Selection Process
Please read the below information on our programme selection process.
Our partners support diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. We are committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of our operation. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. We particularly encourage black, Asian and other minority ethnic people and mature candidates (this is classed as 30+ years) to apply. We welcome applications from individuals who are wanting to return to scientific research after career breaks or careers outside academia.
The NRPDTP operates a two-stage selection process:
- Academic Review and Shortlisting
- NRPDTP Programme Formal Interview
ACADEMIC REVIEW AND SHORTLISTING
Applicants will submit an application(s) selecting the project(s) of their choice (please refer to the separate Application Guidance for information on how to apply).
The application will be reviewed by at least two academic reviewers with relevant expertise related to the project (usually the Primary and Secondary Supervisors connected to the project). This may involve an informal interview of potential candidates by the reviewers.
The reviewers will select their preferred candidate(s)* from the pool of applicants to their project to go forward for formal interview for the programme.
*Supervisors of DTP projects can normally select and nominate one preferred candidate to go forward for interview for the programme.
*Supervisors of CASE projects can select and nominate up to two preferred candidates to go forward for interview for the programme.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited via email for interview by a formal NRPDTP Interview Panel. Candidates who have not heard by the date stated on the Key Dates page should assume their application has been unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications received, it is not possible to provide feedback on applications not shortlisted for interview.
All candidates shortlisted for formal interview will be assessed for academic eligibility by the PGR Service Admissions team (please refer to the page on Eligibility for further information).
NRPDTP PROGRAMME FORMAL INTERVIEWS
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed for the programme by a panel of research active staff representing the NRPDTP Partner organisations i.e., Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, The Sainsbury Laboratory, and the University of East Anglia. The purpose of this formal interview is to identify and recruit the best candidates for our programme out of the pool of shortlisted candidates.
Interviews are normally held via video conference and will normally take 20 to 30 minutes.
Interviews will assess:
- The candidate’s academic ability, achievement and potential;
- Previous relevant research experience (scientific thinking and method, understanding the demands of research, lateral thinking etc.);
- Evidence of initiative and innovation (independent thinking, motivation for research, problem solving, creativity);
- Evidence of commitment to the research project (engagement with/motivation for the project, understanding of the conceptual basis of the project, knowledge of the NRP);
- Recognition of development opportunities of the NRPDTP programme and wider development opportunities.
INTERVIEW OUTCOMES
The NRPDTP Management Board approves entry to the programme and studentship offers.
Successful candidates can expect to receive a formal offer letter by the date(s) stated on the Key Dates page.
Unsuccessful candidates can expect to be notified of their outcome via email by the date(s) stated on the Key Dates page. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback on their interview.