CDT Training Programme
Our four-year PhD programme is designed to develop highly skilled, interdisciplinary researchers equipped to tackle emerging security challenges.
Our training programme offers a structured environment that balances research excellence, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Students will follow a four-phase stepping-stone PhD model, combining intensive foundational training with independent research.
This approach ensures that candidates build the technical expertise, leadership skills, and interdisciplinary awareness needed for careers in academia, industry, and policy.
The student journey: Key facts
CDT students will undertake a core programme of high-quality research-focused training, and broader training and experience beyond doctoral research. These include:
- State-of-the-art training programme with both compulsory and elective courses.
- Multidisciplinary research with the option to spend up to 25% of their time at a partner organisation.
- Engagement in executive training schemes such as eXchange, Lead!, Get it Done, and Next.
- Participation in networking, mentoring, and impact activities with our extensive partner network.
- Membership in our student society, a cross-departmental platform for collaboration and engagement.
- Hands-on leadership experience, with opportunities to organise events and student-led initiatives.
The student journey: Four phases of training
Phase 1: Preparing for research (Months 1-6)
The first months will focus on laying the groundwork for student’s research and entrepreneurial endeavours. We will help them quickly adapt to the new environment and gain a deeper appreciation of cyber-physical risk research
⦁ A two-day welcome event introduces students to the CDT, UCL’s research facilities, and industry partners.
⦁ Students will be invited to join a cross-departmental platform for students to engage in collaborative activities, organise social events, and network with fellow researchers and industry experts.
- Five core courses provide a deep understanding of cyber-physical risk, security challenges, and interdisciplinary problem-solving strategies.
- Equinox School provides students with hands-on learning with academic and industry partners from around the world exploring global perspectives in real-world security challenges.
Phase 2: Advancing knowledge and research (Months 6-24)
This phase marks the beginning of students' doctoral research after completing training in research ethics and securing ethics approval and data.
⦁ A key milestone at the 6-month mark, ensuring that students are ready to move on to independent research.
⦁ Students will demonstrate their preparedness for conducting original research, which may include presenting a review of the literature, refining research questions, and aligning their projects with the programme’s core objectives.
⦁ Students will spend the next 12 months conducting research under supervision, with the flexibility to develop skills and pursue independent work.
⦁ The systematic review or empirical work produced will contribute to the first of the thesis's key elements and form part of the PhD Upgrade assessment at month 18.
⦁ At month 18, students will submit a progress report (literature review, empirical study, work plan) and undergo a viva to assess their ability to complete the PhD within the expected timeframe.
⦁ Year 2 students will participate in a 10-week course on the intersection of global affairs and cyber-physical risks, addressing issues like global supply chain security and international law in cybersecurity.
⦁ Year 2 students mentor Year 1 students and participate in and the organisation of the Equinox School, facilitating research collaboration and peer support.
⦁ Students will take part in communication training, including writing courses, social media, vlogging, and TV interview techniques. These activities help them build confidence in presenting research and engaging with wider audiences, preparing them for academic and public communication.
⦁ Students may spend up to 25% of their research time at a partner organisation, such as a leading tech company or government agency. This collaboration will support students to gain real-world insights into the practical application of their research
Phase 3: Becoming an expert (Months 24-43)
In this phase, students will further develop their leadership skills, improve their research dissemination, and drive real-world impact through public engagement and entrepreneurial opportunities.
⦁ Students will deepen their research expertise and expand their analytical skills through their doctoral projects, while contributing to external partners.
⦁ They will continue to engage in cohort activities and take the Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) module, along with an elective from a pool of courses across six departments.
⦁ Students are encouraged to gain teaching experience as Post-Graduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs). Training is provided through UCL's ARENA programme with an optional pathway to becoming an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
⦁ The ‘Lead!’ scheme helps students develop leadership, decision-making, and project management skills, preparing them for roles in academia, industry and policy.
⦁ Students can apply their leadership skills by organising cohort activities or research seminars. Those demonstrating strong leadership will be encouraged to take on more ambitious projects, such as establishing a UK-wide PhD student network, with industry mentorship.
⦁ Support is available for students interested in entrepreneurial ventures, particularly those exploring deep-tech spinouts as part of their PhD.
⦁ AlbionVC-backed Venture PhD candidates will receive funding and mentorship to transition from academic research to commercial ventures.
⦁ Students will continue to build their communication and dissemination skills by presenting at conferences, workshops, and publishing peer-reviewed articles. Emphasis is placed on public engagement to help students ensure their research has broad societal impact.
Phase 4: Unleashing potential (Months 36-48)
The final phase focuses on completing the PhD, maximising research impact, and preparing for the next stage of students' careers whether in academia, industry, or policy.
⦁ Through the Get it Done programme, students receive structured support from their supervisors to complete their thesis to the highest academic standards.
⦁ A series of coaching workshops will help them develop resilience, improve writing and organisational skills, and strengthen their academic identity—key factors for successfully finishing a PhD.
- Alongside thesis completion, students will deliver a project through which they will have the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate leadership skills.
- This can involve translating research insights into practical applications for organisations such as the National Crime Agency; advancing spin-out plans; undertaking a work placement in industry, policy, or a charitable organisation; or completing a research project at Yale University through UCL’s exchange programme.
⦁ Student will take part in the Next Step scheme, designed to support their transition into their next career step.
⦁ Guidance and mentorship on career pathways will be offered, as well as professional development workshops covering leadership, networking, CV-building and interview coaching to help secure research positions, policy roles, or industry placements.
⦁ Ongoing entrepreneurial support will be provided for students launching startups or commercial ventures.
By the end of the PhD programme, students will have the research expertise, professional experience, and industry connections to make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers and in the cyber-physical risk field.
