Skip to content

Research Degrees in Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences PhD

Apply now Book an open day Get email updates
  • Level of study:
    PhD
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    Throughout year depending on project
  • Duration:
    4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Brackenhurst)

About this course

The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research.

Research within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences specialises in the fields of:

  • Environmental Management
  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Equestrian Sports
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Food and Agriculture.

In addition the School is developing research that will support its Rural Knowledge and Enterprise initiative, including horticulture, sustainable waste management and food technology.

The campus has its own laboratories, IT and library suites as well as an animal care unit, equestrian centre and modern glasshouses. Students based at Brackenhurst also have access to facilities at the University's Clifton campus and City site.

Undertaking a PhD

Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research in all its academic schools. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.

Supporting your studies

Carrying out research for a PhD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.

The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.

The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.

Researcher training

In addition to studying for a research degree, students undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.

We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.

  • Fully-funded PhD studentships

    Our studentships cover your PhD fees, project costs, and even a stipend for your living expenses.

  • Amazing facilities

    Brackenhurst Campus is a 500-acre outdoor classroom, hosting everything you need to undertake research. Facilities include a working farm, animal unit and equestrian centre, labs, high-spec drones, and a host of smart monitoring tech.

  • Supporting you

    The Doctoral School is here to provide professional development, a sense of community, and social and academic events.

Overview

Research in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences is grounded in the following academic disciplines:

  • Animal Nutrition
  • Animal Health and Welfare
  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Sedimentary Environments
  • Sustainable Environments.

Support and supervision

During your research you will be supported by a dedicated supervision team with specialist knowledge in your field of activity. You will also have full access to student support centres, financial advice, careers advice, disability support, counselling and an accommodation service.

Current research topics and supervisors

These include:

  • optimisation of bioethanol by-products for poultry feed and poultry nutrition.
  • behavioural ecology and investigations into declining farmland bird populations.
  • carnivore conservation and impacts of human modified habitats on species ecology.
  • reservoir sedimentation, surface water quality, hydrology of peat areas, fluvial geomorphology and moorland erosion.
  • ice-marginal processes, moraine sedimentology, geomorphology and structural characteristics.
  • individual behavioural variation in a variety of species and the application of behavioural variation to conservation.
  • equine perception and cognition and equine welfare.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Who will teach you?

  • Jill Labadz

    Jillian Labadz

    Hourly Paid Lecturer (Environmental Science)

    Dr Jillian Labadz is the Postgraduate Research Tutor for the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, supporting all PhD students and supervising her own.

    Visit Jillian Labadz's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

An applicant for admission to read for a PhD should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second class honours degree with a Master's degree at Merit level of a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores of 6.0).

Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university are normally exempt from the English language requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement will normally be asked to complete an English Language course.

International students

An applicant for admission to read for a PhD should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second class honours degree with a Master's degree at Merit level of a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores of 6.0).

Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university are normally exempt from the English language requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement will normally be asked to complete an English Language course.

Fees and funding

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Student looking at clothes in a shop
Cost of living in Nottingham
Two students purchasing drinks
Our student benefits and free services
Two students having a discussion
Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Doctorate students from the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences have typically found furthered their careers at other Academic Institutions or government agencies such as Natural England.

Your career development

Nottingham Trent University prides itself on the real-world relevance of its courses, and places particular emphasis on helping students to develop the academic and practical know-how that encourages initiative, innovation and academic excellence.

All our research degrees incorporate a programme of supporting studies designed to develop knowledge and skills of all aspects of the research process, including the funding and dissemination of research. This will ensure that you have the necessary expertise to successfully complete your doctoral programme and lay sound foundations for your future career.

Participation in academic conferences, seminars and external networks will cultivate contacts, skills and knowledge essential for successful research practice. These abilities are also transferable to a wide range of other careers. Researchers are also invited to take part in our own Research Conferences giving you the opportunity to present your work and discuss with other researchers at NTU.

There are some opportunities for research students to prepare for an academic career by teaching undergraduate students or supervising laboratory work, and students may take part in the Introduction to Learning and Teaching in Higher Education training programme.

Although formal placements are not a requirement of PhDs, the University has strong links with professionals in business and industry.

There are opportunities to participate in overseas exchanges in some subject areas. The University has links with many other institutions such as:

  • Sapienza Università di Roma
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • l'Université d'Angers
  • Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona).

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more about Re:search Re:imagined

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Entry requirements

An applicant for admission to read for a PhD should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second class honours degree with a Master's degree at Merit level of a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores of 6.0).

Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university are normally exempt from the English language requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement will normally be asked to complete an English Language course.

Application process

To apply for this course you'll need to complete an application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Doctoral School. Further information can be found on the Doctoral School pages.

Apply now

International students

For a step-by-step guide and to make an application, please visit our how to apply page.

To apply for this course you'll need to complete an application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Doctoral School. Further information can be found on the Doctoral School pages.

As you’re applying for a Research degree, you may like to have a look around our Research pages. This may help you to spot academic staff, research areas or projects that interest you.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply now

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on +44 (0)115 848 2999.

Related courses

Keeping in touch

Ask us a question
Sign up for updates
Call +44 (0)115 848 2999
Email the international team

Explore life at NTU