One aim of the UBEL DTP is to ensure that our breadth, in terms of disciplinary expertise, research methods and learning environments, is maximised to provide you with additional learning opportunities that may not otherwise be available. To that end, we have made a commitment to the ESRC that each of you, as DTP students, will spend a period of extended engagement with an academic department other than your ‘home’ department, preferably with one of the DTP institutions other than your ‘home’ institution. Exceptionally, that engagement might take place outside the DTP institutions; however, this type of activity should be within commuting distance and there is strong expectation that this would primarily be within London.  

The extended engagement can encompass a wide range of possible activities within the UK, such as a research placement or participation in an on-going seminar series, for example. There is potentially a small amount of funding available to cover second class train travel, if required, however as rotation takes place alongside normal doctoral studies it cannot involve extended, or overseas, travel. We encourage you to be inventive and explore possibilities that will benefit you and your research, as well as building wider links. 

The rotation activity should last around a term at a maximum. While UBEL encourages students to take part in a rotation activity, please be aware that this is not an essential part of either a student’s research programme or studentship and should therefore run parallel to your DTP course of study, and should not act as a replacement. 

Please discuss any ideas for a rotation activity at the earlier stages of your studentship and contact our team to check your activity is appropriate and does not have any implications of your funding. 

Your selected activity should then be approved by your supervisors and recorded with your UBEL Pathway Lead. Your activity should be agreed and recorded with your Pathway Leads by the end of your first year with all activities underway by the end of the first term of your second year. 

You can find a full list of DTP institutions here: 

https://esrc.ukri.org/skills-and-careers/doctoral-training/doctoral-training-partnerships/doctoral-training-partnership-dtp-contacts/