Doctoral Education Strategy

What are we preparing research students for?

We aim to educate our candidates to be prepared to make significant contributions in a wide range of careers in the U.K. and around the world: academic posts, research in non-academic sectors (industry, commerce, charities, public sector, cultural organisations, etc.), and in non-research jobs where research skills - the rigorous attention to evidence, interpretation and creativity - are of value. Some may wish to pursue the doctorate for personal interest. Research is an international business and it is important that all gain a global perspective to their research through conferences, collaboration, and extended visits. We wish to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit so that our graduates leave seeking to make a social or commercial impact in imaginative ways.

For these roles doctoral graduates should be able to handle uncertainty inherent in research, have some experience of research management (of projects, people, and resources), have an international perspective, and be able to communicate complex ideas clearly both to their peers and to wider society. We expect many to be involved in UCL's Grand Challenges and all to have an awareness of them and of how UCL is making impact in these areas.