Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS)

PIPS are mandatory three month placements undertaken by students funded by BBSRC through the DTP and Doctoral Landscape Awards.

These three-month non-academic placements provide students with valuable expereience beyond academia, introducing them to a wide range of employment sectors including industry, policy, media and third sector. PIPS placements help researchers develop transferable skills, build professional networks and explore career opportunities beyond academia. Placements typically take place between the latter part of year 2 and year 3 of the PhD programme, with the exact time agreed between the student/supervisor and host organisation.

Here are some key advantages:

Professional Experience – Students gain hands-on experience in a non-academic setting, broadening their understanding of different work environments;
Transferable Skills – The placements help develop valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, and problem-solving;.
Career Exploration – PIPS placements expose students to sectors like policymaking, public engagement, media, marketing, teaching, and industry, helping them discover potential career paths.
Networking Opportunities – Students build connections with professionals outside academia;
Enhanced Employability – By gaining real-world experience and transferable skills, students improve their employability and competitiveness in the job market.
Personal Growth – Working in a different environment fosters adaptability, confidence, and a broader perspective on career possibilities.

Made valuable contacts which could be useful for postdoc opportunities, attended a conference and site visit that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to, learned scientific techniques - Rebecca Brociek

It gave me very valuable insight into the industry side of science. It showed me how value can be extracted from data that would not be considered valid for academic purposes, it also gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities and skills - Josh Morrison

Due to visa regulations, international students must complete their PIPS placement in a field directly related to their PhD research, ensuring it remains an integral part of their doctoral studies. Home students have greater flexibility in selecting their placement sector, allowing them to explore a broader range of career paths beyond their academic discipline.