Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal) PhD

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The programme aims to equip Doctoral Researchers with the skills to design and carry out a research project, resulting in a thesis which will provide a contribution to knowledge and contain original work worthy of publication.

The programme will provide training in research methods appropriate to the digital transformation of the metals industry and allow Doctoral Researchers to become well acquainted with the general field of knowledge to which their research project relates.

Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degrees
• Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement (QAA)
• Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (SEEC)
• Loughborough University Quality Reviews
• Research Council Mid-term and Annual Reviews

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

1.  subject-specific literature applicable to their area of research
2. relevant methods and techniques applicable to their area of research

Skills and other attributes

Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to:

1. lead on the creation, development and implementation of a significant programme of research that will lead to new knowledge disseminated through the production of a PhD thesis
2. demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field
3. critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.

Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to:

1. have knowledge of and be able to apply appropriate methods used in their field.

Key transferable skills:

1. be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research
2. clearly present material and arguments orally and in writing, to a range of audiences
3. have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
4. report research outcomes in an appropriate way for the intended audience
5. demonstrate time management and organisational skills to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working

University Regulations for Postgraduate Research study are set out in Regulation XXVI (Higher Degrees by Research).

Please see the Terms and Conditions of Study for detailed information on your contract with the University.

Students must register for the modules listed under R0 below, which are delivered by the Centre for Doctoral Training University partners. In addition, students will be required to attend three summer schools run by the CDT in years R0, R1 and R2.

Part R0

Students will complete a set of modules depending on their entry degree. Students with degrees other than these will be placed on one of these two pathways after a discussion with the supervisory team. The module pathway will be determined during the admissions phase. 

In addition, four optional modules will be completed during R0. These will be chosen from a catalogue of modules by the PhD supervisors in discussion with the student.

Training Programme Engagement

Engagement with the training programme is key to the successful completion of the PhD and is a requisite for the continuation of the PhD funding. Attendance at the taught sessions is mandatory and we will report on the attendance at the modules and follow up on lack of attendance. Modules will be delivered through a combination of in person teaching, online delivery and the use of lecture capture. The modules will be formatively assessed and this will be used to measure the level of engagement with the modules. Assessments flagged as unacceptable or poor will trigger a review meeting.

Progression assessment

Progression into R1 will be confirmed by a programme board. Students who fail to attend or engage with all modular training credit will not be eligible to progress on the programme. In exceptional circumstances, R0 modules may be completed in R1.

Part R1

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.
Submission of a 1000-word research report at 6 months for part-time Doctoral Researchers.

Submission of a 2,000-word research report at the mid-way point of Part R1 and submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R1 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R1 will follow the schedule below.

Part R2

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.

PhD candidates: Submission of a mid-part review for part time Doctoral Researchers, and a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R2 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R2 will follow the schedule below.

MPhil candidates: Submission of their formal MPhil thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI at the end of part R2.

Part R3

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.

Submission of a mid-part report for part time Doctoral Researchers.

At the end of R3, submission of a formal PhD thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI. Typically, the timetable for reports in R3 will follow the schedule below.

Where the thesis is not ready for submission at the end of part R3, Doctoral Researchers must submit a written report detailing the plan for submission (this is expected 12 months into R3 for full-time Doctoral Researchers and at 24 months into R3 for part- time Doctoral Researchers).

To progress from Part R0 to R1, Part R1 to Part R2 and from Part R2 to Part R3, and to be eligible for an award, candidates must satisfy the assessment requirements set out in Regulation XXVI.

Candidates must complete all the requirements for each Part outlined above in order to progress to the next Part. If an end of part report does not meet the standards required for progression, candidates may undertake further work and resubmit the report on one occasion only in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.