Collaborative and Industrial PhDs
Aside from traditional PhD studentships based solely in academia, collaborative and industrial PhDs exist which involve an industry partner.
PhD studentships
A PhD, also known as a doctoral degree, is a level 8 qualification, meaning it is the highest level of education that a student can complete. Usually, PhDs are 3-4 years in length and are completed within an academic institution.
PhD studentships can be in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.
This can provide extra funding and networking opportunities as well as facilities, equipment and building a relationship between industry and a particular academic institution.
PhD Studentship numbers and duration
Figure 1. Total number and duration of PhD studentships. Responses from 13 companies including nil returns.
Overall the number of PhDs has remained consistent, around a total of 600 studentships, since 2015.
The most common length of a PhD remains 4 years with 73.6% reported to be that length. The number of PhD studentships >4 years in length remains a similar percentage which is likely due to students working part-time towards their PhD whilst maintaining their job in the pharmaceutical industry.
Almost 3 in 4 PhDs are 4 years in length
Academic institutes supporting PhD studentships
The University of Cambridge and the University of Strathclyde continue to be the leading universities delivering collaborative studentships.
Figure 2. Top 10 academic institutes to host a PhD studentship.
Figure 3. Academic institutes hosting PhD students across the UK
University of Cambridge
I’m delighted that Cambridge continues to be the top university in the UK for hosting collaborative PhDs funded by pharmaceutical companies. Industry-funded PhDs are a fantastic way of developing research talent. They enable students to combine scientific excellence with a first-hand understanding of how research can translate into drug discovery, developing their capabilities and broadening their career options. We are particularly proud of our flagship programme with AstraZeneca which is funding 55 Cambridge PhDs. With AstraZeneca on our doorstep and each PhD jointly supervised by Cambridge and AstraZeneca, the programme not only enriches the students’ experience, it also increases the porosity between our two organisations, transferring knowledge and creating new opportunities for collaboration. Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Innovation, University of Cambridge
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde has a distinct institutional ethos and strategy that drives and promotes external research engagement and partnerships; thus, based on the most recent ABPI data analysis, we are delighted to be placed as one of the top two academic institutions hosting PhD studentships with pharmaceutical collaborators. Our rich-array of pharma-aligned postgraduate studentships has resulted from the establishment of reciprocally beneficial relationships and sustained commitment from our industrial partners, all based on a drive for collaborative research and training excellence. By engaging in internationally-leading, industry-relevant programmes, directed by thoroughly committed and leading Strathclyde academics in direct partnership with key industrial experts, these approaches are delivering a pipeline of academia- and industry-ready scientific talent for engagement in the global pharmaceutically-aligned scientific sectors. Billy Kerr, 1919 Professor of Organic Chemistry, and Director of the Strathclyde-GSK Collaborative PhD Programmes, University of Strathclyde
Case study: Collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and GSK
Kirsty Hamill tells us about her experience as a third-year student in the collaborative PhD scheme at the University of Strathclyde and GSK and the opportunities this scheme offers.
Rebecca Stevens tells us about her experience as a third-year student in the collaborative PhD scheme at the University of Strathclyde and GSK and the opportunities this scheme offers.
Tina-Burova tells us about her experience as a second-year student in the collaborative PhD scheme at the University of Strathclyde and GSK and the opportunities this scheme offers.
James Rowley tells us about his experience as a third-year student in the collaborative PhD scheme at the University of Strathclyde and GSK and the opportunities this scheme offers.
Case study: PhD student (PIPS) placement at the ABPI
Melissa Hampson, an ABPI intern through a professional internship for PhD students (PIPS) placement, speaks about her role in co-ordinating the ABPI Industry-Academic Links Report 2024.
Funding
Figure 4. Funding of PhD studentships from the 2024 survey. Responses from 13 companies including nil returns.
PhD Studentships can be funded in various ways including research councils, universities, or industrial partners as well as co-funding (using multiple sources).
The 2024 survey data shows EPSRC and MRC provided the largest proportion of funding for PhD studentships, similar to the 2022 survey data.
Last modified: 19 December 2024
Last reviewed: 19 December 2024