la trobe phd program

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Global partnership: Joint PhD programme with La Trobe University, Australia

• Research degrees /
• Doctoral funding and scholarships /

Scholarship opportunities

Sheffield Hallam University is offering the below scholarship to study on the joint PhD programme with La Trobe University, Australia, to start October 2024. The projects will be based in our Industry and Innovation Research Institute . AI-based anti-cybercriminal Privacy Detection and Prevention through disciplining in Multi-modal Assistive Robotic Systems (MARS) in Healthcare . Supervisors: Dr Jims Marchang , Department of Computing; Prof Alessandro Di Nuovo, Department of Computing (Sheffield Hallam); Dr Abdun Mahmood, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology; Dr Jabed Chowdhury, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (La Trobe). More information on the project can be found on our Doctoral Programmes and Projects page or by contacting the lead supervisor. 

You should submit your application by the closing date of 19 May 2024.

About the joint PhD programme

Students on the joint PhD programme will be enrolled on a PhD at both institutions. Your supervisory team will comprise academics from each institution who will provide support and guidance throughout your research. You will benefit from the research community, networking and collaborations of the Sheffield Hallam/La Trobe global partnership. As a student of both institutions, you will have access to services and support provided at Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe, including a range of professional and personal development for researchers.  For this scholarship, Sheffield Hallam will be your “home institution” where you will begin your studies and spend the majority of your time. The expectation is that you will typically spend up to 12 months at La Trobe as the “host institution”; the timing and duration of this will depend on your programme of research but in general will be in the second year of your degree. If, due to exceptional circumstances, you are not able to travel to the host institution, this requirement may be waived. Travel to and study at the host institution will be subject to the usual immigration requirements. The joint PhD includes a tailored programme of progress monitoring to fulfil the requirements of both institutions. All candidates will write and submit a thesis for defence by oral examination. On successful completion of the programme requirements, you will be awarded a PhD jointly by both institutions. 

Scholarship details

The scholarship is available for 3.5 years of full-time study and will provide:

• Tuition fees at ‘Home’ student rates* 
• A PhD bursary at the standard Sheffield Hallam PhD bursary rate (this is aligned with the net Real Living Wage and the current rate for academic year 2023/24 is £19,722 per annum)
• One economy return air fare between the UK and La Trobe University
• Single person Visa-length Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the agreed period of residency at La Trobe

*These scholarships generally pay tuition fees at Home levels only. However, additional funding may be available to cover the full International tuition fee for exceptional International applicants – for more information see the ‘Eligibility’ section below. In addition to the above, La Trobe University will award a tuition fee scholarship to the successful SHU scholarship holders on the joint programme.   An optional further 6 months of “writing-up” study may be available to students who have not submitted their thesis within their funded scholarship period; however, this is not funded by the scholarship and students will have to pay the “writing-up” tuition fee themselves (currently £250 for 6 months).  This scholarship is not available for part-time study. Students will be personally responsible for the below which are not covered by the scholarships:

• Incidental fees and charges at the Host Institution;
• Insurance, including medical and travel insurance, for the entire period of their stay at the Host Institution;
• Accommodation and living expenses at the Host Institution;
• All costs associated with applying for and obtaining appropriate visas and travel documentation to the country of the Host Institution;
• All personal expenses and non-compulsory additional fees at the Host Institution;
• All debts incurred by the Candidates during the course of their stay at the Host Institution;
• Any other debts incurred by the Candidates during the Joint PhD Program.
• Please note the OSHC is covered for a single person only; any student intending to travel to Australia with family members will need to pay additional OSHC costs to upgrade to family cover.

For more information on our scholarships general conditions of award, see our Conditions of Award for University PhD scholarships . 

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to Home and International applicants. However, the scholarship will usually cover tuition fees at Home levels only, and students who are liable for the International fee rate will be expected to provide the difference between the Home and International fees from another funding source. This fees difference (currently £11,673 per year) will need to be covered by the International student for the duration of the scholarship. For exceptional International applicants, additional funding may be available to cover the full International tuition fee for the duration of the scholarship. This additional funding is limited, and availability for this scholarship cannot be guaranteed. International applicants who are successful in their application for a project and associated scholarship will be considered for this additional funding as part of the recruitment process. This additional funding is competitive and may be awarded to exceptional International applicants on the basis of their academic record, skills and experience, and performance at interview, as judged by the Research Institute Head of Research Degrees. Academic and English Language entry requirements for PhD Computing and Informatics can be found on our online prospectus . As a minimum, all applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant Masters qualification (or expectation of the same). To be accepted onto the joint award, candidates must be accepted for admission by both institutions. Where eligibility requirements differ between institutions, admission to the joint award may be conditional on the candidate fulfilling certain academic requirements during their first year of study. Students who are already enrolled on a PhD at Sheffield Hallam or La Trobe are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

How to apply 

Search our Doctoral Programmes and Projects page for further information on the projects available. Enquiries regarding the projects should be directed to the lead supervisor.  General application enquiries can be directed to [email protected]   You should submit your application by the closing date of Sunday 19 May 2024 .  Complete the application form .

Your application should include:

• An outline research proposal attached as a separate document. This should include an outline of how you would approach the research project identified, and your understanding of the current knowledge and context, referencing key background literature 
• Copies of qualifications, certificates and/or results transcripts
• Proof of English language ability, where English is not your first language 
• Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for International applicants

When filling out the Personal Statement section of the application form, you should clearly indicate the project you are applying for and outline: 

a) why you are interested in doing PhD research on this topic  b) how your skills and experience to date (including your undergraduate and/or masters dissertation, if relevant) prepare you to embark on the project  c) any challenges that you foresee in conducting the research and how you might approach or solve them

Please note we are unable to accept applications received after the deadline.  

What happens next

Your application will be reviewed and shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview. The strongest candidate will then be nominated for one of the Sheffield Hallam scholarships. Nominations will be reviewed by a joint Sheffield Hallam/La Trobe panel. Interview dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.  As the selection process is conducted by both universities, your application will be shared with La Trobe University as part of the selection process. The successful candidate will then need to formally apply to La Trobe University for a place on the joint PhD programme. Any offer of a place on the joint PhD programme at Sheffield Hallam is conditional on acceptance for study at La Trobe.

About the Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe Global Partnership

After working together for almost 10 years, in early 2019 La Trobe and Sheffield Hallam decided to strengthen their relationship and create a new strategic partnership. As partners, we recognised opportunities to provide students with an international learning experience, to work collaboratively on research and innovation projects with global impact, and to share good practice and innovative approaches to higher education.  La Trobe and Hallam both share a vision of the transformative potential of universities, believe in the importance of providing students with opportunities to succeed at whatever they choose to do irrespective of their backgrounds and personal circumstances and consider education and research as having the potential to address the most significant social, cultural and economic challenges. Both universities have an international profile - connecting globally to provide an international perspective to learning, teaching and research. More information about research at the two universities can be found on the Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe websites.

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Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships Policy

Section 1 - background and purpose, section 2 - scope, section 3 - policy statement, section 4 - procedures, part a - types of scholarship, fee scholarships, stipend scholarships, part b - scholarship terms and conditions, period of support, arrangements for continuing candidates, part c - eligibility for scholarships, eligibility to take up a fees scholarship, eligibility to take up a stipend or allowance, consideration on equity grounds, currently enrolled candidates, part d - application, selection and offer of scholarships, application, ranking of scholarship applicants, part e - supervision and resources, part f - right of review, part g - acknowledgement of scholarships, section 5 - definitions.

(1) This Policy outlines the principles and procedures under which La Trobe University offers higher degree by research scholarships (‘scholarships’) to candidates enrolled in higher degrees by research (‘candidates’).

(2) This Policy applies to:

• La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship
• La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarship
• David Myers Research Scholarship
• The Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship
• La Trobe University Flexible Research Scholarships
• RTP Fees Offset Scholarship
• RTP Stipend
• RTP Allowance
• scholarships funded by industry, philanthropic or other external organisations, wholly or in part with the University, except where 3(a) applies.

(3) This Policy does not apply to:

• externally funded scholarships where payments only are administered by the University but the terms and conditions of the scholarship are defined by the sponsor
• scholarships and prizes wholly administered by organisations external to the University or
• other payments made to candidates funded by the University except where 2(a) and 2(c) apply.

(4) La Trobe University will offer scholarships consistent with the requirements of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 – Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017  to eligible candidates of exceptional research potential to undertake higher degrees by research.

(5) Candidates may be awarded more than one scholarship consistent with the provisions in Part C (Eligibility for Scholarships) of this Policy. Scholarships may include provision for tuition fees, fee offsets, living stipends and targeted allowances that may be awarded separately. Some scholarships provide additional living allowances and project support to outstanding applicants.

(6) Scholarships will be offered on the basis of merit and according to the University’s strategic and equity priorities.

(7) Ranking and selection of candidates will be based on clear, consistent and published criteria (see Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule B - Ranking and Selection Process ) and undertaken by university staff with appropriate knowledge, skills and training.

(8) The Board of Graduate Research is responsible for determining annually the value and duration of all scholarship awards.

(9) The Board of Graduate Research is responsible for the final allocation of scholarships across the University and any decisions concerning the extension or cessation of individual awards. The Board will be fair and equitable in the use of its discretionary powers in relation to scholarships.

(10) The Graduate Research School is responsible for the administration of all graduate research scholarships together with other parts of the University that are responsible for research contracts and payroll.

(11) The University administers two main types of fee scholarships:

• RTP Fees Offset Scholarships are paid directly to the University by the Australian Government on behalf of the holder to partially offset costs to the University for tuition and support of the studies undertaken by the Research Training Program scholarship holder. At La Trobe University RTP Fees Offset Scholarships are offered to domestic candidates only.
• La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarships pay the tuition fees for international candidates, and may also be awarded in some circumstances to domestic candidates whose eligibility for an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship has expired.

(12) Stipend scholarships are provided to both domestic and international candidates to support the general living costs of the holder.

(13) Stipends will be paid on a fortnightly basis by the University directly into a bank account in the name of the stipend holder.

(14) Stipend scholarships will be awarded to both candidates enrolled in Masters by research and doctoral degrees. In addition to the eligibility requirements and terms and conditions of each scholarship, the application, ranking, selection and offer of scholarships may vary according to the type of degree in which the candidate will be enrolled.

(15) Allowances may be paid to stipend holders to support costs associated with the production of publications, including research theses and other examinable artefacts, and relocation to undertake the degree as specified in Schedule A 6.4 & 7.3. The value and conditions associated with allowances will be outlined in a candidate’s letter of offer.

(16) All scholarship holders must adhere to the scholarship conditions as set out in Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule A - Terms and Conditions as may be amended from time to time.

(17) The Board of Graduate Research is responsible for setting terms and conditions for the following schemes (including but not limited to):

• scholarships funded wholly by the University
• scholarships funded by the Australian Government Research Training Program

(18) The broad terms and conditions – including stipend and fee offset rates - for all scholarship schemes administered by the Board of Graduate Research are outlined in Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule A - Terms and Conditions  linked to this Policy. These will be reviewed annually, provided to successful applicants and must be agreed to by the applicant in accepting the scholarship.

(19) Terms and conditions for scholarships under 2(c) may include additional provisions or variations to the provisions outlined in Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule A - Terms and Conditions relating to industry, professional practice or other activities determined by the external funding body. These will be provided to successful applicants and must be agreed to by the applicant in accepting the scholarship.

(20) Terms and conditions for scholarships under 3(a) which are administered by the University will be determined by the funding body, provided to successful applicants and must be agreed to by the applicant in accepting the scholarship.

(21) A candidate’s maximum period of support is based on the date the candidate commenced their graduate research degree. The commencement date for candidates who transfer from one graduate research degree to another will be the date of the first research degree in which they enrolled.

(22) The full-time periods of support for an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship or La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarship are:

• a maximum of four years for a research doctorate
• a maximum of two years for a Masters by research.

(23) The University will normally charge candidates up to the equivalent current value of the fees offset amount (for domestic candidates) or tuition fee (for international candidates) for any periods of candidature beyond the maximum period of support. The provision of tuition fee scholarships to candidates enrolled beyond the maximum periods of support outlined in clause 22 will be considered by the Board of Graduate Research upon request only under exceptional circumstances.

(24) The maximum full-time periods of support for a stipend scholarship are:

• three years and six months for a Doctoral degree
• 22 months for a Masters by research degree.

(25) These timeframes include the provision of a stipend extension in the event that a candidate’s progress is delayed and they are approved for a postponement of their expected work submission date as per the Graduate Research Progress Policy .

(26) RTP Fees Offset Scholarships can be held on a part-time basis. Stipend scholarships may be made available to candidates who are enrolled part-time only with the approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and Global Research), under specific conditions outlined in  Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule A - Terms and Conditions . For part-time load, periods of support are doubled.

(27) All stipend and fee scholarships will be terminated upon thesis submission.

(28) Any continuing candidate who received support under the Research Training Scheme prior to 2017, or who received an offer under this scheme but will not commence until 2017, will receive equivalent support under the schemes funded by the Research Training Program. This includes Australian Postgraduate Award and International Postgraduate Research Scholarship holders.

(29) Applicants must:

• be enrolled in a Masters by research or doctoral degree at this University
• not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Commonwealth designed to offset HDR fees.

(30) La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarships will normally only be awarded concurrently with a stipend scholarship.

(31) To be eligible to take up a stipend scholarship or allowance at La Trobe University a person additionally must not be receiving equivalent support providing a benefit greater than 75 per cent of the stipend rate, excluding income unrelated to the course of study or income received for the course of study but not for the purposes of supporting general living costs.

(32) In addition to the criteria above, applicants wishing to have their applications considered on equity grounds must make a 500 word submission outlining the socio-economic or other relevant factors that have hindered their studies.

(33) Currently enrolled domestic and international candidates may apply for a stipend or fees scholarship. Any candidature time already consumed will be deducted from the duration of any scholarship awarded.

(34) Candidates seeking to apply for a scholarship must follow the instructions on the Graduate Research School website .

(35) Applicants for all scholarships must formally apply for candidature and scholarships simultaneously unless already enrolled at the University when they are applying for a scholarship.

(36) The Graduate Research School may advertise opening and closing dates for scholarship applications on its website, which may differ according to residency and the degree which the scholarship will support. Applications received at other times will be considered on a case-by-case basis either as a bridging scholarship or where the application has been made for a specific scholarship program with a different advertised closing date. Any applications made at other times that are deemed unsuccessful will be considered during the next end-of-year round only at the request of the applicant.

(37) All scholarships are awarded to applicants with research experience based on merit of applications and consideration of targeted areas of research strength at the University, including commitments to new academic appointments and partnerships, and awarded competitive grants. Applications for any scholarship may also be considered on equity grounds where the applicant fulfills the eligibility criteria for equity consideration.

(38) Masters by research scholarship applications will be assessed and ranked independently of applications for a doctoral scholarship.

(39) All eligible applicants for a Masters by research scholarship are allocated a score equivalent to a La Trobe University honours grade on the basis of their performance in their qualifying degree/s and then placed in a ranked list of applicants for the available scholarship/s, and prioritised as per the criteria in Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule B - Ranking and Selection Process .

(40) All eligible applicants for a doctoral scholarship are allocated a score equivalent to a La Trobe University Masters by research grade on the basis of their prior qualifications and research experience and then placed in a ranked list of applicants for the available scholarship/s, and prioritised as per the criteria in Graduate Research and RTP Scholarships - Schedule B - Ranking and Selection Process .

(41) Schools will rank applications received for Masters by research and doctoral scholarships as separate cohorts.

(42) Schools will nominate a minimum of 30% of their allocated scholarships for both cohorts to the top-ranked applicants across all research areas within the school. The remaining ranked applicants will be nominated on merit to scholarships allocated to target areas of research within the school.

(43) Scholarships advertised for specific projects, including those allocated centrally as commitments to new academic appointments and partnerships, and awarded competitive grants, will be nominated on merit, which includes the relevance of applicant’s qualifications and experience to the specific research project or theme.

(44) After school ranking is complete the Board of Graduate Research will determine which school-ranked applicants both for Masters by research and doctoral scholarships will receive the relevant award.

(45) All offers of candidature will be accompanied by an offer of an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship (domestic candidates) independently of whether they are also to receive a stipend under any other scholarship scheme.

(46) All scholarship offers are conditional on a successful offer of candidature for the relevant award. Offers of candidature may be conditional on meeting certain provisions such as English language requirements , confirmation of honours or Masters by research result, and receipt of original documentation.

(47) The scholarship holder will commence studies within such period as La Trobe University will allow. Normally the scholarship will commence on the commencement date specified in the original scholarship offer letter; any deferral beyond this date, arising from exceptional circumstances, must be approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and Global Research).

(48) The University may stipulate and advertise a specified period within which the scholarship holder must commence studies. Deferral of the scholarship beyond this specified period will normally not be permitted.

(49) The University reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a scholarship if an applicant does not reply to the offer by the date specified or does not commence studies by the allowed date.

(50) Applicants who have been unsuccessful in their application for a scholarship will be notified in writing following the conclusion of the round. Applicants who have been unsuccessful in one round may apply in subsequent rounds.

(51) Applications will only be considered where appropriate supervision and resources are available to support the proposed research project.

(52) All candidates offered candidature and/or a scholarship at La Trobe University will be:

• allocated a minimum of two supervisors throughout their candidature and a progress committee to support their research according to the conditions outlined in the Graduate Research Supervision Policy and other relevant candidature and progress policies
• provided with appropriate facilities and resources to undertake their research projects in accordance with the Graduate Research Support Policy .

(53) Appeals will be considered only in relation to the application of this policy, procedure and associated schedules.

(54) Candidates wishing to appeal a decision in relation to a scholarship must do so in writing to the Board of Graduate Research within 20 working days of the date of the written notice of the decision.

(55) In any appeal members of the Board who were not involved in the original decision will consider the appeal.

(56) Scholarship applicants or holders not satisfied with the outcome of any review may seek a review from the University Ombudsman.

(57) Where a scholarship is awarded as a result of a successful appeal and the appeal finds that the original decision not to award was made in error as a consequence of the consideration of the application by the academic school then the school will be responsible for funding any awarded stipend until the commencement of the following academic year.

(58) Candidates holding an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship, RTP Stipend or RTP Allowance are required to acknowledge the Commonwealth’s contribution of an RTP Scholarship in any published materials related to the higher degree by research. This relates to any time, both during and after completion of the higher degree by research, and includes items such as books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works. The RTP scholarship holder must acknowledge receipt of this support using the exact phrase:

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