Impact evaluation of a co-funded doctoral training programme

We were commissioned by EPSRC a UK-based research council, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to explore the value and impact of support for a co-funded doctoral training scheme over a 10-year period.

The review focused on the impact from support provided over 10 years to 2,500 doctoral studentships across over 80 universities, working with over 600 co-funding companies.

EPSRC wanted to understand the impact that the studentships were having on building skills and the talent pipeline for economic prosperity. They wanted to understand the benefits of a flexible ‘business driven’ approach to doctoral training, to businesses, and the value that it adds to their training portfolio. Examples of impact assessed included economic factors, the value of the project to different stakeholders (including students), and on society, health and the environment.

We carried out 120 structured interviews with doctoral students, business representatives and academics to fully understand the impact from the scheme for students, for academics and for the industry partners.

Our findings helped inform the future direction of support for doctoral training, demonstrating the value of this investment, benefits to funding partners and in training the next generation of professionals.

In September 2021, EPSRC’s announcement of ongoing funding for the scheme cited the report.