Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPs)
As part of the BBSRC DTP Programme, standard (iCASE students are not required to undertake an internship) course students are required to complete a 12-week (60 work days) studentship internship. These internships offer students a valuable opportunity to work in a different, often non-laboratory-based environment, exposing them to a distinct working culture.
Internships can be in in any field or sector, including industry; publishing; policy; clinical development; teaching; communications; business; management; marketing; law and finance.
The PIPS placement provides a unique opportunity to develop and apply new skills outside the academic research setting. It encourages students to gain insights into the broader context of their research in the wider world, while also helping them explore future employment options. This experience can be transformative in shaping career aspirations and broadening professional networks.
The PIPS placement typically takes place during the latter part of the second year and into the third year of the PhD programme, although specific timing will be determined in agreement with the student and their supervisor(s). Throughout the placement, students will continue receiving their monthly stipend and remain fully enrolled with their institution.
The NWB programme has developed a dedicated PIPS placement site, which facilitates the approval process for all aspects of a student’s internship. This site will host essential documentation, including the PIPS Plan - detailing the objectives mutually agreed upon by the student and the PIPS host - and the PIPS Agreement Form, which governs the placement terms. Each student must have at least one supervisor designated to provide orientation and act as the primary contact during the placement.
To confirm a placement all relevant paperwork must be completed and approved through the PIPS placement site. No placement will be validated until these steps are fully completed and documented.