E4 Programme Structure

Training is delivered through a combination of cohort-based and individually tailored activities.  The programme ensures a strong foundations in environmental science and professional development, while allowing each student to pursue training aligned with their own interests and career goals. 

all E4 students complete a minimum of 50 days of training across their PhD, split equally between core and advanced components: 

All DTP students are required to submit their thesis for examination between the end of their 3^rd year and the end of their 4^th year at the maximum.

Training

Image

Core Training: Professional and Transferable skills (25 days) 

Cohort-based training focussed on professional,, transferable and interdisciplinary skills

Year 1: 

• Research Planning and Management (school-based generic PhD training)
• Excellence in NERC-remit research (3-day residential) / Numeracy, Modelling and Data Management
• Frontiers in Environmental Sciences
• Introduction to Career Pathways

Year 2: 

• Writing workshop
• Media and Outreach (2 day residential)

Year 3: 

• Careers Workshop
• Science and Society symposium
• Innovation and Impact (2-day residential)

All years: 

• ECCI Innovation Consultancy Training
• Writing retreats
• Optional ad-hoc training opportunities 

Advanced training (25 days)

Flexible, individually tailored to develop specialised knowledge and skills 

Training Needs Analyses (TNAs) are reviewed annually.  Students can access advanced training through: 

• Our academic and non academic partners
• University of Edinburgh courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Institute for academic development (IAD)
• Courses run by other NERC and non NERC DTPs (including our sister BBSRC DTP and EastBio) 

We understand that students may have other commitments, such as part time work, caring responsibilities or health-related matters- and our training programme is designed to accommodate these.  We aim to be flexible and supportive, helping all students access the training they need to succeed. 

Institute for Academic Development - Doctoral Researchers

The E4 DTP Partners

BBSRC Eastbio DTP

Professional Development Opportunities within the E4 DTP 

In addition to the core and modular training, the E4 DTP offers students the opportunity to enhance their professional development and extend research experience beyond the PhD project.  Our standard studentship supports 3.5 years (42 months) of study, students can apply for additional funded time to pursue internships or acadeimc outputs, as outlined below: 

The Professional Internship Programme (PIP)

From E5 onwards, participation in a PIP will be a compulsory component of the programme

I carried out a PIP at the British Geological Survey (Keyworth) and worked with a leader in the field of radiometric zircon dating. The experience I gained during my time at the BGS has given me a significant leg-up in both understanding and technical capability.

Fred Bowyer, former E3 DTP student, cohort 2014

Image

The PIP enables students to gain experience in a professional setting outside of academia, whether or not it is directly related to their research.  Internships make be undertaken in any sector - industry, government, NGOs, or cultural organisations - both in the UK and internationally. 

Key features: 

• Up to 3 months additional stipend funding (E4 students only.  For E5 students, starting in 2025, the additional funding is included within their studentship)
• Flexible format: Internships can be split into shorter blocks (minimum one month) and undertaken at any point in the PhD (although typically in Years 2 - 4).
• Student led focus - students propose and host a focus area, subject to approval by the DTP Management Board. 

Please note: International students under visa sponsorship can still undertake a PIP as part of the E4 DTP programme. However, the internship must comply with UKVI rules on working during studies.  more information is available via Working in the UK during studies | The University of Edinburgh).

For E5 DTP students, the programme will include the internship as a compulsory and accredited part of the PhD, which will simplify visa eligibility for future cohorts. 

Image

The E4 DTP Professional Development Scheme (PDS)

The PDS offers a 2-month stipend extension for students who achieve strong academic outputs during their PhD.  To be eligible, students must have submitted at least two first author publications by the midpoint of their fourth year (and at least two months before their funding end date). 

For E5 DTP students, the PDS will not form part of the standard programme structure.  

E4 DTP Additional Funds

To further support student development, the E4 DTP offers a funding scheme for: 

• Attending international conferences
• Undertaking overseas research visits
• Supporting international PIPs

There are two funding calls per year, open to all students in their funding period (years 1 - 3.5).

Discover how our DTP students have used this funding to enhance their research and professional development: 

Explore our alumni profiles to learn more about the exciting research and professional opportunities E4 students have undertaken during their PhDs.