FARSCOPE Programme

The first year follows a similar structure to a taught programme with group, industry and individual research projects.

The first year of FARSCOPE training follows a similar programme to an MRes in Robotics with core units to teach the fundamentals of robotics research and optional modules for students to focus on the areas of study that interest them. A full list of the taught modules available can be found - here.

As the year progresses students will take part in a group project, usually adapted from the Amazon Picking Challenge, which builds teamwork, management and a systems approach to an integrative project. An industry project will allow students to work with industry partners to suggest RAS solutions to real world industry problems.

In addition to the 2 shorter projects each student will undertake an individual extended research project, identifying appropriate supervisors and co-creating the topic and scope. It is not necessary for PhD project to follow on from the 1st year project, though students often find it beneficial to continue in the same area of research.

1st year students are also expected to take part in a number of cross-cohort activities throughout the year including, a start of year symposium, a week long industry study group, winter and summer meetings (with socials), a joint CDT conference, seminars and public engagement activities.

During the 2nd year of the programme students will be supported in developing their PhD topics, starting with producing a project plan, including aims and objective, major milestones, risks, and needs for equipment and support. Once the plans have been approved the PhD projects can officially start with the support of 2 or 3 supervisors.

In the Autumn students will take part in the Enterprise Course . The course gives training on enterprise for roboticists and looks at topics such as fund raising, marketing and generating a value proposition. After the training student teams work to develop a business plan which is then pitched to a panel of experts.

Midway through the year students will have a PhD performance review to discuss the progress of their PhD with a reviewer independent of the supervisory team. This review allows students and the reviewer/supervisor team to flag any issues and celebrate any successes in the progress of the PhD. These reviews continue into the 3rd and 4th years of the PhD in order to continue to provide another line of academic support to students.

Students are also expected Sto take part in a number of cross-cohort activities throughout the year including, a start of year symposium, a week long industry study group, winter and summer meetings (with socials), a joint CDT conference, seminars and public engagement activities. From the 2nd year students will also have access to a personal PhD budget to help with training, equipment and travel costs.

The 3rd year of the FARSCOPE programme gives students a lot of time to work on their PhD research projects. During the year a second progress review will take place, generally with the same reviewer from the 2nd year to discuss the PhD progress and evolution and any additional activities taken part in.

In the 1st or 2nd year STEM ambassador training is given to all students so they can take part in occasional public engagement activities (more info -http://www.graphicscience.co.uk/stem/become-an-ambassador/). Over the summer of the 3rd year the cohort work together for a larger public engagement project. The project has a broad scope and has previously involved anything from putting on a larger public facing event to conducting a public survey on perceptions of robotics.

To follow up from the earlier Enterprise Course at the start of year 2 the 3rd and 4th years will feature additional refresher sessions to revisit the topic in light of student research experience.

As in the previous years, 3rd year students are also expected to take part in a number of cross-cohort activities throughout the year including, a start of year symposium, a week long industry study group, winter and summer meetings (with socials), a joint CDT conference, seminars and public engagement activities.

The focus of the 4th year is on finishing the PhD research and writing up the thesis and then looking forward to plans beyond the PhD. A final progress review will take place during the final year, generally with the same reviewer from before and focuses on support and discussion around finishing the PhD.

Throughout the year FARSCOPE put on monthly day long writers retreat which give students a structured chance to work on writing up their thesis or a research paper. These generally happen away from University sites to provide a different atmosphere.

The BDC at UoB and the Graduate School at UWE both provide advice, support and workshops for the next step beyond your PhD. With help understanding careers available in academia or industry, CV writing workshops and discussions on the current job market there is plenty on offer to get students to where they want go after completing their PhD.

As in the previous years, 4th year students are also expected to take part in a number of cross-cohort activities throughout the year including, a start of year symposium, a week long industry study group, winter and summer meetings (with socials), a joint CDT conference, seminars and public engagement activities.

Last but not least at the end of your PhD you will graduate in a ceremony held at either the Wills Memorial Building or the Cathedral!