Postgraduate research and entrepreneurship

Some of our postgraduate researchers find that running their own business is the best career choice for them.

After all, years of independently working on research, being an expert in a particular field and experience in bidding for research funding can make you stand out in your industry of choice.

Our Enterprise and Innovation Service support our postgraduate researchers whether they are considering starting their own business or already have a business proposal planned out. Regular workshops are run throughout the year for guidance on developing your idea to the opportunity to win up to £2,000 in start-up funds.

In the summer we run a week-long Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School, an intensive week of training taking our researchers through a wide range of specialist areas. Participants work together in small teams to solve a real life strategy challenge being faced by an influential local organisation. Alongside the comprehensive programme of interactive professional skills training sessions, participants take part in research, guest speaker sessions, and develop proposals to address the organisation’s requirements. 

Read Dr Amrit Chandan's story about his business, which stemmed from his PhD research.