Research Courses with Industry Scheme Expressions of Interest
What is the Research Courses with Industry Scheme?
This scheme enables businesses to engage directly with postgraduate researchers through projects such as PhDs, Research Based Masters Degrees, and Industrial Placements, helping to address real-world challenges within your organisation. By registering for the scheme, your organisation will gain access to new knowledge, specialist academic expertise, and opportunities to support innovation and long-term growth.
In addition to hosting a postgraduate researcher, organisations can also put forward their own staff to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) through relevant research degrees or structured industry focused learning programmes. This offers employees the opportunity to develop advanced research and analytical skills that directly benefit your organisation’s capability and innovation strategy.
The scheme is open to organisations operating in the West Yorkshire region. We welcome applications from organisations of all sizes, including SMEs, startups, community interest companies and larger enterprises, that are developing or supporting health innovation. If you're unsure whether your organisation is eligible, please get in touch at izrci@hud.ac.uk.
Applying for the scheme
The application process has two stages; an initial Expression of Interest is submitted and following approval of this - and a due diligence check - a full proposal brief will be developed alongside an academic team and submitted for final approval.
You will be able to access support at every stage of the process, from submitting your EOI to developing the full proposal.
About the Expression of Interest (EOI) form
The Expression of Interest form consists of six sections, outlined below. A detailed downloadable guidance document is also available: Download the EOI Guidance Document.
This section collects the main contact information for your Expression of Interest so we can reach you if we need clarification or to discuss next steps.
These questions help us understand your organisation and any previous experience with research or innovation.
Select the research or placement routes you are interested in. You can choose more than one option if you are unsure.
Available routes include:
- PhD programme(s) – long term, in depth research
- Research Based Master’s Degree (1 year, full time) – focused, intensive project
- Research Based Master’s Degree (2 years, part time) – extended timeframe, reduced intensity
- Industrial Placement for PhD students (3, 6, or 12 months) – applied, hands on research embedded within your organisation
In this section, we ask about the challenge or opportunity your organisation wants to explore. This allows us to understand the potential scope, relevance, and impact of the proposed research.
You will be asked to describe:
- The problem or opportunity
Provide context, current challenges, or areas of uncertainty that research could help address. - Why the research is valuable
Explain why this matters for your organisation or industry, and how research could support improvement or innovation. - What outcomes or improvements you hope the research will deliver
Describe the positive changes you are aiming for — practical, strategic, or operational.
This section helps us understand whether you have already received any academic advice or had initial discussions about your project idea. Knowing this enables us to identify the most relevant expertise, avoid duplication of support, and ensure your project is matched with the most appropriate academic team.
You can also indicate if you have a preferred university to work with, although this cannot be guaranteed, and whether you have a staff member or current student who may be suitable to undertake the project.
This section includes standard eligibility, organisation type, organisation size and funding‑related questions.
These questions are routine and help us ensure the scheme is administered fairly and appropriately, and that all activity complies with the relevant funding requirements.
Before You Submit
Please ensure you:
- have reviewed the Downloadable EOI Guidance Document
- understand the level of detail required for each section
- have the necessary information ready before starting
Expressions of Interest for the scheme are submitted through our Microsoft Form, which captures essential information about your organisation and the project area you wish to explore.
Please note: You will not be able to return to the form to make edits once you begin.
The form typically takes 20–25 minutes to complete.
If you have questions or would like informal advice before completing the MS Form, please contact: izrci@hud.ac.uk
Need Help Before Applying?
If you have questions or would like informal advice before completing the MS Form, please contact izrci@hud.ac.uk
Ready to Apply?
Apply for the Research Courses with Industry scheme.