Broadening Horizons FAQs

What is a Broadening Horizons placement?

A placement funded by the MRC GW4 BioMed Doctoral Training Partnership, taken usually in your third year.  The placement can provide you with the opportunity to build networks, develop research and professional skills, learn new techniques and expose you to opportunities available to you after you graduate.

Is the placement mandatory?

Yes – You are funded by the MRC DTP for four years, which includes your ‘Prep Period’  and your ‘Broadening Horizons Placement’.

How long is the placement?

3 months / 90 working days in total.  Placements can be full or part-time and can be taken in one full three-month block, or in several shorter blocks as well as part time over a longer period, depending on the student and the placement host.

Who can carry out a placement?

We expect all students funded by a MRC BioMed2 DTP to undertake a Broadening Horizons placement.  iCASE students will carry out their placement with their provider.

What are the benefits of a Broadening Horizons placement?

Your placement can help you:

  • Gain a better insight and understanding of your chosen sector/industry and the wider context of your research
  • Gain direct experience of working in a professional environment unrelated to your PhD project
  • Develop new skills and expose you to new techniques related to your PhD
  • Contribute to the work of their host organisation eg developing policy, communicating science to a broader audience
  • Make informed and realistic decisions about future career options
  • Build confidence and develop your professional skills and experience, to enhance your future career.

What types of placements are suitable?

Placements can be related or unrelated to your PhD project.  You should not be undertaking work that you would have routinely completed within your PhD.  The aim is that new skills, techniques and networking are undertaken to help you understand how their research and professional skills can be used in a wider context.

Placements could be in:

Industry (including BioTech and  Pharma): including audits, project management, reviews or analysis of processes, data projects

Publishing, Marketing and Communication: including press office, publishing/marketing companies, scientific writing

Policy: including working in local government/authorities, other public and professional associations, charities and medical organisations eg NHS

Academic and Teaching:  including colleges and schools, research policy and ethics

Research Labs and Other Universities Research Groups:  the placement can be linked to your research but not be work you are already doing eg learning new techniques and networking.

Does the student, the supervisor or the DTP organise the placement?

Although your supervisor and the DTP Hub can give guidance, it is your responsibility to arrange your Broadening Horizons placement as this gives you useful experience in seeking future career opportunities.

How do I find a placement opportunities?

Be proactive.  Consider the environment/sector/role you may be interested in and the  skills you want to develop.

Do you want an onsite/remote/hybrid placement, full time or part time, in one block or several blocks?

Make use of University Library and Careers services/databases, online tools eg LinkedIn and the websites of professional bodies/societies to identity potential host organisations and contacts.

Engage with contacts from your own networks, including your supervisor, collaborators, other academics with external research partners, previous employers or colleagues you have met at conferences or careers events.

How will the placement be funded?

Your MRC stipend now covers your Prep Period and your Broadening Horizons placement.  Your stipend will be paid during your placement as most placements are unfunded.  You would access your RSTG and Flexible Funding for additional financial support for your project.  Direct costs eg consumables, lab/office space, should be covered by the placement host. 

If you secure a paid placement, your MRC stipend would stop for the period of the placement and be added to your funding period.

When should the placement take place?

The Broadening Horizons placement should be late in your second year or during your third year.  This allows you time in Year 1 for your Prep Period and any progress reviews and in Year 4, sufficient time for completing your research and thesis submission.

Why should students carry out a placement if they are already set on an academic career?

You will develop your transferable and professional skills, gain experience and an understanding of a different work environment.  You will gain an understanding of the impact of your research in a wider context, which is critical for an academic career but also make you aware of other career pathways you may not have considered.

Are overseas placements allowed?

Placements can be taken abroad but you must consider the cost implications of travelling and living abroad.

What happens if l am studying a PhD part-time?

You would still do your 3-month placement, but on a part time basis.  This can be spread over a longer time period.

Do I need an Interruption to Studies?

No, you should not need an Interruption to Studies and please contact the DTP if you are asked to do so by your university.  In some cases of paid placements (not iCASE students), an Interruption has been needed and a funded extension put in place.  Please contact the DTP in this situation.

Can I have an extension if the placement affects my studies?

The placement should not affect your studies but should an extension be required, this can be applied for with your own university and with the DTP related to funding

Can an international student in the UK on a student visa take a place outside the UK.

Yes this is allowed, but you will need to consider the financial costs and there may be restrictions on how long you can be outside the UK.  It is your responsibility to confirm with the Visa office about the terms and conditions of your visa and what changes may be required.  You should leave sufficient time for such visa arrangements to be put in place.

Will reasonable efforts be made to accommodate students with disabilities and/or special circumstances?

Yes, students can complete their placement in person, hybrid or remote depending on their circumstances.  Students will need to discuss their requirements with the placement host to ensure that they are supported and able to fully engage with their placement.

How am I supported on my placement by my university and the DTP?

The DTP will regularly check on your progress and wellbeing.  You should remain in contact with your PhD supervisor at least monthly and your supervisor will raise any concerns through the Student Progression Subcommittee meetings.  If you have any difficulties while on placement, please contact your supervisor and the DTP Hub.

How am I assessed for the placement?

You are not formally assessed on your placement, but we will ask you a to complete a feedback form at the end of the project and provide a paragraph for the Broadening Horizons newsletter to help inform future students and share your experience.