Nuclear FiRST FAQ
Why do we need Nuclear FiRST?
Over many years, research in all aspects of nuclear fission has been neglected in the UK. However, Government policy now requires rejuvenation of this research, to support cleanup of the historical nuclear legacy, geological disposal of radioactive wastes, a new generation of nuclear power stations, and military nuclear applications. Surveys estimate that, over the next 15 years, the civil nuclear industry alone needs 1000 new graduate/PhD recruits per year. As part of our efforts to rebuild high level nuclear skills in the UK, the EPSRC has supported our Nuclear FiRST Doctoral Training Centre.
How does this differ from a normal PhD?
Because nuclear fission research crosses many normal academic disciplines, and because many undergraduate degrees no longer include much material relevant to it, we need to spend some time allowing you to learn about the broader aspects of nuclear fission research. For example, if you have a chemistry degree, it is important that you learn relevant aspects of other topics, such as materials science, engineering and environmental science. We spend a good deal of the first year giving you this experience, as well as explaining the historical and political context of nuclear research. You also get the chance to sample a couple of different research areas in mini-projects during the first year of the programme.
In the later part of the first year, in collaboration with academic advisors, you will develop your own PhD project. Our aim is that these projects should involve more than one supervisor from more than one discipline so that you get the chance to work in an interdisciplinary project. We aim to involve industry, Government and regulators in the DTC PhD projects, through placements and secondments, or through converting the projects into collaborative CASE projects.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a good degree (first class or upper second) in a relevant discipline, such as physical, earth or environmental sciences, or an appropriate branch of engineering. If in doubt, please ask us.
Why does it take four years?
In a conventional PhD, the research topic is generally chosen by the supervisor before the student starts, and the student has 3 to 3.5 years funding. In practice, most students take a few months longer, without funding, to write up, generally making the total duration around four years.
Our DTC PhD takes four years because we want to give you the opportunity to learn about many other aspects of nuclear fission research, and because we give you the chance to develop your own PhD project. This takes time, which is why we have a four year programme. However, the preparatory year also gives you a head start, so you should be able to make progress rapidly with your PhD, and it should be possible to complete a DTC PhD within the four year period. We have therefore allowed a full four years´ funding for each student. We also have funding to cover the relatively high running and travel costs of our DTC studentships, including support for secondments to overseas laboratories and presenting your results at international conferences.
What will I get out of it?
The qualification you will receive at the end of a successful four-year DTC programme is a PhD; this can be awarded from either Manchester or Sheffield, depending on which university has been the main base for your research project.
How does it work?
Throughout the course students will have joint registrations in both Manchester and Sheffield. The first year's formally taught material will be delivered before Christmas in both Manchester and Sheffield, and mini projects, which run after Christmas, can be carried out in either institution. Once you have developed your PhD project plan, the lead university for your project will be clear and you will register at that university, with visiting status at the other. Your PhD will be awarded by the lead university.