School of Computing Science

The company identifies and agrees a research topic with an academic member of staff they’d like to work with. A student is then recruited into the position.  Students are typically recent graduates though this is not necessary.

The company pays for the student’s tuition fees and at least a minimum level of stipend for living expenses.  Companies should also provide the student with some funds for research materials, travel expenses, and other costs associated with the research.

Industrial studentships are open to companies in any location, however university studentship fees for international students differ from those for home (UK) students.

Companies also provide an industrial supervisor to oversee the company’s interests, support the student as they engage with, and integrate the research outputs into the company.

The university provides training to the student in a range of research and associated skills necessary for the completion of their research, of their PhD, and a successful research career in academia or industry.  It also supports the project and student through academic supervision, and participation in the rich research culture of the University by hosting the student in the School.

Whilst the student typically works in the School of Computing Science, contact time in and with the sponsoring company can be arranged.

It is standard practice that students own the intellectual property that they generate.  However, exceptions to this are possible and can be negotiated when setting up the studentship, e.g. when the sponsoring company intends to integrate or commercialise the research results.

Match Funding

Standard industrially sponsored studentships may be eligible for 50% match funding from the University of Glasgow’s College of Science and Engineering. This is offered only to “home” students, i.e. those with the right to live and work in the UK and is subject to availability.

Rather than recruiting a new and unknown student to work on a research project, Partnership PhDs are for companies that wish to support the research and research career of an existing member of staff within their job. 

This option offers excellent career development opportunities that may help attract and retain staff within your organisation, as well as enhancing research and innovation skills. 

A research project is defined between the company, employee, and the School that is aligned to the company’s needs.  The project may be part of the staff member’s current role and ongoing work, or it may be newly defined and distinct from the employee’s regular duties. This is a matter of discussion between the employer and employee.

The employee registers as a PhD student with the university AND continues their role – on a full-time or part-time basis.  They continue to receive their regular wage from their employer, and they continue to be hosted at their usual place of work.

The employer pays the student’s tuition fees to the University at the “home” rate for UK students, regardless of the nationality or country of origin of the student or company. This can be a highly attractive option for international companies who wish to work with the School.

The student is required to visit their academic supervisors at the University a minimum of 1-2 times per year but otherwise can complete their studies by remote communication from within their company environment.

The student will have access to the research training and support opportunities available to other PhD students.

As the student is a paid member of staff of the sponsoring company, the intellectual property generated by their research is owned by the company.