Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS)

PIPS is a requirement for students funded by BBSRC only. Students funded by DoLS can find out more about optional student placements here

A key component of the BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) programme is the Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) – a three month integrated unpaid placement that aims to provide PhD students with the opportunity to carry out work experience unrelated to their doctoral research. It has been recognized that it is important that PhD students get the opportunity to experience working in a professional environment, typically outside research laboratories. Such experience is important both to help early career researchers understand the context of their research and to expose them to the range of opportunities in which they can apply their PhD skills and training after they graduate. 

This PIPS placement usually takes place between the second half of the second year and the third year of the student’s PhD programme, though the exact time will be agreed between the student and the supervisor(s). During the placement, the student will continue to receive their monthly stipend and remain enrolled at their respective institution.

The PIPS placement site is responsible for ensuring the student has a work plan and set of objectives in place to ensure the timely and successful completion of the assigned tasks. The student must have at least one supervisor who will provide orientation and be the main contact during the student’s placement.