Pioneering doctoral training partnership involving Kingston University unveiled by the Economic and Social Care Research Council

Kingston University has been announced as part of a pioneering doctoral training partnership, after being selected by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The Southeast Doctorate Training Arc sees Kingston University's Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research team up with the universities of Royal Holloway, Kent, Surrey, Reading and Sussex. It is one of 15 doctoral training partnerships across the UK ESRC have chosen to invest in over the next five years.

The partnership will focus on the training of five cohorts of postgraduate researchers in challenge-led themes that reflect some of the most pressing social science concerns in the future, including developing healthy and thriving communities.

The Southeast Doctorate Training Arc will also have a significant focus on training and advanced digital and data skills, and will involve a period of work placement to enhance employability and build a more engaged social science sector through real-world experience.

As part of the investment from ESRC, Kingston University can now offer a number of fully-funded studentships that will see PhD students join the University's vibrant community of more than 200 research students, with strong collaborations and learning opportunities with local partner universities in the Southeast.

The studentships are for October 2024 entry and will be under the theme of healthy and thriving communities. 

Head of Kingston University's Graduate Research School and Researcher Development, Professor Priscilla Harries said the support from ESRC would allow Kingston to expand its UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) portfolio.

"These awards attract outstanding students, assure a world class doctoral experience and accelerate our collaborative research with the partner organisations. The funding model includes UKRI investment and assures our reputational standing for future research endeavours – the value of this cannot be underestimated," she said.

Joint Director for Kingston's Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Professor Tushna Vandrevala said this opportunity would best prepare PhD students for their future careers. "This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance and build their careers, preparing them to be future leaders in academia, industry and public service/policy," she said.

"The fully-funded doctorate studentship will offer students interested in exploring topics relating to health and thriving communities, a holistic training programme, included advanced method training, placements and a range of competencies that will enrich the doctorate training provision and future employment," she added.