Postgraduate Research

Institute for Transport Studies FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT Postgraduate Research Contents 1 Introduction 2 Research groups and themes 2 Postgradua...
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Institute for Transport Studies FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT

Postgraduate Research

Contents 1

Introduction

2

Research groups and themes

2

Postgraduate research programmes

3

Programme structure

4

Induction and skills training

5

How to apply

6

Funding: fees and scholarships

6

Contact us

7

Life in Leeds

Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) The Institute is the largest free-standing academic centre for transport teaching and research in Europe. Our mission is to advance the understanding of global transport and to develop skills in transport professionals, which we do from a unique inter-disciplinary perspective. With a successful track record going back over 40 years, we now have over 80 staff, around 80 Masters students and more than 30 research students. This wealth of experience and critical mass means that ITS is widely respected as a first choice destination for anyone interested in transport. The Institute’s reputation for excellence is worldwide. We have consistently achieved a high rating in the UK government's Research Assessment Exercise, reflecting research of international standing. This high ranking means we can recruit top students, attract high quality staff and invest in world-class facilities. Research students are supervised by staff who are not only at the forefront of academic research, but also have widespread practical experience in consultancy and as advisers to organisations such as the World Bank, European Commission and national governments. Our students benefit directly from this applied expertise and receive research training of the highest standard.

Facilities • The University of Leeds Driving Simulator - one of the most advanced worldwide in a research environment, which allows research into driver behaviour in controlled laboratory conditions. • The Instrumented City - a suite of research facilities dedicated to transport and environmental issues, such as traffic monitoring, emissions and pollution.

• A full spectrum of specialist software tools including those developed by ITS – SATURN, PLUTO, MARS, DRACULA, WebCOMIS and KonSULT. Why choose ITS? • Your research study at ITS and University of Leeds qualification will be internationally recognised and respected • You will be supervised by research active staff who are at the cutting edge of their field • You will develop skills that are in demand by industry and academia • You will be part of a friendly, supportive Institute within a large multi-cultural University • You will join a prestigious network of ITS alumni in influential positions world-wide

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) In the most recent RAE, ITS was again confirmed as one of the leading transport research centres. The assessment panel identified 95% of the ITS submission as being of ‘internationally recognised’ quality for originality, significance and rigour. Of this, 65% was either ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The quality of the research environment was highlighted as a particular strength, with support for students and early career researchers recognised as ‘outstanding’. ITS also performed particularly strongly in terms of its research power, reflecting the volume of high quality work conducted across its five research groups. Outputs from staff at all levels were submitted to the RAE, including a significant number from early career researchers.

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Research groups and themes The Institute’s research encompasses a broad spectrum of land and air transport, from walking and cycling to air transport, and most things in between. This provides numerous opportunities to develop and apply research skills, whatever the student’s background. A multi and inter-disciplinary approach is a fundamental aspect of ITS’ research vitality and this is reflected in the student cohort. Students are drawn from a range of disciplines such as engineering, economics, mathematics, operational research, computing, psychology, environment, geography and social sciences. Our aim is to develop people with enquiring minds to become instrumental in the future of transport.

In addition to research study linked with specific projects, prospective students are encouraged to suggest their own topic, whether or not it aligns closely with one of our research themes. This could be in response to a specific need in the transport sector, as identified by industry or other stakeholders.

Postgraduate research programmes ITS offers three types of programme: • PhD • MPhil • Miscellaneous Research

ITS is organised into five research groups: Programme • • • • •

Network Modelling Group Transport and Environment Group Economics and Behavioural Modelling Group Transport Policy Group Safety Group

Each research student is a member of the relevant group and is encouraged to play an active role in a range of activities. Students are highly valued by ITS and despite often being at the early stages of their research careers, are expected to make important contributions. More detailed information about each of the research groups and the topics of current students can be found on the ITS website. With such a large and diverse range of research undertaken within ITS, it is difficult to fully capture the range of opportunities for research study, but they are brought together within a set of research themes: • • • • • • •

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Climate change Intelligent mobility Energy-demand-environment Air transport Transport and health Social impacts Transport and the economy

Standard study period

Maximum study period

PhD full-time part-time

3 years 5 years

4 years 7 years

MPhil full-time part-time

2 years 4 years

3 years 6 years

Miscellaneous Research

Flexible, from 3+ months

Supervision All students are allocated a supervision team to provide academic support and to guide them towards the completion of their research thesis. This is normally one lead supervisor plus a second supervisor (the second supervisor may come from another academic department or from outside the University of Leeds), both of whom will have specialist subject knowledge. Supervision meetings are scheduled at regular intervals and this is supported by meetings with the Postgraduate Research Tutor and/or the Director of ITS to review progress. Students also benefit from working alongside fellow researchers within a vibrant research environment.

Programme structure ITS takes pride in ensuring that each research student gains the maximum personal benefit from their studies. To help achieve this, we support each individual through a series of milestones. The timeline below outlines a typical full-time route to successful completion of a PhD:

Month

Tasks

Outputs

1-3

Induction Discuss and agree the Training Plan Initial training course - ‘Starting your PhD’ Core reading

Personal Training Plan

4-6

Literature review Define objectives Prepare for mock upgrade Attend UTSG conference Compete mock upgrade

7-9 9/10 12

Short literature review Mock upgrade note

Develop methodology Prepare upgrade report

Draft upgrade report

Upgrade examination

PhD upgrade report

Deadline for upgrade

Revised Plan

Year 2 13-15

Core research

16-18

Core research Prepare conference paper

19-21

Core research and draft chapters

22-24

Submit end of Year 2 paper and Plan

Conference paper (e.g UTSG) Year 2 paper and Plan

Year 3 25-27

Apply Plan – develop journal paper (e.g convert conference paper)

28-30

Complete core research Present at a national or international conference

31-33

Submission of chapters to supervisors

34-36

Review draft thesis Write-up and submit thesis

Conference/journal paper

PhD thesis

Note - different timescales /milestones apply to MPhil and part-time PhDs.

Of these various milestones towards a PhD, some are of particular importance:

Assessment of the first year Students seeking a PhD are initially registered with ‘provisional’ status. At the end of the first year progress is reviewed and the registration status changed, subject to a successful upgrade. This upgrade is an assessment of performance and takes the form of a written report and oral presentation to a panel. The primary aim of this and other processes is to help keep the student on-track for successful completion.

Feedback at the end of the second year Towards the end of the second year students submit a paper about their progress, which is considered by both supervisors and the Postgraduate Tutor. This includes an updated plan to detail the student’s path to submission, for approval prior to registering for year three.

Viva examination At the end of their studies, after submitting the thesis, students undertake an oral exam. This is done by a panel consisting of at least one external examiner and an independent internal examiner - supervisors do not assess the viva, but may attend.

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Induction and skills training Induction As postgraduate research study can commence at any time of year, we place particular emphasis on providing a structured induction process - to provide students with an understanding of the academic and social environment in which they will be working. Following on from the prearrival support, an individual induction plan is devised for each new student, which includes: - Meetings with the Postgraduate Tutor, supervisors and support staff. - Introduction to other research staff and students. - Provision of dedicated office space, computing and email accounts. - Overview of University services and facilities such as the library. - Student Handbook including guidance on wider support mechanisms. - Membership of the relevant research group. - A formal welcome to ITS by the Director during a departmental meeting.

Training Our approach to skills training recognises the diverse backgrounds and experience of our research students, as well as on practical considerations such as the flexible start date. So, rather than a single programme of courses compulsory for all, our model is of a bespoke plan tailored to the individual needs. Each student is asked to produce and submit a personal training plan within their first two weeks, based on consultations with their supervisors. Students and supervisors are expected to regularly review this plan (including a formal review at upgrade), in order to identify any new needs and appropriate methods for meeting these needs.

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There are a wide range of training opportunities offered by the University, which the student and supervisors can consider when devising the personal training plan. These include: • Courses on research methodology and practice provided in the Faculty Training Programme. • Generic skills training courses (e.g. presentation skills) offered by the Staff and Departmental Development Unit. • Computer and information technology skills, delivered by Information Systems Services. • A series of internal, external and specialist subject group seminars. • Modules within ITS taught programmes (e.g. Masters) and associated short courses. • Specialist topics from the University’s wider catalogue of undergraduate and postgraduate modules. • Graduate training schools, such as the Grad Programme and White Rose Interpersonal Skills School (WRISS). Financial support is also available for students to attend external courses and conferences (for those who do not already have this as part of their funding arrangements). Students are particularly encouraged to attend and present a paper at the national academic conference organised by the Universities’ Transport Study Group (UTSG), which takes place each January and requires abstracts to be submitted around six months in advance.

How to apply Entry requirements Applicants for a research degree should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent, typically but not always in a quantitative discipline. A Masters degree (not necessarily in transport) may be advantageous but is not essential. Applicants should also have a clearly specified and achievable research goal. For applicants where English is not the first language, evidence of proficiency is required. This is normally in the form of a recent IELTS test (6.0 or above overall) or TOEFL test (550+). For details of accepted alternatives to IELTS/TOEFL please contact us.

Documentation To apply for a research degree, the following documents are required: 1. A completed Application Form: www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply_research 2. Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (if appropriate). 3. Copies of the certificate and transcript from your highest academic qualification (e.g. Undergraduate/Masters degree). 4. Two academic references.

The research proposal is a crucial part of the application and is at the core of the assessment process. Please check before applying that the area you wish to research is relevant to ITS interests. These documents can be uploaded to the University’s online application system or sent by email, faxed or post (see contacts details below). PhD applicants who are also applying for a specific University or ITS scholarship/studentship may need to complete an additional application form and submit this by the relevant deadline.

When to apply Study may commence at the start of any month, however those holding scholarships may have a start date determined by the funding body - typically September or October. Please note that many scholarship competitions require applicants to already have an academic offer so early application is advised. Please allow 2-3 weeks from making an application to receiving the outcome as the selection process is comprehensive.

Selection process A range of criteria are used when considering applications: • the quality of the research proposal • the level and relevance of previous academic qualifications

5. An outline research proposal in relation to a specifically advertised research topic/project or an outline research proposal, (approximately 2-4 pages long) and including:

• fulfilment of English language requirements (if appropriate)

• a statement of the issue to be addressed

• evidence of potential to plan and work independently as a researcher

• a short summary of other work/recent literature in the area • 2 or 3 specific research objectives • an outline of the proposed methodology

• references

• prior research experience and training • evidence that the applicant would be likely to succeed in fulfilling the requirements of a University of Leeds research degree.

• a brief summary of the timetable for the research. For successful applicants, the offer letter is for an academic place to study (and will outline any relevant conditions) scholarship applications have a separate process.

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Funding: fees and scholarships Before considering research study, prospective students are encouraged to consider the financial implications carefully and investigate funding opportunities as early as possible. The funding environment is ever changing and opportunities can become available at relatively short notice, so please visit the ITS website and University scholarship web-pages for regular updates.

Fees Self-funded students will need to make arrangements to pay tuition fees and have adequate resources for living expenses. Current tuition fees and indicative living costs are available from: www.its.leeds.ac.uk/restrain/fees

Scholarships ITS facilitates a number of UK Research Council scholarships for which UK/EC students are eligible. These vary in nature but can provide tuition fee payment and in some cases a tax-free living allowance. Deadlines and the application processes are listed on the ITS website as and when they arise. Scholarships for international (non-EC) students are less common, and prospective students should also seek advice from sources in their own country, such as the government, charities and the British Council.

The demand for scholarships far exceeds supply - they are awarded on a competitive basis to students of outstanding merit and research potential. Some of the annual scholarship competitions include: UK/EC applicants • EPSRC studentships (Doctoral Training Account/Centre) • ESRC ‘+3’ studentships • University Research Scholarships (URS) • White Rose Research Studentships International applicants • Fully-Funded International Research Scholarship (FIRS) • Commonwealth Scholarship Plan • British Council Awards • Chinese Scholarships Council • Chevening Scholarships • Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award To search for current University of Leeds scholarship competitions please visit: http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk

Contact us For further information about research degree programmes, advice about suitability or any other aspect of studying at ITS, please contact: Admissions Institute for Transport Studies University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT Tel: +44 (0)113 343 5326 / 1783 Fax: +44 (0)113 343 5334 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.its.leeds.ac.uk

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Life in Leeds The University of Leeds is one of the largest, best equipped and most popular universities in the UK. From origins dating back to 1874 and now with over 30,000 students “Leeds has long been one of the giants of the higher education system” (The Times Good University Guide). The University has a global reputation for the high standard of its teaching and research and is a member of the Russell Group of the country’s most prestigious universities.

Life on campus The University is based on a single campus, within 10 minutes of the city centre. The size of the campus brings many benefits including over 1700 personal computers and a library with nearly 3 million items, together with access to the latest on-line journals and networked databases. However, students are based within small departments such as ITS, making the experience both friendly and personal. The University provides first class leisure and sports facilities catering for everyone from recreational users to top athletes, including a sports centre, fitness studio and playing fields. The Students’ Union is one of the most active in the country, with a shopping mall, bars, games complex, concert venue, radio station, newspaper, theatre company and award winning nightclub. There are also over two-hundred student societies, including the Transport Society.

Accommodation University can be both exciting and challenging. We understand the importance of finding the right living environment to help you settle, study effectively and enjoy a good social life. Accommodation in Leeds is good value for money, reflecting lower living costs than many other parts of the UK. The University has a wide range of catered and self-catering halls and apartments, but for those who prefer to arrange their own, private sector accommodation is plentiful. www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation

Student support You may go through your studies without the need for welfare and support services, but if you do need them there are professionals on hand to help. In addition to your supervisors there is counselling, a medical centre, chaplaincy, childcare, study skills and joblink.

Leeds the city Voted the country’s most popular student city, Leeds is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan places in the UK. Located at the heart of the country, it has a vibrant economy and students who come to Leeds often stay on to live and work in the city. The city centre has over two miles of traffic free shopping, with elegant Victorian arcades and designer shops alongside high street names. Leeds has a lively cultural calendar packed with sports, art, theatre, cinema and music. As well as the major concerts and festivals, the music scene incorporates everything from classical to alternative. Leeds City Art Gallery is adjacent to the internationally famous Henry Moore Institute, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and National Media Museum are short journeys away. Leeds is also one of the greenest cities in the UK with many places of beauty and interest for a day out, such as Roundhay Park, Temple Newsome, Harewood House and Kirkstall Abbey. The nightlife in Leeds is known for its diversity. The bars, pubs and clubs offer something for everyone, with the ‘street cafe culture’ and ‘gigantic club scene’ making the city a magnet for students. Leeds enjoys excellent communication and transport links. The city is served by affordable, frequent local transport and has extensive coach and rail connections to the rest of the UK. London and Edinburgh are two-and-a-half hours away by rail and Leeds-Bradford airport connects to Europe and beyond. With over 750,000 people living in the city and all these modes of transport, Leeds also acts as a useful transport case-study. www.leedsliveitloveit.com

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Campus map

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Brotherton Library Business School Careers Centre Edward Boyle Library Equality Service

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Great Hall Institute for Transport Studies Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Bldg Parkinson Building

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Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication it does not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses or services at any time without liability even after students have registered at the University. The University’s contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purpose of Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999.

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Institute for Transport Studies University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT, UK t 0113 343 5325 f 0113 343 5334 e [email protected] w www.its.leeds.ac.uk

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