SCDTP student.
- You should work with your supervisors to determine the most appropriate time, taking into account your PhD commitments.
- As part of your Development Needs Analysis, you will identify the skills you wish to develop and the placement opportunities that best support those needs.
- You should not undertake your RiP placement during the master’s year or within the first few months of your PhD. Normally, you will need to have passed your first progression review before going on placement.
- There is no competition regarding who undertakes their placement first. Each student brings unique academic and professional experience, so the timing will be individual.
The RiP placement is a mandatory and assessed part of the South Coast DTP programme.
The ESRC funding period now explicitly includes the three-month (or part-time equivalent) Research in Practice training component. If you do not undertake the placement, this portion of funding will be withdrawn by the ESRC.
Your RiP placement forms part of your broader Research in Practice training, which includes a suite of activities designed to develop your employability skills across key areas.
For answers to our Frequently Asked Questions on Research in Practice about the Research in Practice placement, click here.
