CURRENT HARPER ADAMS STAFF ONLY: Part-time PhD

Advance Your Career: Internal Part-Time PhD Opportunity at Harpers Adams University

Harpers Adams University presents a unique and highly valuable opportunity for its dedicated staff members to pursue a Part-Time PhD. This internal program is designed to foster research excellence and professional development within the institution, enabling staff to contribute to the university's research strategy while advancing their own academic and career aspirations.

This comprehensive review highlights the key advantages and crucial considerations for potential candidates, guiding you through what makes this opportunity exceptional and what commitment it entails.

Key Advantages for Your Career Development:

• Fully Funded Research: One of the most significant benefits is the full waiver of tuition fees, covered through the university's continual professional development fund. This removes a major financial barrier, making advanced research accessible.
• Dedicated Research Time: Recognizing the demands of combining work and study, the university generously allocates half a day per week specifically for PhD research within your workload model. This structured time commitment supports consistent progress without compromising existing responsibilities.
• Project Cost Support: Supervisors can apply for up to £10,000 in QR funding to cover essential project costs over the six years of the PhD. This financial backing ensures that your research project has the necessary resources to thrive.
• Strategic Alignment & Impact: By undertaking research that aligns with the university’s research strategy and areas of activity, you'll be directly contributing to Harpers Adams' mission and enhancing your profile as an expert in your field.
• Internal Support Network: As an internal candidate, you benefit from existing relationships with potential supervisors and departmental colleagues, facilitating a smoother integration into the postgraduate research community.
• Long-Term Professional Growth: A Part-Time PhD over six years provides a structured pathway for deep intellectual engagement, skill development, and ultimately, a significant credential that can elevate your career trajectory within academia and beyond.

Important Considerations for Prospective Candidates:

• Exclusive Internal Opportunity: This program is strictly for current Harpers Adams University staff only.
• Significant Time Commitment: A six-year Part-Time PhD, even with dedicated half-day per week, requires immense discipline, time management, and personal sacrifice alongside your full-time role.
• Highly Competitive Admissions: The opportunity is limited to only one staff member per department/facility per academic year. This makes the application process exceptionally competitive, demanding a strong, well-conceived proposal and robust support.
• Research Alignment is Crucial: Your proposed research project must clearly demonstrate alignment with the university’s established research strategy and active areas. Thorough prior research into these areas is essential.
• Fee Reimbursement Clause: Be aware of the condition: if you leave the employment of Harpers Adams University within two years of completing your PhD, you will be responsible for reimbursing the fees in line with HR policy. This clause signifies a commitment to the university post-graduation.
• Rigorous Application and Selection Process:
  • Academic Staff: Must discuss their interest with their PDR reviewer and HoD. A detailed application, including a PhD proposal with identified supervisors, indicative project costs, a personal letter of interest, and a crucial letter of support from your HoD confirming workload allocation and resource coverage, must be submitted by October 31st. This is followed by assessment and interviews in November/December.
  • Professional Services and Technical Staff: Follow a similar procedure with sign-off from their line manager and Head of Department. A notable flexibility is that they can submit their application at any time and can commence their PhD on the next appropriate start date (e.g., September/October, April).

Is This Opportunity Right for You?

This Part-Time PhD program is ideal for highly motivated Harpers Adams staff members who possess a clear research vision, a commitment to sustained academic inquiry, and a desire to significantly enhance their professional standing within the university. If you are passionate about contributing to your field, ready for a challenging yet rewarding intellectual journey, and prepared for the long-term commitment, then this internal opportunity could be the perfect next step in your career path.