Introduction to the SENSS DTP Student-led Studentships

The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a consortium of 8 leading universities, including Cranfield University, promoting inventive and inclusive social science research training and collaboration. SENSS offers world-class opportunities for social science research, training, and collaboration.

What is a SENSS Student-led Studentship?

• Students work on a research project they have come up with themselves.
• They will be guided in this work by an expert academic supervisory team.
• The project may involve working with a collaborative partner, such as a business, charity, or think tank, who provides researchers with access to data, equipment, or participants for a study, additional funding for their studentship, an additional supervisor, and/or a placement.

What is SENSS Looking for?

• Interesting research ideas that will provide new knowledge in their academic field and may also help to address the major challenges facing Britain and the world.
• A good match between applicant researchers and their proposed university and supervisors.
• SENSS is especially keen to receive applications from those who meet certain criteria that form part of SENSS's equality and diversity policy, such as being from a particular ethnic background, having grown up in a less affluent area, having a disability, being a carer, and/or having been in care as a child.

What is Cranfield Looking for?

Cranfield is aligned to four of the six SENSS themes. They are looking to hear from students who want to carry out research within these themes. The indicative list of topics that Cranfield academics would be interested in supervising within these themes includes:

Digital Social Sciences

• Behavioural and Computational Social Science approaches to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and achieving the SDGs
• Technology in Management/HRM/Supply Chains
• Operations Research and Computational approaches in the Supply Chain

Resolving Uncertainty & Addressing Crises

• Organisational and Supply Chain Resilience
• Crisis management and Business Complexity
• Healthcare management – organisational and supply chain
• Cybersecurity
• Cyber security for the development of V2X systems

Sustainability & Climate Emergency

• Sustainable Management/Circular Economy
• Sustainable Supply Chains
• Development of hydrogen systems and policy
• Energy planning and policy
• Water use, planning, and policy

Justice, Institutions & Social Change

• Energy justice and a just transition
• Energy, infrastructure, and socio-technical transitions
• Community and distributed energy systems
• Social and spatial frameworks in energy transitions
• Digital transformation and institutional change
• Justice in water use and management

At a Glance

• Application deadline: 22 Jan 2025
• Award type(s): PhD
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Duration of award: 3.5 (4.5 years with Masters) adjusted for part-time applicants
• Eligibility: UK, EU, Rest of world

Supervisor

Each theme has a Cranfield theme lead who is the first point of contact for applications in that theme. Applicants are strongly encouraged to proactively reach out to Cranfield supervisors who are directly aligned to their proposed research.

Entry Requirements

• Residential criteria: studentships are available to all applicants, regardless of nationality or residency, across all 8 SENSS universities and 6 SENSS interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary Pathways.
• To apply for a Masters plus PhD (+4.5-year award), applicants will need qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a first or a high 2:1 Bachelor's degree (Honours).
• To apply for a PhD only (+3.5-year award), applicants will need qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Masters degree, or a Masters degree and already have the research skills needed to successfully complete their research project.

Funding

• Applicants will be paid £19,237 per year to undertake postgraduate studies, and tuition fees will be paid.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused, and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment.

How to Apply

Applicants should first identify the academic at the SENSS university with whom they wish to work, making sure that their research topic comes within one of the SENSS Themes. If it does, they should contact that academic - their proposed supervisor - directly to discuss working with them. After discussing with the proposed supervisor, applicants should submit their application for a place to study.

---

Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

---

Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

---

Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

---

Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.