The ECOWILD CDT delivers a training programme designed to support and guide students on their journey from novice researcher to becoming an effective and influential environmental specialist. Students will gain the skills and expertise required to undertake high quality interdisciplinary research necessary to solve real world challenges associated with understanding and managing the impacts of multiple stressors on wetlands.

During their PhD, ECOWILD students work on an original research project and receive high quality training in environmental science, transferrable and specialist skills.

Training modules

Students become familiarised with the ECOWILD programme through the delivery of an induction programme following enrolment. They gain an understanding of fundamental concepts in year 1 and develop advanced knowledge and skills in year 2  via online modules. Training in transferable and specialist skills is also provided through access to existing graduate school programmes, as well as bespoke training programmes offered by our partners and training providers.

Residentials

Several residential events run throughout the programme so that students can meet face-to-face, facilitating sharing of ideas and creative thinking. They have the opportunity to discuss their projects with each other, in particular to explore project complementarities. A range of skills training, including field skills, accompany the  residentials, providing students with experience of the core techniques needed for research into the impacts of multiple stressors on wetland wildscapes. These training activities are complemented by evening team building and social activities.

A series of masterclasses will run in Year 4 to provide students with the skills that they embark on their future career journey.

Further, to promote interactions across the cohorts, as well as with the stakeholder community, we will run inter-cohort ECOWILD networking events alongside our partners..

Internships

All students are required to undertake a minimum of one work-place experience with our partners from industry, policy and regulation and non-governmental organisations.. Secondments/internships could involve, for example: working with a policy partner to develop evidence statements to support policy; working on the design of a constructed wetland; and working on an environmental management consultancy project. These internships are designed to provide real-world experiences for the student, helping them to shape their future career aspirations and enhancing their employability.