Postgraduate Research Degrees
Introduction
Our research excellence is recognised independently as being of international importance.
The most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008) (joint submission by the School of Biosciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science) confirmed our top position in the UK in our subject areas (we submitted under ‘Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science’) as assessed by independent analysis conducted by Research Fortnight. This provides a ‘Research Power’, an important measure because it gives an excellent indication of both critical mass in research and international impact. Of the 104 academic staff submitted (crucially, the 2nd highest), 95% of research activities (that include research environment and esteem) are recognised on the international stage and 60% are described as world-leading/internationally excellent.
PhD studentships available from September each year.
Students at The University of Nottingham
In addition to providing excellent library and laboratory facilities for study, the University also provides a wide range of services and facilities for postgraduate students. These include training courses organised by our Graduate School, postgraduate associations organising social events, excellent sports facilities including swimming pool, nursery and creche facilities and dedicated postgraduate houses within our Halls of Residence.
Research Interests in the School's five divisions
Podcasts are also available on the following topics:
About MPhil and PhD Degrees
The periods of full-time registered study for an MPhil is between 1 and 3 years and for a PhD it is between 2 and 4 years. All full-time students have six meetings per year with their supervisor during each year of their registration.
Doctorial level awards are made to students who have demonstrated:
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the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
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a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
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the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
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a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:
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a make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
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continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas, or approaches;
and will have:
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the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.
A student is not permitted to count the same period of registration for both the degree of MPhil and the degree of PhD. However, a student registered for an MPhil degree may, with the permission of their School, be allowed to transfer their registration to a PhD degree. There is a formal review process which is held between 9-12 months of registration, and another review process within the first 24 months of registration. Students must pass these reviews in order to have their registration on either the MPhil or Phd confirmed.
Students who have completed their period of registered study as required by regulations may enter the thesis-pending period. In this period of 12 months (full-time students) or 24 months (part-time students) or less, the student will be entitled to the use of library facilities and University computing facilities but not to facilities for primary research. The student will also be entitled to a minimum of six meetings (either face-to-face or electronically) with their supervisor and for the supervisor to read and comment on one draft of their thesis prior to submission.
Who can apply?
A candidate for a research degree must be a graduate of a university recognised by The University of Nottingham and hold a Bachelor's degree (or recognised equivalent) normally at first or second class Honours or equivalent.
Applicants who first language is not English will need to satisfy the University's requirements for English Language proficiency.
If you are interested in finding out more about any of our research opportunities in the School of Biosciences, and would like a brochure giving further information, please contact us .
Information on MRes degrees offered by the School