Course summary
With a range of expertise in applied research in sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, agronomy, soil science, animal welfare, equine science, and urban regeneration and development, the RAU provides a stimulating environment for individuals wanting to further their academic and professional careers thorough doctoral study. The RAU is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and so all our projects explore issues that will help farmers, horse owners, and rural businesses apply innovative techniques and models to improve output, economic viability, health, and welfare while caring for the environment. *Why study at the RAU? *
- Excellent job prospects for PhD candidates in both industry and academia
- Integrated structured training on research methodologies, statistics, presentation skills, and academic writing
- Range of on-farm facilities and unique established trial-plot areas to support your work
- Strong research collaborations with the University of Nottingham, Rothamsted Research, and University College Dublin allowing you access to some state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Our research degrees are validated by the University of Gloucestershire giving you access to a large and subject-diverse postgraduate network
- Agronomy and sustainable agriculture
- Wheat-bean intercropping and sustainable production systems
- Environmental challenges and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Developing sustainable pest control methods
- Soil science
- Understanding management influences on soil organic matter
- Nutrient cycling in soil and potential for carbon sequestration
- Behavioural probes of brain function in horses
- Evaluating energy balance in competition horses
- Forage hygiene and respiratory health in stabled horses
- Smart city modelling
- International competitiveness of Chinese construction firms
- UAE residential valuation systems audit investigation and future pathways
Modules
The full-time PhD is a three-year research project, submitted as a thesis and examined as a viva voce. Full-time – minimum 36 months / maximum 48 months Part-time minimum 48 months / maximum 72 months Please note due to visa restrictions, part-time study is not available to international students on a Tier 4 visa. Research students receive training in formulating research enquiries, critical reading, scientific writing, research methodology, statistics (e.g. Genstat, SPSS, NVivo), and presentation skills. As part of the on-going development programme all post graduate students contribute to internal seminars and present their work at conferences.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is a Master's degree or an equivalent academic qualification from a comparable international institution. Mature candidates with significant relevant work experience and lower academic qualifications may also be considered for entry, following personal interview. International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students. For students whose first language is not English, the University will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in all elements.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5500 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18050 | Year 1 |
| International | £18050 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Royal Agricultural University
Stroud Road
Cirencester
GL7 6JS