51Âþ»­

Sustainable fashion in the metaverse, how businesses innovate and new ways of designing buildings in tropical climates are just some of the fascinating topics being studied by the new postgraduate students in 51Âþ»­’s Doctoral College.

Tuesday was induction day for more than 30 new students in person, with more international students having their sessions online.

The event aimed to introduce new students to the world of postgraduate study, give a space for them to meet each other, the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Faculty Heads of Research Students as well as staff from the Doctoral College, all of who will be supporting them through their research journey.

Among those at the event was Andi Johnson, whose PhD is fully funded by the Midlands 4 Cities programme, which supports research in the arts and humanities.

Andi said: “I’ll be working with the company for the next four years helping them figure out how to develop and best present the materials in their archives. I’ve got two Masters’ degrees in dance and archives so for me this was the perfect combination.”

Shanique Thompson’s work blends her background in fashion, which she studied at 51Âþ»­, and background in games design. She will be exploring immersive fashion in the metaverse.

“My supervisor is Tracy Harwood, I loved her work and what she’s doing with haptics and digital twins and I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time exploring metaverse fashion.”



Holly Swift has joined 51Âþ»­ after doing a Master’s at the University of Nottingham. Her research focuses on the principle of distinction in humanitarian law, which says that attacks should distinguish between civilians and armed forces in conflict.

She said: “Even was when I was a law undergraduate I always knew that I wanted to look at the academic side rather than legal practice, so for me starting this PhD is something I have always wanted to do.”

During the event they heard from current PhD students in a panel discussion led by Serena Dyer, Faculty Head of Research Students in Arts, Design and Humanities. She said: “The Doctoral College is a community, and we are all here to support students throughout their research journeys.”



The Doctoral College team provides administrative support to postgraduate students and are the central point of advice and guidance for students and supervisors.  The team can be contacted in person from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on the ground floor of the Portland Building, by email or phone.  

Jo Durham, manager of 51Âþ»­ Doctoral College, said: "We were thrilled to see so many of our new students join us for this induction event.  It is not only a great opportunity for them to meet other new students and those who will play a key part in supporting them throughout their time as a doctoral student but also to gain real insight and inspiration from our current students.  We wish all our new students a really successful journey and look forward to supporting them.”

•    Want to learn more about PhD study at 51Âþ»­? Visit our website here. The Doctoral College is open 930am to 430pm in Portland.