Postgraduate Training Partnerships
BTTG and the University of Leeds

Postgraduate Training Partnerships were initiated by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in 1992 out of the need for more "industrially-aware" PhD graduates. The University of Leeds/BTTG partnership grew out of the mutual interest between the partners in the textile and related industries and the spin off work from that base.

The PTP scheme creates the necessary structure for highly motivated students to carry out research for a higher degree by undertaking an industrially relevant project based at our research laboratories in Manchester. Students register for a Ph.D. at Leeds University and therefore have both an Academic and BTTG supervisor. Each researcher has a maintenance grant and all fees paid by EPSRC.

The aim of the scheme is to produce high quality PhD’s who are industrially aware and therefore well placed to enter the industrial marketplace. DTI provides part funding of the postgraduate projects and matching support is obtained from an Industrial Partner.

The most compelling benefits of this scheme to the Industrial Sponsor are:

• participation in cost-effective research and development
• access to the full results of a major, confidential project for a fraction of the total cost
• the ability to influence the direction of the work programme
• attendance at regular 3 monthly meetings to discuss the progress of the work
• access to skilled, dedicated, professional staff who have experience and knowledge outside the participating companies’ own field
• a major share of any intellectual property rights arising from the research work
• an opportunity to recruit high calibre students at the end of their Ph.D.

The PTP scheme offers outstanding opportunities for Associates including:

• industrially-relevant research projects carried out in well-equipped commercial laboratories
• core training programme including courses designed to provide Associates with the professional, managerial and communication skills needed for industrial careers
• increased maintenance grant and all fees paid
• enhanced career prospects

Contacts

Dr Paul F Hamlyn PTP Industrial Director Quality & Innovation Centre BTTG, Didsbury Manchester M20 2RB

Professor Stephen Burkinshaw PTP Academic Director School of Textiles and Design University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT

Key Links

• BTTG   Homepage of the British Textile Technology Group.
• DTI   Postgraduate Training Partnerships (PTPs) are a joint initiative of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and the EPSRC.
• EPSRC   Homepage of the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).
• University of Leeds   Homepage of the University of Leeds our partner in the PTP scheme.

Important Notice

There are no more studentships available under the PTP scheme. In October 1999 we started the final intake of PTP Associates. A Faraday Partnership has now been established on Technical Textiles within which the 'PTP ethic' will be continued. The Faraday Partnership involves the University of Leeds, University of Manchester and Heriot-Watt University. For further details about this new scheme visit the TechniTex website.