prospective students

The SECReT 4-year PhD Training Programme

The UCL SECReT programme will provide a balanced agenda that integrates research, taught elements and transferable professional skills throughout a four-year programme. Our focus is on creating a truly unique student experience and integrating a community of researchers into a cohesive centre of excellence. We expect that students will undertake:

(i) A core programme of research-focused taught modules

(ii) Executive training to develop transferable professional skills

(iii) A programme of security events and activities

(iv) Up to 25% of their time (6-12 months) at a partner organisation on internship

(v) The PhD thesis

The 4-year programme
YEAR 1 – Exploring Multidisciplinary approaches
In this programme the first year forms a year of taught courses during which students are given a comprehensive background in security related topics. With this training students emerge to pursue their PhD research. In Year 1 students will put a multidisciplinary mindset into practice during a project spread over two terms, in pairs or in small groups, in a relevant problem domain of their choice, but covering at least two of the research domains: Science&Technology, People, Process or Public Policy. Students will gain greater expertise in their subjects of interest whilst writing a 20,000 word collaborative report.
YEAR 2 – Preparing for Research
Students will agree a supervisor, a research subject and prepare their transfer to PhD. They will spend a significant amount of time producing a literature review. In the process they will seek to develop new approaches to research and build a case for their own project. The second year gives students an opportunity to take two modules including one on ethics.
YEAR 3 – Research Intensive Period Including External Internship
Students are expected to submit their transfer report at the beginning of Year 3, following usual UCL procedures. We will encourage students to pursue their research at an external location for a period of 6-12 months. This enriching experience may take place at a research centre abroad, a public sector department or in industry. See SECReT Partners for our growing list of partner organisations. During this internship students will remain in close touch with their UCL supervisors, and involved in DTC activities. The second year gives students an opportunity to take one more module to develop new skills and knowledge for their project.
YEAR 4 – Final Year of the Programme
Students will concentrate on completing their project, and unearthing opportunities for the exploitation of their research and their future career. UCL SECReT through its various committees, will facilitate attendance at public engagement events, career training, career fairs and job interviews. During this period students will be encouraged to increase their effort in publishing their research in peer reviewed journals, and publicising their work at academic conferences

The 4-year programme

YEAR 1 – Exploring Multidisciplinary approaches

In this programme the first year forms a year of taught courses during which students are given a comprehensive background in security related topics. With this training students emerge to pursue their PhD research. In Year 1 students will put a multidisciplinary mindset into practice during a project spread over two terms, in pairs or in small groups, in a relevant problem domain of their choice, but covering at least two of the research domains: Science&Technology, People, Process or Public Policy. Students will gain greater expertise in their subjects of interest whilst writing a 20,000 word collaborative report.

YEAR 2 – Preparing for Research

Students will agree a supervisor, a research subject and prepare their transfer to PhD. They will spend a significant amount of time producing a literature review. In the process they will seek to develop new approaches to research and build a case for their own project. The second year gives students an opportunity to take two modules including one on ethics.

YEAR 3 – Research Intensive Period Including External Internship

Students are expected to submit their transfer report at the beginning of Year 3, following usual UCL procedures. We will encourage students to pursue their research at an external location for a period of 6-12 months. This enriching experience may take place at a research centre abroad, a public sector department or in industry. See SECReT Partners for our growing list of partner organisations. During this internship students will remain in close touch with their UCL supervisors, and involved in DTC activities. The second year gives students an opportunity to take one more module to develop new skills and knowledge for their project.

YEAR 4 – Final Year of the Programme

Students will concentrate on completing their project, and unearthing opportunities for the exploitation of their research and their future career. UCL SECReT through its various committees, will facilitate attendance at public engagement events, career training, career fairs and job interviews. During this period students will be encouraged to increase their effort in publishing their research in peer reviewed journals, and publicising their work at academic conferences