Industry PhD Scheme | General Principles

Eligibility Criteria 

Student Requirements:

Candidates must possess a master’s degree or have achieved at least a 2:1 in a Level 8 degree relevant to the research field. Evidence of having completed a substantial independent research project is also required.

 

Company Eligibility:

Companies must already be actively engaged in significant R&D projects to qualify for participation in the scheme. Company eligibility will be jointly assessed and signed off by the Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning (DPTL) and the Director of Industrial Engagement.

  

Registration and Fees 

Fee Structure:

Registration fees, including additional bench fees, will be covered by the sponsoring company. The bench fees are intended to support essential research activities such as travel, lab materials, and computing resources.

The expectation is that bench fees would be set at a value of approx. €10,000 per annum, though this is open to negotiation with the industry partner depending on the details of the project. The final agreed sum will require sign off from the Head of School for each industry PhD.

 

PhD Supervision Agreement

Doctoral Agreement:

Both students and supervisors will sign the College’s Doctoral Agreement, which establishes mutual expectations, particularly given that these students may be away from campus for extended periods.

 

Workload Management:

Each Industry PhD project will include a tailored workload management plan within the supervision agreement, reflecting the unique balance between industry and academic work required for each project.

 

Thesis Committee:

For industry PhD students, the thesis committee should include the academic supervisor, any co-supervisors, and the industry mentor.

Additionally, it must have two independent members:

• • One must be an academic staff member within the School who is knowledgeable in the student's research area.
  • The other can be another academic staff member from within the university or an external expert in the student's field. External experts do not need to be affiliated with another university.

DPTL must approve the thesis committee members.

 

Project Proposal Requirements

Project Scope and Novelty:

Every Industry PhD project must be accompanied by a detailed proposal. The proposal must include specific work packages detailing the novelty of the work and ensuring it is at the PhD level.

 

Structured PhD Elements:

The proposal should also present a structured training and development plan aligned with the programme’s academic requirements.

 

Progress Monitoring and Reporting

Stage Gates and Reporting:

The progression of Industry PhD students will mirror that of traditional PhD candidates, with annual reports in Years 1 and 3 and a formal confirmation report in Year 2.

 

Training and Development:

Each student is required to complete a customised training and development plan that also meets the minimum ECTS credit requirements of the standard PhD programme.

 

Programme Structure

Study Mode Options:

The Industry PhD may be pursued full-time over four years or part-time over six years.

 

Academic Expectation:

Despite the industry focus, PhD research is expected to advance fundamental knowledge. This knowledge should have clear applicability to industry needs, ensuring both academic and practical value.

 

Intellectual Property (IP)

IP Ownership and Management:

Industry PhD projects often generate valuable intellectual property. IP ownership, usage rights, and any potential licensing should be clearly outlined in the initial agreement. The College and the company should have a mutual understanding of these terms before project commencement.

• Jointly owned IP is recommended to reflect the academic supervisor's contribution (expertise, facilities, know-how) and to ensure future research freedom. Companies could fully license TCD’s share if needed, at a negotiated cost.
• TR&I have provided a template IP agreement which can be modified for each industry PhD (including how patents would be managed, option to take complete ownership, bench fees/overheads etc) as a starting point for the School of Engineering.

 

Career Development and Networking Opportunities

Mentorship and Professional Development:

In addition to academic supervision, students should receive mentorship from industry professionals. A named industry mentor must be included with the Industry PhD proposal. This industry mentor will also form part of the PhD thesis committee.

 

Working location

Adaptation to Remote Working Needs:

For students working remotely from college for extended periods, alternative support structures should be in place, including access to digital resources, hot desks in TCD, and access to campus facilities and network where possible.

 

Exit Strategy and Contingency Planning

Contingency Plans:

A contingency plan should address potential changes in the industry partner’s circumstances or in research direction, ensuring that students can complete their PhD research even if industry support is altered. This contingency plan should be included in the Industry PhD proposal.