(L-R) Joanna Paraskelidis, Global Mobility Manager UoP; Darren Van Laar, Director of the Graduate School UoP; Neil Weston, Associate Dean (Global Engagement & Education Partnerships) UoP; Professor Clare Pollock, Vice-Chancellor ECU; Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor UoP; Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life) UoP; Professor Vikas Kumar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) UoP and Dr Charlotte Boyce, Joint PhD Course Coordinator UoP.
The University of Portsmouth (UoP) welcomed Professor Clare Pollock, Vice-Chancellor, Edith Cowan University (ECU) to campus this month to sign a Letter of Understanding and celebrate the launch of a joint PhD program and scholarship.
The renewed agreement between the United Kingdom and Western Australia-based universities aims to pave the way for postgraduate researchers from ECU and UoP to pursue a doctorate degree, while studying abroad.
"This new PhD program and scholarship initiative will advance the relationship between our two universities beyond our existing partnership activities, including student exchange and dual degree programs, and be a driving force for exciting future research opportunities," Professor Pollock said.
The joint PhD program will provide a total of 10 scholarships over a period of five years – offering one PhD scholarship from each university per annum.
"We know the transformational impact a scholarship can truly make on a student's life," added Professor Pollock.
"By offering PhD scholarships together with the University of Portsmouth, we can provide crucial support to future researchers who are dedicated to improving our world.
"This innovative program enables candidates to pursue doctoral studies while benefiting from the expertise, facilities, and support services across both universities. Students will gain valuable international research experience and graduate with a truly global perspective."
Professor Clare Pollock, Vice-Chancellor, ECU and Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor, UoP.
The joint university scholarship is open to prospective PhD candidates from all disciplines, with the first round focusing on research conducted in the fields of defence, cyber security and criminology. Candidates who have received alternative scholarship funding through external grants or similar will be eligible to apply.
Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Portsmouth, said: "This Joint PhD program extends the very successful undergraduate dual degree programs that have been running for four years and enables our researchers to collaborate with the very best PhD student talent in areas of national and international need and impact.
"Completion of this PhD joint award demonstrates that the students have collaborated with, and learnt from, experts in two different parts of the world. Graduates will have built industry connections in both countries opening unique future employment opportunities."
Study a unique dual degree
As well as gaining dual degrees from two leading universities, there is something for every type of creative thinker and changemaker, with undergraduate courses offered across a variety of fields, including science (cybercrime, security and intelligence), exercise and sports science, environmental science, biomedical science, global media and communication, global sport business management and psychological science.
For more information on available courses, how it works and unique benefits of the program, visit the dual degree webpages of Edith Cowan University and the University of Portsmouth.
