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Research degrees in Science and Technology PhD

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  • Level of study:
    PhD
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    October and January
  • Duration:
    4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Clifton Campus)
Cancer cells

About this course

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.

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.

Research in the School of Science and Technology is rich and diverse, with staff conducting internationally recognised and world-leading research. Research is clustered in Research Centres and units, providing a focus for different themes with their underpinning platforms.

We offer opportunities for postgraduate research leading to PhD qualifications, by both full and part-time research routes, across the broad subject disciplines within our portfolio. Major areas of research in School of Science and Technology are:

Biomedical and Biological Sciences

  • Bioinformatics and Biomathematics
  • Biotechnology
  • Cancer biology, immunology and vaccines
  • Cell biology
  • Disease mechanisms and age-related diseases
  • Environmental quality
  • Epigenetics
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Pathogen Research
  • Personalised Medicine
  • Proteomics and Genomics

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences

  • Chemical Education
  • Analytical and Forensic Science
  • Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Bioinorganic and Materials Chemistry
  • Crystallography of Organic Compounds and Molecular Interaction
  • Drug Delivery and Imaging
  • Supramolecular Chemistry
  • Green Chemistry
  • CatalysisNano-materials and Nano-chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry, Composites and Organic Materials
  • Chemometrics and Metabonomics

Computer Science

  • Ambient Intelligence
  • Assistive Technologies
  • Computational Intelligence
  • Communication Systems
  • Intelligent Recognition
  • Intelligent Simulation and Modelling
  • Interactive Systems
  • Pervasive Computing
  • Robotics and Cognitive Systems
  • Serious Games

Physics and Mathematics

  • Archeometry and Imaging for Art Conservation
  • Biomedical Mathematics
  • Computational Materials Physics and Modelling
  • Functional and Smart materials (bio, nano, photonic)
  • Graph Theory and Combinatorics
  • Medical and Materials Imaging
  • Optoelectronics, Displays and Flexible Electronics
  • Quantum Information Science
  • Scientific Computing and Computational Statistics
  • Sensors, Acoustics and Vibrometry
  • Surface and Interfacial Science

Sport Science

  • Biomechanics and Neuromechanics
  • Exercise for Health across the Lifespan
  • Impact of Exercise and Diet on Bone and Muscle
  • Nutrition
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Sports performance of Individuals and Teams
  • Sport and its Role in Society

These research units promote the research excellence and facilities within the School, and stimulate knowledge transfer, innovation and exploitation. They provide strategic direction in research planning and portfolio development, and ensure that mechanisms are in place to nurture research.

Supporting your studies

Carrying out research for a PhD or ProfD 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 supports researchers throughout their careers.

Student experience

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Who will teach you?

Entry requirements

UK students

PhD

  • You should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. We also accept a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

Professional Doctorates

  • You will be well-qualified in your chosen field and will normally have a related Masters degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field.

International students

PhD

  • You should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. We also accept a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

Professional Doctorates

  • You will be well-qualified in your chosen field and will normally have a related Masters degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field.

English language requirements

  • If English isn't your first language, you will also need an overall IELTS  score of 6.5 (minimum sub-scores of 6.0. Find out more about the English language requirements .

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

Please visit the Doctoral School website

Doctoral loans

Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales provide a non-means-tested Doctoral loan to help with course fees and living costs for a postgraduate research course. Use the links to check if you are eligible.

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and International students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Find out more

Find out how much a research degree will cost and explore different types of research funding.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

Please visit the Doctoral School website

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and international students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Living costs

Visit managing your money to get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced explore different types of research 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:

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.

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.

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.

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Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

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.

  • 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

Our self-contained, community-focused  Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of  Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city 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

Visit the Doctoral School’s step by step guide to make an application.

Apply now

International students

Visit the Doctoral School’s step by step guide to make an application.

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.

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