The typical WIRe PhD student experience is highlighted on the timeline below:

Year 1
Induction Semester

WIRe PhD students spend the first semester of their programme attending the following taught modules at Cranfield University:

• Civic Priorities for Water
• Environmental & Circular Economics
• Digitalisation & Artificial Intelligence

Transferable Skills 1 - Collaborative and Creative Innovation

Throughout the PhD studentship, students take part in a Transferable Skills Programme to provide them with the tools they will need to progress their careers beyond the doctoral training programme. The first is Collaborative and Creative Innovation at Cranfield University.

Summer Challenge Week + Conference
A group of WIRe CDT PhD students and staff looking happy on a field

The annual Summer Challenge Week is an opportunity for WIRe PhD students to come together and engage with a range of guest lectures, transferable skills sessions and problem-solving challenges.   

Year 2
Technical Module

Students complete Masters-level modules of their choice throughout their PhD to gain additional technical skills.

Industrial Placement

PhD students are encouraged to undertake a placement in industry during their studies.

Transferable Skills 2 - Communication to Enable Change

The second instalment of the Transferable Skills Programme is Communication to Enable Change at the University of Sheffield, helping PhD students to communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences.

Summer Challenge Week + Conference
Two WIRe students wearing hard hats and high-vis vests looking at a large pipe

Summer Challenge Week brings together all WIRe students to encourage cohort building, involving fun competitions and site visits. 

Year 3
Technical Module

Students complete Masters-level modules of their choice throughout their PhD to gain additional technical skills.

Overseas Placement

An international placement allows PhD students to gain valuable professional experience and new skills. 

Transferable Skills 3 - Futures Thinking, Risk and Resilience
A group of WIRe staff and PhD students in a lecture theatre, one student is presenting to the room

The third session in the Transferable Skills Programme sees PhD students learning about Futures Thinking, Risk and Resilience at Cranfield University, where they gain insights into risk management, which will be essential for careers in a resilient water sector.

Summer Challenge Week + Conference
A group of WIRe PhD students gathered around a lab bench listening to a presenter. On the bench is a map and some red cups.

During Summer Challenge Week, PhD students are presented with a task to tackle, ranging from producing innovative community engagement activities to developing plans for resilient water in Ukraine.

Year 4
Transferable Skills 4 - Career and Personal Skills Planning

The fourth and final Transferable Skills Programme is all about Career and Personal Skills Planning at Newcastle University. PhD students have their confidence boosted to enter the world of work through employer-led workshops, mock applications and interviews. 

Summer Conference
WIRe PhD students and staff stood on steps in front of a building smiling at the camera

In their final year of the PhD programme, students present their work at the annual Summer Conference.

Completion of PhD!

To see our current PhD opportunities click here.