Research degrees in Science and Technology PhD
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.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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.
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.
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.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
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 .
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
