Graduate School Contents

Nottingham Trent University Graduate School Contents

Welcome to our Graduate School ...... 01 Excellent support throughout your studies ...... 02 Developing the next generation of researchers ...... 03 Research that impacts lives and enriches society ...... 04 Nottingham Business School ...... 05 Nottingham Law School ...... 06 School of Social Sciences ...... 07 School of Education ...... 08 School of Art & Design ...... 09 School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment ...... 10 School of Arts and Humanities ...... 11 School of Science and Technology ...... 12 School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences ...... 13 Professional Doctorates ...... 14 Funding ...... 15 How to Apply ...... 16 Living in Nottingham ...... 17

Supporting research excellence, nurturing research talent. Graduate School | Welcome to our Graduate School

Welcome to our Graduate School

The Graduate School provides a supportive environment and a thriving research culture that encourages you to reach your full potential as a research degree student.

Valuing ideas, Be part of our research A supportive enriching society With MPhil, PhD and Professional community Doctorate research degree We encourage new ideas and new We are committed to supporting opportunities across each of our ways of thinking across the whole and developing our research academic schools, we support University through a culture of students. students conducting research in a discovery and innovation. We diverse range of areas. Our You will have academic, believe our research has the research students form an administrative and personal potential to impact the world we important part of our research support throughout your studies live in and change lives. community and make a and access to dedicated significant contribution to our workspaces and exceptional Research excellence activity. facilities. Our research is recognised across the world. In the most recent We offer full-time, part-time and Research Excellence Framework distance learning research degree (REF 2014) most of our research opportunities. was considered internationally- Our Professional Doctorates offer excellent or you the opportunity to contribute world-leading. to research in your profession The University is committed to while attaining a research developing and expanding its qualification. activity to increase the scope, quality and impact of our research.

1 Graduate School | Support and Facilities

Excellent support throughout your studies

The Graduate School aims to provide excellent personal and practical assistance for our research students creating a supportive and pro-active environment.

Support and guidance Outstanding facilities Learning resources Your main source of advice and As a research student at NTU you Students at Nottingham Trent support will be your own doctoral will have access to a wealth of University have access to a wealth supervisory team, which will facilities and resources to aid and of library materials including over include a director of studies and enhance your studies. The 480,000 books and 1,300 printed at least one other supervisor. This University is committed to journals, as well as an extensive team will be selected based on providing the best possible audio-visual collection of DVDs, their experience in your chosen facilities for all its students and we videos and slides. area of study or their background are constantly investing in new Electronic library resources are an in relevant practice. facilities and learning environments. increasingly important part of the The Graduate School Team will be support offered to research available throughout your studies. Dedicated study areas students, and more than 290 Our dedicated team will offer databases and 17,000 eJournals advice and guidance for your All our research students are able are accessible from any initial enquiry and application and study and writing areas giving you networked PC within NTU, or from introduce you to the University access to desks, laboratories and your home or off-campus PC. and to your supervisory team. IT facilities when you need it. Our experienced and knowledgeable library staff will help guide you to the most useful sources of information.

2 Graduate School | Researcher Training

Developing the next generation of researchers

We aim to nurture research talent and help our students thrive through their research degrees and into their future careers.

Researcher A range of core activities will Our research students are Development support your journey from encouraged to take part in enrolment at NTU as a research conferences, seminars and Programme student, through to final external networks. These are an All research students are expected submission of your thesis. These excellent opportunity for you to to participate in a rolling activities will be complemented by share your work, meet other programme of professional a series of electives that you will researchers and build a network of development. You will have the choose to pursue, depending contacts. opportunity to attend a range of upon your developmental needs workshops and developmental as you progress in your research Our own research conferences activities mapped to the Vitae work. and seminars offer you the Researcher Development opportunity to present and Framework (RDF). Developing your discuss your work among the NTU research community. Our Research Development career Programme empowers you – in We pride ourselves on equipping You may also have the discussion with your supervisory our students with knowledge and opportunity to teach team – to create an individualized skills and encouraging initiative, undergraduate students or package of activities to support innovation and excellence. supervise laboratory work. your career development as a researcher.

3 Graduate School | Research Strategy and Themes

Research that impacts lives and enriches society

We create strong relationships that enable discovery, drive innovation, and change both the world and ourselves.

Research strategy Our research Research degree Our research activity is already community opportunities seen as ‘world-leading’ and We recognise the importance of We have a range of opportunities ‘internationally excellent’ (REF) in our postgraduate community in for research students joining our a range of disciplines across our the pursuit of research excellence academic schools to work with academic Schools. As part of our and impact. We have a leading research groups and in Strategic Plan (2015-2020), we community of over 700 research leading research centres. are committed to further degree students. Their research expanding our research aligns with the broad disciplines The following pages provide an excellence. within our academic schools and insight into the research activity specialist areas of research in and opportunities within each of Integral to the strategic plan is a our schools. focus on the development of the both established and innovative next generation of researchers emerging areas. If you would like to discuss your and our existing research staff. options you can contact our Graduate School Team who will put you in touch with the relevant member of staff. Email [email protected] or call We have four research degree start dates +44 (0)115 848 8123 throughout the year: October, January, April and June.

4 Graduate School | Nottingham Business School

Nottingham Business School

Research Impact Decent Homes: Evaluation and Information Research by Professor Alistair Mutch and Dr Nestor Valero-Silva has enabled social housing provider Nottingham City Homes (NCH) to evaluate its activities on a major programme: Decent Homes, the government's social housing refurbishment initiative. Nottingham Business School (NBS) is internationally recognised for business impact and engagement. Our NCH applied the research to improving the use of research reflects our strong connectivity to the world of information across the business, management and economics, shaping policy and organisation. As a result, it practice. has recorded a lasting impact through more effective management of resources This was noted in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) panel’s and improved service delivery. comments and in the REF 2014 results – which showed ‘internationally excellent’ research with real-world impact. The research findings of the team demonstrated the Research themes and areas increased social returns of prioritising the security elements of Secure Warm NBS supports research across its five divisions: Modern (one of the strands of • Accountancy and Finance the Decent Homes • Economics programme), over • Human Resource Management modernising the properties. • Marketing NCH acted on the • Management recommendations by re-allocating resources and The current research groups in the Business School are: implementing the security element (fitting secure doors • Customer Engagement (Retail / Services) and windows) before the • Entrepreneurship and Innovation modernisation work (for • International and Development Economics example, fitting new • Money, Finance and Risk kitchens). • Organising as Practice • Public Management • Responsible and Sustainable Business • Work and Employment

5 Graduate School | Nottingham Law School

Nottingham Law School

Research Impact Increasing economic stability in developing countries The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law’s research is helping to increase economic stability through its influence on law-making in Africa and legal practice in the UK. Developing countries need a sound legal infrastructure with Nottingham Law School is committed to high quality modern insolvency laws that research, in particular through its research centres. increase investor confidence in order to attract investment and integrate into the global In REF 2014 93% of the School’s research was recognised as international economy. standard or above, with 40% deemed to be internationally excellent or better. David Burdette’s research has The School has 48 research active staff, 34 PhD students - including directly influenced legislation international students from 16 different countries - and 13 Professional in the Seychelles, legislation Doctorate students. currently before parliament in Malawi; and insolvency Nottingham Law School research centres: practice in South Africa. • The Centre for Conflict, Rights and Justice Robust insolvency laws are • The Centre for Legal Education also important for • The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law maintaining a stable domestic • The Centre for Advocacy economy. The Law School's • The Centre for Sports Law Adrian Walters has influenced public debate regarding Nottingham Law School research themes include: insolvency costs in the UK. • Corporate and Commercial Law (including Insolvency Law) • Civil Justice (including Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution) • Criminal Justice • Health Law • Human Rights • Intellectual Property Law • International Law • Legal Education (in the academy and in the workplace) • Property Law • Regulation • Sports Law Professional Doctorates • Doctor of Legal Practice 6 Graduate School | School of Social Sciences

School of Social Sciences

Research Impact Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct The Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Unit (SOCAMRU) is a collaboration between the Psychology Division and HMPs Whatton, Nottingham and Lowdham Grange, and Rampton Secure Hospital; it conducts research on national priorities, including sexual offending, offender mental health and staff-offender relationships. SOCAMRU research has produced tangible The School of Social Sciences has research that is ‘world- differences in offender leading’ and ‘internationally recognised’ for the major rehabilitation and treatment contribution that it has made to the advancement of in the UK. knowledge. We have a strong focus on theoretically- Critical contributions have informed and applied research that is multi-disciplinary in been made to the nature. understanding of suicide / self-harm in offenders, and to reducing burnout and In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, a large proportion of our corruption in prison staff. research was judged to be of a quality that is ‘recognised internationally’ – with much of our research classified as ‘world- SOAMRU was instrumental in leading’. creating the Safer Living Foundation charity which We have close to 100 students registered for either PhD or one of our aims to prevent / reduce Professional Doctorate courses. Most staff are research active, and we sexual offending; the charity offer supervision across the range of social sciences subjects. won the Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Rehabilitation in Research themes and areas 2015 in recognition of its • Politics and International Relations efforts. • Psychology • Social Work and Professional Practice • Sociology Professional Doctorates • Doctor of Social Practice; • Doctor of Psychology in Forensic Psychology.

7 Graduate School | School of Education

School of Education

Research Impact The Potential of Visual, Kinaesthetic and Empathetic Learning for Children and the Wider Community This research has developed initiatives to promote and explain science and technology in schools and the wider community. The work has increased engagement and helped to raise attainment levels using Research is an integral part of work within the School of innovative approaches such Education. All our teaching is informed and driven by as visual, kinaesthetic and research which ensures that we remain at the forefront of empathetic learning models to promote the STEM subjects thinking and development in education. alongside cultural enrichment and improved literacy. Criticality is embedded throughout all our courses. Working with The research has impacted national and international partners we have developed a dynamic, on: forward thinking culture which challenges received wisdom and extends • Creativity, culture and boundaries of the possible. The School has a vibrant doctoral society through theatre community with a team of over twenty supervisors working with both productions and astronomy home and international students. activities which enhance understanding, inform Research themes and areas values and engage communities with their Research into Education Practice local landscape and cultural heritage. • Assessment and Feedback • Teachers’ development • Pedagogy and practice through • Policy, Partnership and Governance changing teacher training practice and raising pupil Research into Education for Social Change attainment. • Widening Participation • The development of new • Disadvantaged Groups models for public engagement leading to Professional Doctorate increased engagement with effective STEM • Professional Doctorate in Education education by young people and their teachers – regionally, nationally and internationally.

8 Graduate School | School of Art & Design

School of Art & Design

Research Impact Advanced textiles NTU's research in electronic textiles is having a significant impact on the health, sports, defence and fashion sectors. Five of the products developed by the research now have worldwide patents, demonstrating evidence of their impact. Our focus on fusing scientific, engineering and design The School of Art & Design provides a dynamic disciplines to create novel and environment in which to pursue graduate study. innovative electronically active smart textiles make this The School plays host to a broad range of disciplines. These research unique contemplate and engage the visual and material worlds and embrace internationally. various methodological approaches drawn from art practice to systems engineering, and from experimental testing to conceptual speculation. The smart yarn technology has provided a robust In the REF 2014 87% of our research was judged to be world-leading, functionality that is resistant internationally excellent or internationally recognised. to wear, washing and drying The School has a community of nearly 50 PhD and MPhil students, with and can be produced at lower up to a third coming from overseas. costs than other electronic textiles. As a result, these Research themes and areas products have a significant Academic staff, research fellows and doctoral students in art and design impact on the production and form an active research community, participating in research centres, use of electronic textiles in groups and networks in the following: clothing. • Advanced Textiles • Creative Textiles • Fashion Marketing and Communication • Sustainable Consumption • Health and Wellbeing • Fine Art • Photography • Representation and Material Culture Professional Doctorates • Doctor of Digital Media • Doctor of Fashion Industry • Doctor of Fine Art

9 Graduate School | School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Research Impact Sustainable Technologies in the Built Environment NTU is helping Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) manufacturers of building materials to create new, sustainable, higher-quality products with reduced energy consumption and carbon We have an active and outward looking research culture, emissions to make the companies more competitive. with a strong focus on impact and external engagement. The impact comes through The School has over 30 research active staff, around 60 PhD students research that develops a and five Professional Doctorate students. SMEs’ critical understanding In REF 2014 86% of our research was judged to be world leading, of complex manufacturing internationally excellent or internationally recognised. processes and advanced materials. Through its Research themes and areas expertise in obtaining grants and external funding to Our research is divided into two areas: develop and implement new products and processes for Architecture and Built Environment research higher productivity. • Architectural Heritage and Identity Examples in this case study • Real Estate from different SMEs include: • Sustainable Technologies • Lean Project Management • sustainable product design • Smart Heat Network for low-carbon buildings; • sustainable materials and Product Design research design; and • Sustainable Consumption • sustainable energy. • Design for Health and Wellbeing • Advanced Design and Manufacturing Engineering Professional Doctorates • Doctor of Architecture (DArch) • Doctor of Engineering (EngD) • Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (EngD) • Doctor of Engineering in Construction Management (EngD) • Doctor of Design (DDes) • Doctor of Real Estate (DRealEst)

10 Graduate School | School of Arts and Humanities

School of Arts and Humanities

Research Impact Empowering Female Asylum Seekers and Refugees This research examines the importance of the media in understanding processes of migration and the formation of diasporic identities and cultural practices. The research findings were used as the basis for strategies to: • create networks; • give refugee and migrant women a voice; Research in Arts and Humanities is rich and diverse. Our • communicate their ideas and interests in the public researchers work in collaboration with a range of scholars sphere. from across the academic community creating a varied and informed research communit y. The research has influenced the development and activities of the African These links throughout the world enhance the experience Women's Empowerment of staff and research students. Forum (AWEF), a community organisation with an increasingly international We are committed to the education of the next generation of mission. researchers. Through our research PhDs and you would join a community of over 80 other PhD students and the majority of our staff The participative action are research active. research has begun to contribute expert knowledge In REF overall world-leading or international excellence of our research to shape the working impact was scored at 87% for English; 80% for History; 70% practices of public sector Communication, Cultural and Media Studies and 80% for Modern organisations and AWEF has Languages. extended its resistance beyond the local and into the Research themes and areas public sphere. We have subject and interdisciplinary expertise across a broad range of the Arts and Humanities. We welcome PhD applications in: • English Studies • History • Communication, Culture and Media • French

11 Graduate School | School of Science and Technology

School of Science and Technology

Research Impact Development of Bioinformatics Techniques Leads to Biomarker Discovery and Realisation of Commercial Potential This research has developed new bioinformatics techniques for mining complex post genomic bio-profile data. The approach allows the development of predictive models to answer clinical questions using an optimum biomarker panel. The findings of the research mean that the prognosis for women with Research lies at the heart of our activities, providing breast cancer could be better international esteem and opportunities for commercial predicted in future. exploitation. We host wide-ranging research of The impact of this work is international status in world class facilities. demonstrated in the filing of four patents associated with Over the last five years we have made a concerted effort to increase the algorithms, breast cancer and interdisciplinary nature of our research, bringing together fundamental tuberculosis, subsequently and applied research to provide benefit to people and society. licensed to a spin-out company. Three clinical trials In the REF 2014, 93% of our research was judged to be World-leading, have been supported and Internationally excellent or Internationally recognised. others are in the pipeline. Our research community includes academic staff together with over 35 Through the spin-out postdoctoral fellows and over 100 research students. company, the technique is being applied to stratify Research themes and areas patients in clinical Our research is clustered in Research Groups and Centres, providing a collaborations and to focus for different themes with their underpinning platforms: optimise biomarker panels for diagnostics companies. • Biomedical Research Centre • The John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre • Materials and Engineering Research Centre • Computing and Informatics Research Centre • SHAPE (Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement) Research Centre

12 Graduate School | School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

Research impact Peatlands hydrology and conservation Peatlands are an internationally important habitat for specialised plants and animals as well as providing carbon storage greater than that found in the world's rain forests. Nottingham Trent University has been working for around 20 years to help protect peatlands. Our research has looked at the hydrological function and conservation management of UK Peatlands and producing horticultural growing media that reduce The School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences and replace peat. has a growing research community of approximately 30 academic staff and 15 postgraduate (PhD) research The research has been undertaken in collaboration students. with organisations including International Union for the In REF 2014 all our work was classified as internationally or nationally Conservation of Nature, recognised. National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, William The School is based on the rural Brackenhurst campus, set in a 200ha Sinclair and Severn Trent mixed farm with an equestrian centre, cattle and sheep, animal care Water. unit, poultry unit and access to a range of habitats for wildlife. NTU was a finalist in the Many research students also undertake fieldwork overseas. Our Water Industry Foundation students benefit from the personalised support available in a smaller national awards for Research School, whilst being part of the larger cohort within the University and Impact in REF2014. having access to all its training and facilities. Research themes and areas Our research focuses on four main themes: • Natural environment • Ecology and conservation • Sustainable agriculture and food security • Animal behaviour, performance and welfare

13 Graduate School | Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctorates

Our Professional Doctorates offer those in professional careers the opportunity to study for research degree.

Professional A Professional Doctorate at Doctor of Business Nottingham Trent University doctorates that we demands commitment, energy Administration (DBA) offer and hard work. It offers a Our DBA provides a distinctive stimulating and enjoyable approach to continuing personal • Doctor of Business experience with the award of a and professional development. It Administration (DBA) valued and valuable qualification. offers a practical perspective in a • Doctor of Education The courses have been designed stimulating environment and • Doctor of Legal Practice to meet the needs of people in challenges traditional • Doctor of Social Practice demanding jobs. management understanding. • Doctor of Psychology in You will attend a series of With a strong focus on Forensic Psychology (minimum workshops and submit doctorate managerial and professional 2.5 year course) level work. The course is practice; the DBA links rigorous • Doctorates in Fashion Industry completed with a dissertation of study of work-based problems approximately 35,000 words and and issues to personal and • Doctor of Architecture a reflective report. A Professional professional development. This • Doctor of Design Doctorate can be completed in aids the transfer of learning into • Doctor of Engineering between 48 and 96 months. organisational and managerial practice. • Doctor of Engineering in Civil We may also accept applications Engineering for part-time PhD projects on As a DBA student, you will take • Doctor of Engineering in similar topics. Potential modules in research Construction Management applicants should contact the methodology, critical review and • Doctor of Real Estate Graduate School or relevant conceptual development. You will course leader to discuss the pros be expected to produce regular and cons of either route. work based on your own research.

14 Graduate School | Funding

Funding

Funding for your research project may be available from the University or through external sources such as research councils, government agencies, charities and industry.

NTU PhD Studentships Midlands3Cities Research councils As part of our commitment to The University is part of the Public funding for research students research excellence, we offer a Midlands3Cities Doctoral Training in the UK is mainly provided by number of University-funded Partnership funded by the AHRC. research councils. Most make studentships each year. These Through this scheme 410 PhD awards directly to the University studentships may also offer studentships will be offered to rather than individual students. additional development excellent PhD students in the arts You can find out more about opportunities for exceptional and humanities over a five-year accessing opportunities funded by students. These are normally period. research councils on our website. announced in the autumn. University Alliance Other funding Grant funded PhD Doctoral Training opportunities Studentships Alliance Other funding may be available The University receives funding We are part of the Doctoral from a variety of external for PhD studentships throughout Training Alliance in Applied organisations including the year. These are advertised Biosciences for Health. This offers governmental agencies, charities regularly on the Graduate School fully-funded research and industry. Further information website. opportunities, access to excellent about funding can also be found on research, expert support and the following websites: employment opportunities. • www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate • www.scholarship-search.org.uk

15 Graduate School | How to apply

How to apply

Once you have identified a research area or funding opportunity, follow these steps to make an application. You can discuss your options with our Graduate School before making an application. Email them at [email protected] or call +44 (0)115 848 8123

Step 1: Complete an application form

You can download an application form and notes for completing the form from our website at: www.ntu.ac.uk/graduateschool Include your personal details and information about your qualifications, employment and any research training or experience you may already have. You will also need to identify your source of funding (e.g. self-funded or Government-sponsored). Please note that if you are accepted onto a postgraduate research programme, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your qualifications before you enrol.

Step 2: The research proposal

MPhil or PhD Final agreement on the research project will be reached before an offer of a place at NTU is made. If you are If you are applying for an MPhil or PhD (except for those applying for a studentship, please follow the given advice. applying to the Schools of Science and Technology, and Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences) you will need Professional Doctorate to produce a 1,000-2,000 word statement describing: Applicants are requested to include a short statement • the subject you wish to research; about their proposed project. For example, this might • the question(s) you wish to investigate; include: • why it interests you; • provisional title; • how you propose to research it; • the topic or area to be investigated and how this is • how your proposed project relates to other work in the linked to your own professional practice; field; and • the research question(s) or problem to be addressed; • how you think your project might contribute to • the methods and techniques to be used in the research understanding of your subject. and your previous experience of using these methods; Please also include an outline timetable and a bibliography. • a brief bibliography of any sources you have already consulted or identified as relevant; and Applicants for MPhil or PhD in Science and Technology or Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences should instead • how your proposed project might relate to existing submit a short statement (no more than one side of A4) discussion, debate, research or literature. outlining the research area or topic that you wish to The requirements may vary slightly between courses. study, and identifying a potential supervisor (if known) at Please ensure you check the page of the course you’re NTU that you would like to work with. interested in before applying.

Step 3: Provide appropriate references

You will need to give details of two people who are familiar with your academic development. For example these could be tutors who have taught you during your undergraduate or master’s degree (but not your proposed supervisor).

Step 4: Email your application to [email protected]

If you are applying for the DBA, please contact the Graduate School in the first instance. Tel: +44 (0)115 848 8123 Email: [email protected]

16 Graduate School | Living in Nottingham

Living in Nottingham

Nottingham is a lively, multicultural city that mixes a generous helping of music, culture, sports, shopping and nightlife.

Shopping heaven Adventures in the A historic city Nottingham consistently ranks great outdoors Echoes of the city’s history are among the UK’s top shopping Some of the world’s most everywhere; from Nottingham destinations. Major high street beautiful countryside can be Castle and nearby Ye Olde Trip to names sit alongside designer found around Nottinghamshire. Jerusalem – supposedly the boutiques, and the Lace Market, The legendary Sherwood Forest, world’s oldest pub – to the once famous as the centre of the Rufford Abbey Country Park, and ancient caves that run under the world's lace industry, is now a Clumber Park are right on the city and Goose Fair, Europe’s protected heritage area with a city’s doorstep, while the Peak oldest and biggest fair. thriving creative community. District is just a short drive or train ride away. A hub of A bit of culture entertainment You can relax in one of the The sporting life Whatever your taste, Nottingham hundreds of cafés and bars, or With more sporting facilities per has something to inspire and take in a film or exhibition. head than any other European entertain. The city’s award- Nottingham’s renowned for its city, Nottingham is a great place winning nightlife is clean, safe and thriving arts scene and has some to play or watch sport. The city fun - officially one of the best excellent independent cinemas has two Football League clubs, a places to go for a night out in and galleries, including world-famous cricket ground - Britain. Away from the range of Nottingham Contemporary, one Trent Bridge - the National Water laid-back to super smart bars and of the largest contemporary art Sports Centre and the National clubs, there is a fantastic array of centres in the UK. Ice Centre. restaurants to suit any budget and some of the best live music venues in the region.

17 Nottingham Trent University Graduate School Nottingham Trent University Burton Street Nottingham NG1 4BU Tel: +44 (0)115 941 8418 Email: [email protected] www.ntu.ac.uk/graduateschool

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Please note that whilst the University has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the content within this leaflet at the time of printing, the University reserves the right to remove, vary or amend the content of the leaflet at any time. For avoidance of doubt, the information provided within the content of this leaflet is for guidance purposes.

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