Models, trends and challenges in doctoral education Professor Mick Fuller University of Plymouth, UK

PhD’s in Europe PhD qualification has been in existence for 200 years PhD is the qualification for entry to University academic career Recognition that approx. only 20% of PhD graduates have a successful University career PhD is the qualification for a career as a leader of research & development in industry/public service

Recently the PhD has been scrutinised and new models for PhD have been developed

Challenges to Universities and Supervisors To prepare the next generation of researchers Learn how to conduct Good Research embed Research Ethics and Good Research Conduct develop Communication Skills develop Networking Skills develop Publishing Skills

Trends The demise of the Master:Apprentice model The rise of the Co/Team-supervision The rise of the Cohort model The rise of the Structured PhD The rise of the Skills Agenda The rise and development of Graduate Research Schools

UK Universities with at least one Graduate School Source: UKCGE

Good Supervisory Practice Researcher Development Framework

Good Supervisory Practice Researcher Development Framework

Good Supervisory Practice https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/the-graduate-school/researcher-development-programme

Examples

Outline Structure 24 PhD students starting together - 12 funded by EU, 12 by University Each has team supervision – Main supervisor from the discipline + 1/2/3 co-supervisors spanning other disciplines (interdisciplinary) At least one external collaborator – mostly international One overall Personal Tutor (interviews every 6 months) Every 4-6 months compulsory attendance at 2 week long workshop Student-led Seminar programme Yearly themed conference – organised by student committee

45 PhD’s over 5 years

Challenges to Innovative Doctoral Training Structures Sustainability Expensive – require sustained funding Charismatic leaders have a defined academic lifespan Maintaining a sufficient pool of Supervisors willing to engage Doctoral regulations in Partner countries Variations and legal positions Widening Participation Engaging with developing research schools and Institutions