Part-time work, volunteering and internships

For busy research students the lines between part-time employment, volunteering, and research activities are not always clear, and expectations of the PhD student experience, in particular, vary from institution to institution and country to country.

It is important that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a PhD student here at the University of Edinburgh, and, if applicable, as an employee or volunteer within or outside the University.

As a research student:

• the University expects you to conduct original research and submit your thesis on time. Your research work could reasonably involve fieldwork, conducting experiments, attending courses on research techniques, departmental committee work, attending or organising conferences and seminars, and writing presentations, posters and papers.
• the University does not expect you to undertake any other work unrelated to your research, such as teaching, administrative work or research support (however, see the exception below). Such activities can provide excellent experience and professional development and are therefore encouraged, but not required. It’s up to you to decide whether to pursue additional opportunities on an employment or volunteer basis.
• the only exception to this is some PhD studentships which have additional requirements, for example some limited outreach or teaching work as part of the funding conditions. In these cases, the hours and duties expected should be clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the award.
• you should be familiar with the University codes of practice for research students, supervisors and tutor and demonstrators, available here:
  • Codes of practice 

As an employee:

• you have the right to a written statement of your terms and conditions within two months of your start date.
• the terms and conditions should include information on hours, remuneration, holiday entitlement, pensions, sick leave, notice period and a full job description.
• you should be provided with an appropriate induction, training and development activities, and be suitably remunerated.
• if you are an agency worker, or self-employed, read about your rights at work here:
  • Your rights at work
• for employees of the University, the University’s Human Resources department maintains information on employment terms and conditions, pay and benefits, equality, immigration and pensions information, alongside training and development opportunities on their webpage.
  • Human Resources

If you have any questions about your employment, the Students’ Association Advice Place can provide advice.

Advice Place

On campus opportunities 

The University values the contribution research students make to the life of the University and employs PhD students, in particular, in a variety of teaching, research, administrative and support roles. The  benefits of these are: 

• working at the University gives you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes and integrates you further into the campus community
• working in a tutoring and demonstrating role gives you experience which will be particularly valuable if you want to pursue an academic career
• convenience of working on campus, close to your department
• flexibility, during busy times of the year, as University employers are aware of the other demands on PhD students.  

Tutoring and demonstrating 

Tutoring and demonstrating roles are the most common on-campus opportunities available to PhD students. Tutors work with undergraduate students in small groups or practical classes, helping them to deepen their understanding of materials introduced in lectures and to develop as independent learners. Tutor and demonstrator roles are advertised on individual School webpages around September for Semester 1 teaching, and December for Semester 2. Most Schools also highlight possible teaching opportunities during the induction process for new PhD students. Opportunities are for a fixed period, linked to a specific programme of study, and new tutors and demonstrators are well supported with relevant training for their role. 

The University will employ full-time postgraduate research students for no more than an average of 9 hours per week across the academic year (in line with its policy) and recommends that PGR students apply this limit to employment outside the University. PhD students should discuss any proposed employment within the University or with any other employer with their principal supervisor.

If you are in receipt of any funding for your PhD or Research Masters, be sure to check what restrictions and conditions there are, if any, on the amount of part-time work you are allowed to do. Most funders allow some part-time work, particularly in areas relevant to the students’ research, and encourage a common sense approach to other paid work.

Further information on the average 9 hours per week limit.

Volunteering is a way to build experience in areas where part-time work or internships are scarce. Some ideas are listed below. 

Students’ Association Volunteer Database: The Students’ Association advertises many different types of volunteering opportunities around Edinburgh. 

Students’ Association Volunteering 

Widening access: LEAPS is an organisation that aims to encourage and advise students who are traditionally under-represented in higher education. Volunteers work with pupils in schools across South East Scotland, sharing their university experience and encouraging pupils to consider higher education.  

LEAPS

Most internships are full-time so will require a short period of time away from your research - although there may be opportunities to do some on a part-time basis. 

If you receive funding from one of the UK Research Councils then you are eligible to apply for several different internships, some of which are mentioned below. If you are not funded in this way or are interested in an internship with a different type of organisation, then it may be possible to source your own internship and to request an interruption of studies from your PhD.  You should discuss this with your PhD supervisor as you will need their approval. 

Policy internships: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fund policy internships with a wide range of organisations.  In the past this has included organisations such as Department for Education, Committee on Climate Change, National Library of Scotland, Food Standards Agency, The Royal Society, Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Internships are open to any PhD student funded by one of the UK Research Councils.  

UKRI Policy Internships  

Medical Sciences: Wellcome and MRC funded students can apply to do a three-month policy internship at the The Academy of Medical Sciences, London. 

Policy internships at The Academy of Medical Sciences 

Scottish Graduate Schools: The Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities often advertise internships with partners in the public, voluntary or private sector.  Check their websites for any current opportunities. 

• Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities
• Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences
• Employ.ed for PhDs: The Careers Service promotes part-time on-campus opportunities with different departments across the university. 

       Employ.ed for PhDs  

U21 network: The University of Edinburgh is a member of the U21 network of international research-intensive universities. Students have access to summer schools, innovation competitions, and more through our membership. Check out their website to see what is available currently. 

U21 network 

Physics: The Scottish Universities Physics Alliance allows research students to apply for funding for events or visits that promote knowledge exchange. 

Scottish Universities Physics Alliance 

Research visits: Some disciplines have small grant schemes which allow you to apply for support to work with other research groups abroad or pursue a placement of your own choosing with an outside company. Ask around your department for possible opportunities in your discipline. It’s also worthwhile checking out travel grants on the University’s Scholarships and Funding pages, as these can assist with short visits or collaborations with another research centre. 

Scholarships and Funding