Placements

A Research in Practice (RiP) placement is an integral component of all new studentships funded by the ESRC from Autumn 2024. Students spend 3 months away from their research, working with an external host partner on a discrete project, challenge or research question. This gives them a practical opportunity to develop their transferable skills, and to apply their theoretical knowledge and methodological skills in different contexts. It also develops their awareness of the breadth of careers open to them as social science graduates.

“My experience at Global Partners Governance was an important addition to my professional profile. By working with them I was able to diversify my research portfolio and demonstrate the ability to use my research skills in unfamiliar contexts and to successfully work in the policy sector. Both these experiences were fundamental assets in securing a job as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kent, which I secured even before graduating.”

Students take responsibility for organising their own placement in consultation with their research supervisor. They choose what they do, where they do it, and when they do it, to ensure that they get the most out of their experience.

The WRDTP supports students by negotiating placement opportunities with high-quality host organisations across the public, private and voluntary sector on their behalf. The student then applies directly to the host that they would most like to work with. Students are also welcome to approach a host to arrange an opportunity for themselves.

“My internship with Labour Behind the Label pushed me to think further about what is most useful for the community I research with, who are directly impacted by the research topic. The placement helped me to get in touch with several other groups on the ground which meant hearing many different perspectives and challenged my understanding of the research topic further. The opportunity particularly helped to expand my strategic thinking skills, and I more deeply understand that a problem or puzzle must be placed within the context of the systems and bigger picture that shape them.”

Placements are flexible to support all students to participate in and gain value from them. They are arranged to be taken at a time that ensures minimal disruption to a student’s research, which is typically in the second or third year of the PhD programme. They can take place physically or virtually, and on a full- or part-time basis, to suit all students’ requirements.